Alternatives
Here are the other ways to answer your customers. We show what each one costs, and when it is a better choice than us. We wrote this page, so check our sums.
Five other ways to answer your customers.
Each one is the right choice for some business. Here is which.
Your own receptionist
A person at your front desk, on your payroll.
- What it costs
- A full salary, plus cover for leave, lunch and evenings.
- Better than Municate when
- Callers are upset and need care, the work needs a person’s judgement, or each call is worth a lot of money.
- Municate is better when
- Most calls are the same few questions, two people call at once, or calls come after hours.
A human answering service
A shared team that answers in your business name and takes a message for you.
- What it costs
- One South African service starts at R790 a month for 200 calls, on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00. Their prices
- Better than Municate when
- You get few calls, a message is all you need, and you want a person to pick up.
- Municate is better when
- You want answers, quotes and bookings, not only a message, or people call at night and on weekends.
Voicemail, then calling back
The phone goes to voicemail, and you call people back when you can.
- What it costs
- Free, or close to it.
- Better than Municate when
- You get a few calls a week, and your customers do not mind waiting.
- Municate is better when
- Your callers want an answer now. Some will phone the next business rather than leave a message.
Another AI receptionist
Software from another company that answers calls for you.
- What it costs
- From R1,899 a month. See the list below.
- Better than Municate when
- Your phone is quiet, so a smaller bundle costs less, or one is built for your kind of business.
- Municate is better when
- Your phone is busy, or you want WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, email and website chat answered by the same agent.
Building your own
Your own AI agent, made from tools you put together yourself.
- What it costs
- The tools cost little. The time to build it and keep it working does not.
- Better than Municate when
- You have a developer, and you want control of every part.
- Municate is better when
- You want it working this week, and you would rather run your business than look after software.
Other AI receptionists you can buy here.
These sell to South African businesses. Some cost less than we do. Read their prices yourself.
Agent Help
Sets it all up for you, and books into Google or Microsoft calendars. Names English, Afrikaans and isiZulu on calls.
From R1,999 a month before VAT, with 150 minutes. Then R13 a minute. Their prices
AiSky
Bills by the second after its included minutes, and takes five calls at once.
R2,399 a month, or R1,999 billed yearly, VAT included. 250 minutes once only, then R0.97 a minute. Their prices
Remi
The most minutes for the money when your phone is quiet. Has a version for clinics.
R1,900 a month with 500 minutes, then R1.85 a minute. VAT not stated. Their prices
Heyhannah
Built for trades. Sends each lead to your WhatsApp within seconds of the call ending.
R1,999 a month before VAT, with 100 minutes. Then R6 a minute. Their prices
BizAI Voice Valet
Part of a business system that also runs a WhatsApp inbox. Answers in English and Afrikaans.
R999 a month before VAT, added to a plan from R999. 100 minutes included. Their prices
Aiployee
Unlimited minutes for one flat fee. It tells your person who is calling before it puts the call through.
R7,500 a month before VAT, plus R5,000 setup. One call at a time. Their prices
Busy Board
Answers WhatsApp calls as a main channel, not an extra. Still a pilot.
R1,899 a month with 300 minutes, then R10 a minute. VAT not stated. Their prices
We read every price on that company’s own website on 12 November 2026. Prices change, so check before you buy. Municate is not registered for VAT, so our price has no VAT added.
Three questions decide it.
Are most calls the same question?
If yes, let software answer first, with a person behind it. If most calls need care, put a person first.
When do people call you?
If people call at night and on weekends, a service that works 08:00 to 17:00 will miss them.
Do you need answers, or a message?
A message service writes down what people want. An AI agent can also answer, quote and book.
What people ask when they compare.
Be the business that always answers.
Give every customer a first answer worth remembering. We will set up your agents with you, and you go live when it feels right.
Personal by Design. Always within Reach.