You've got questions. We've got answers.
From setup to pricing to what our AI actually says on the phone, it's all here.
Getting Started
1.1
Most users are up and running in under 10 minutes. You'll choose the name and number, connect your calendar, and train the receptionist to get started.
1.2
Yes, every Pencil'd account includes a dedicated virtual receptionist number. You can either use it as your main business number or forward your existing number to it.
1.3
No, you can keep your current number and forward calls to your Pencil'd number, or use your new number as your main line.
How it Works
2.1
When someone calls your Pencil'd number, your virtual receptionist answers in real time. It greets the caller, answers FAQs, books appointments, and follows any guidance you set.
2.2
You decide how it responds, for example: "I'm not sure, but I can take a message." The customer can also choose to forward the call to a real person.
2.3
If you're forwarding calls from your own number, you'll still see the caller ID and can answer directly before the receptionist picks up. If Pencil'd is your primary number, you can train it to ask if the caller wants to be connected and forward those calls.
2.4
Yes, Pencil'd can handle multiple calls simultaneously. You won't lose leads if you're already on the line.
Customization
3.1
Absolutely. You can name your receptionist, write its greeting, choose between masculine and feminine voices, and teach it to sound like your business.
3.2
You can train your Virtual receptionist with FAQs, details about your business, and any services you provide. The more details you provide, the smarter your receptionist will be.
3.3
Yes, under Settings → Scheduling + Services within the Pencil'd Portal, you can define which services are available, how long they take, and what information is required before booking.
3.4
You can define each service's availability and duration, and Pencil'd will only offer bookings that match your calendar.
3.5
Yes, you can update your FAQ answers and services at any time in the Pencil'd Portal under Settings → Virtual Receptionist.
Scheduling + Notifications
4.1
Yes. Pencil'd uses your connected calendar and defined services to book jobs in real time.
4.2
Currently, Pencil'd supports Google Calendar. Outlook and other platforms are coming soon.
4.3
You'll get a text summary with the caller's name, what they needed, and what was done (e.g., booked, message taken). We also record the call and automatically add any booked appointments to your calendar.
4.4
Yes, calls are recorded and stored securely for a limited time.
Availability + Control
5.1
Yes. Your receptionist can answer 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. It's perfect for capturing late-night or overflow leads.
5.2
Yes, but if you're forwarding your own number, this depends on your carrier's call forwarding options. You can update those settings anytime.
5.3
Yes, you can set it up to only answer calls when you don't pick up, or use it full-time.
Plans + Pricing
6.1
We offer two simple plans:
- Essential – $50/month (Includes up to 100 mins/month)
- Unlimited – $100/month (Unlimited calls and usage)
- Need more? Contact us for a custom enterprise solution
6.2
Every plan includes a dedicated Pencil'd number, real-time call answering, text summaries, calendar booking, call transcripts, and access to the Pencil'd Portal.
6.3
No. Our pricing is flat and transparent, what you see is what you pay.
Trust + Transparency
7.1
Yes, but you control how your receptionist introduces itself. You can make it sound human or clearly AI, it's up to you. For legal reasons, the call will include a short message stating that it may be recorded.
7.2
Yes, you can pause call answering or disable forwarding anytime via your phone carrier or the Pencil'd Portal.
7.3
You do. All data is stored securely and is accessible by you through your Pencil'd Portal.
Caller Experience
8.1
Pencil'd captures every call, even if the caller doesn't book. It can take a message or offer to follow up based on your preferences.
8.2
Pencil'd will still answer and attempt to collect details like name, reason for calling, and contact info.
8.3
Pencil'd doesn't block spam calls, but your virtual receptionist will answer and screen every call. That way, real customers are never ignored, and you don't have to waste time dealing with spam yourself.
Availability + Expansion
9.1
Not at this time. Pencil'd is built for owner-operated businesses and solopreneurs. If you're part of a larger team and would like to request multi-user access, please contact our sales team at sales@pencild.com.
9.2
Not yet, but smart call routing is on our roadmap. For now, all calls go through your main Pencil'd number and follow your scheduling rules.
9.3
Currently, Pencil'd only supports businesses in the US.
9.4
Pencil'd doesn't support multi-location management natively. However, you can forward multiple phone numbers to your receptionist if you want to handle calls from different locations. All calls will be handled the same way unless you create separate accounts.
If you're managing multiple locations and need a more customized setup, contact our sales team at sales@pencild.com.