Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often.
What does Clearline AI actually do?
Clearline AI builds AI-powered voice and text automation systems for trades and service businesses. The system answers calls when you are unavailable, sends instant SMS to missed callers, manages appointment booking, and follows up leads automatically, without you needing to be involved in each interaction.
Is this a chatbot on my website?
The system is much broader than a website chatbot. It handles inbound phone calls via an AI voice agent, manages SMS conversations, sends appointment reminders, and runs follow-up sequences. A website chat widget can be part of the system, but it is not the primary component.
How long does implementation take?
Most implementations are live within two to four weeks from scoping sign-off. The timeline depends on the complexity of your workflow, the number of job types we need to handle, and how quickly we can complete testing with your team.
Do I need to change my phone number?
No. We configure the system to work with your existing number or alongside it. Callers continue to reach your business number, the AI layer sits behind it.
What happens if the AI cannot handle a call?
The system is configured with escalation paths. If a call involves a situation outside the AI scope, a complex complaint, an unusual request, or an emergency needing immediate human judgment. It escalates appropriately. We design these paths during scoping based on your actual call types.
Does it work for after-hours calls?
Yes. After-hours coverage is one of the core use cases. The AI answers calls outside business hours, qualifies the job, and either books it for the next available slot or flags it for urgent callback, depending on the job type and urgency signals in the conversation.
Can I see the conversations it has?
Yes. You have full visibility of every call transcript, SMS conversation, and booking event. Nothing happens in the dark. You can review any interaction at any time.
What does it cost?
Clearline is quoted per client rather than sold off a price list. What you pay depends on whether the phone is answered by AI or text channels only, your call and message volume, how many workflows are automated, and what has to integrate with what. Unlike most answering services and SMS tools, your call and message usage is included in the plan rather than billed on top of it. You get a written quote after a no-obligation scoping call, see how pricing works.
Is there a contract?
Contract terms are discussed during scoping. The specifics depend on the engagement structure. We do not publish contract terms here because they vary by implementation.
How do I get started?
The first step is a scoping call, no cost, no obligation. We will understand your business, your current lead flow, and whether what we build fits your situation. If it does, we scope the implementation and quote from there.