What can an AI Receptionist handle in Whippy?

Last updated: November 5, 2026

Use an AI Receptionist to handle defined call types, collect caller information, route calls, and trigger approved actions based on your configuration.

Before you start

  • Decide which call types the AI Receptionist should handle directly.

  • Decide which calls should be routed, escalated, or captured for follow-up.

  • Define agent instructions before enabling tools.

  • Only enable tools for actions the receptionist should be allowed to take.

Steps

  1. Review the capability areas your receptionist may support, such as caller intake, job seeker support, worker support, payroll questions, HR requests, client calls, urgent situations, and follow-up.

  2. Decide which call types the receptionist should handle directly.

  3. Identify which call types should be routed or escalated.

  4. Define behavior, tone, and questions in agent instructions.

  5. Select what information should be collected for each workflow.

  6. Enable tools for any actions the receptionist should take.

  7. Set rules for transfers, SMS, automations, and escalation.

  8. Validate the setup against real call scenarios before launch.

Tips

  • Keep early setups simple, then expand capabilities over time.

  • Clearly define what information should be collected for each call type.

  • Set clear rules for when to resolve, route, or escalate.

  • Test with realistic call scenarios before going live.

Troubleshooting

  • If the receptionist handles too many call types, narrow the scope in agent instructions.

  • If the receptionist cannot take an action, enable or configure the appropriate tool.

  • If calls are routed incorrectly, update agent instructions and routing rules.

  • If inconsistent information is collected, standardize intake questions in the instructions.

  • If SMS or follow-up actions do not trigger, review tool setup.