Chime Labs
Sydney-built AI receptionist for trades that answers calls and books jobs into your job system.
Our verdict
A well-priced, AU-built AI receptionist with a real free tier, so you can test it before paying. Booking straight into ServiceM8, Simpro or Fergus needs the A$399 Pro plan, so check which tier you actually need.
Best for: Plumbers, electricians and HVAC businesses missing calls on the tools
What it does
Chime Labs is an AI front desk for trade and service businesses, founded in Sydney in 2025. Chime Reception answers calls 24/7 in your business name, captures the job and books it into the built-in diary, Google Calendar or (on Pro) job systems like ServiceM8, Simpro, Fergus, AroFlo, Jobber and Ascora. Chime Overflow covers after-hours and overflow calls for businesses with a phone team, and Chime Coach scores and trains the people who take calls. There's also Chime Quotes, an iOS quoting app.
AI features
- AI receptionist that answers and books calls 24/7
- Call summaries, transcripts and notifications
- Chime Quotes: voice-to-quote iOS app
- Chime Coach: AI call practice and scoring for phone teams
Other voice notes & admin tools
ChatGPT
General AI assistant for emails, quote wording, SWMS drafts, voice chat and photo questions.
Verdict: The best general-purpose AI to start with. Never send its SWMS or contract wording without checking it, because it can sound confident and still be wrong.
Price: Free plan. Plus A$30/month. Business A$28/seat/month billed annually (min 2 seats).
Claude
AI assistant that's strong at long documents: contracts, specs and tender packs.
Verdict: Great for reading the fine print in builder contracts and specs. It's not legal advice, so get a lawyer for anything serious.
Price: Free plan. Pro A$34/month incl GST (or A$340/year).
Otter.ai
AI transcription and meeting notes for site meetings and client walk-throughs.
Verdict: Handy for meeting-heavy builders. Solo tradies may get enough from ChatGPT's voice mode or a Plaud.
Price: Free Basic plan. Pro $16.99/user/month monthly or $8.33/month annually. Business $30/month or $19.99/month annually. Check currency on site.
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