FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does Scion Signal work?

You keep your number and forward calls to your agent, usually when you do not answer or after hours. The agent answers, books or takes a detailed message, and you get a recording, transcript and summary.

Do I have to change my phone number?

No. Forwarding keeps your number and your carrier, and you can turn it off yourself at any time.

Is the agent trained on my industry?

Yes. Signal starts from a knowledge base for each of 50 industries, then our team tunes it to your business.

Who sets it up?

We do. It is a managed service: we learn your business, build and test the agent, and keep tuning it from real calls.

Can I hear it first?

Yes. Every industry page has a live demo you can talk to, with no signup.

Does it book appointments?

Yes, into Google Calendar, following the rules you set. Callers who are not ready to book go into a follow-up queue.

What about emergencies?

The agent uses your trade's emergency scenarios and your rules, and alerts the person you choose.

Does it replace my staff?

It replaces missed phone coverage, not people. It does not handle in-person work or sensitive calls outside your rules.

What is an AI receptionist?

Software that answers your business calls, talks with callers, books appointments or takes messages, and records and summarizes each call.

Do I need to change my phone number?

No. You forward your existing number, and you can turn forwarding off at any time.

Can callers reach a person?

Yes. You set which calls get routed to you or your on-call person.

Is it only for after-hours calls?

No. Many businesses use it for after-hours coverage and overflow, and some for every call.

Can I use it only at night and on weekends?

Yes. Forwarding can be set for after-hours only, on no-answer, or all day.

What happens on an emergency?

The agent recognizes urgency using your trade's emergency scenarios and your rules, and alerts the person you choose.

Is an AI answering service the same as an IVR menu?

No. An IVR makes callers press buttons. An AI answering service has a natural conversation instead.

Will it work for my industry?

Scion Signal has trained starting points for 50 industries. Find yours on the industries page.

How do I find how many calls I missed?

Your carrier or phone system's call log lists missed and unanswered calls. Count a typical week, including after-hours.

Will an AI receptionist book every call?

No service books every call. The goal is that every call is answered and captured, so the ones ready to book do.

Will forwarding change my phone number?

No. Callers still dial your usual number.

How long should the phone ring before forwarding?

Many carriers forward after roughly 15 to 25 seconds; some let you adjust it. Pick a delay that gives you time to answer without making callers wait.

Is an AI receptionist or a human answering service better?

It depends on whether calls are mostly messages or potential jobs. See our comparison pages for the trade-offs.

Can an AI receptionist tell what is an emergency?

It is trained on your trade's emergency scenarios and your rules, and routes urgent calls to the person you choose.

Will it give out prices?

That is your choice. Many businesses have it explain that every job is different and offer to book an estimate.

What if it does not know an answer?

It says so, takes the caller's details, and flags the question for you.

How long does setup take?

A short discovery conversation covers most of it. The agent improves as you review real calls.

Which calendars can it use?

Scion Signal books into Google Calendar.

What if the caller needs a time I do not offer?

The agent takes their preferred window and queues a follow-up for you.

Will it work for my specific trade?

Scion Signal has starting points for 50 industries; find yours on the industries page.