AI answering after-hours calls: worth it or a turnoff?

Missed calls after 5pm are missed jobs. Some shops are trying AI receptionists to answer, book, and take messages. If you've tried one, did it win you work or annoy people?

I'm only a fan of AI receptionist when the customer has the ability to choose if they want it. I've heard numerous calls where the customer is frustrated that they couldn't choose to leave a message. These are typically older demographics, but it's definitely lost calls or put a bad taste in a potential customers mouth.

I think after hours it's expected, but still, I'd give the customer a choice to leave a message or chat with AI. Even though they're both basically the same. 🤣