AI telephonist for locksmiths: taking emergency calls 24/7

Someone is standing outside in the rain at half past eleven at night and calls five locksmiths. Whoever answers first gets the job. But you're just working on a cylinder, or you're asleep. An AI receptionist answers at such moments for you, and ensures you know where you're going before you get in the car.

Why speed is everything in this trade

A locked-out customer won't wait for a call-back request. They'll keep calling until someone picks up. Most of those calls come in outside office hours, and that's exactly when you can't always answer. Whoever answers within a minute whilst the competitor has voicemail usually wins the conversation.

What the AI receptionist asks for you

1. Emergency or scheduled? Is someone standing outside, or is it about replacing a lock next week? That difference determines your route and your rate, so the assistant asks that first.
2. The address, complete: street, house number, floor, and whether there's a porch or back entrance. So you don't drive to the wrong place.
3. The lock: via WhatsApp the customer can send a photo straight away. Then you can see which type it is and whether you have the right tools with you.
4. Your rates, upfront: call-out charges and night or weekend rates, exactly as you set them. That prevents discussion on the doorstep.
5. ID verification: the assistant states upfront that you require ID. That's part of the trade and saves hassle on site.

Emergencies go straight through to you. Non-urgent work, such as replacing or adding a lock, is scheduled, so your emergency capacity remains free.

Honest upfront: that sells

Consumers are regularly warned about locksmiths who suddenly charge far more on site than agreed. An assistant that quotes your actual rates upfront, and mentions nothing you haven't specified, makes the difference visible. Also have the assistant mention your company name and landline number: customers nowadays often look up who they're speaking to.

How to set it up

• Use the number on your van and in Google. That is forwarded; customers call and message the same number as always.
• Record: call-out charges, night and weekend rates, your service area and what you do and do not do (for example car keys or safes).
• Choose when the assistant answers: always, only at night and weekends, or only when you don't answer.
• Multiple forwarding numbers? The assistant tries them in order, for example first the engineer on duty and then yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Does the AI receptionist mention my rates? Only what you record yourself. What you don't record, it doesn't mention.

What if I can answer myself? Then you simply answer. The assistant only steps in if you do not answer or are already on a call.

Do I keep my number? Yes. Your existing number is forwarded.

More about what the assistant does and how you start: Slimbot AI receptionist →

Also read: From message to paid invoice · What is an AI receptionist? · AI calling