A virtual receptionist answers your inbound calls, chats and messages. An appointment setter books meetings, often by following up on leads. Many businesses need both, and one trained VA can do both jobs for $5.62 to $12 an hour.
A virtual receptionist and an appointment setter sound alike, but they do different jobs. "Appointment setter" searches grew about 29% last year, while reception support is still one of the biggest searches in this space. Here is how to tell which one your business needs.
At MyRemoteVA one VA can cover both roles on the same plan.
What a virtual receptionist does
This role is your front door. They answer calls in your company name, take messages, route urgent calls, reply to website chat and book simple appointments. The aim is fewer calls going to voicemail.
What an appointment setter does
An appointment setter works the other direction. They call or email leads who showed interest, ask a few qualifying questions and book a meeting on your calendar. Appointment setting turns interest into booked sales calls.
Virtual receptionist vs. an answering service
An answering service shares one operator across many businesses and charges by the minute. The operator reads a script but rarely knows your business. A dedicated VA learns your services, your team and your customers. For steady call volume, that usually costs less and sounds better.
Virtual receptionist cost
Virtual receptionist cost at MyRemoteVA depends on hours:
- Full-time (160 hours): $899 a month, or $5.62/hr.
- Part-time (80 hours): $500 a month.
- Pay-as-you-go: $12/hr, hours never expire.
Which one do you need?
If calls come in and go unanswered, start with reception cover. If leads come in and never get followed up, start with an appointment setter. If both are true, and they usually are, hire one VA for both and split their hours.
Stop sending callers to voicemail. See the reception service or start for $1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a virtual receptionist and an appointment setter?
A virtual receptionist handles inbound calls and messages. An appointment setter books meetings, often through outbound follow-up. One VA can cover both.
How much does a virtual receptionist cost?
At MyRemoteVA, $899 a month for a full-time receptionist (160 hours), $500 part-time, or $12/hr pay-as-you-go. Some answering services bill per minute instead.
Will my virtual receptionist use my scripts?
Yes. Your VA answers in your company name, follows your scripts and books straight into your calendar and CRM.
What is doing this yourself costing you?
Doing it yourself: $2,165 a month of your time.
The same hours at our $12/hr pay-as-you-go rate: $520. Dedicated plans start at $5.62/hr.
Simple maths from the numbers you enter. It assumes a VA can take on those hours.
Start for $1Written by the MyRemoteVA team. Search-trend figures come from Google Trends. Prices shown are our current plans. Last updated September 25, 2026. Questions or corrections? Contact us.
Reception & Appointment Setting
A virtual receptionist and appointment setter to answer calls, book meetings, qualify leads and follow up, in your business hours.
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