AI receptionist for hair and beauty salons in NZ (2027)
Bookings while your hands are full, price questions and rebooking, for salons in New Zealand.
What callers ask a salon
Most calls are one of a handful of questions. An AI receptionist handles these well because the answers come from facts you’ve written down once:
| The caller says | What Ora does |
|---|---|
| “Have you got anything Saturday morning?” | Checks your calendar and books a free time |
| “How much for a cut and colour?” | Gives your approved price list, or a “from” price |
| “Can I see Mel next time?” | Books with that stylist if you keep a calendar per person |
| “Do you do lashes?” | Answers from your services |
| “Is this a bot?” | Yes, and it says so |
What to give it before the first call
- Your price list, with “from” prices where it depends on hair length or time.
- Services and how long each takes, so bookings fit.
- Deposit and cancellation rules, in your words.
- Who works when, if clients ask for a stylist by name.
Ora only states facts you’ve approved. When a caller asks something that isn’t covered, it says it isn’t sure and takes the details for you, instead of guessing.
Booking the job
Ora books into free times in Google Calendar. Give each service a length so a colour doesn’t get squeezed into a 30-minute gap.
Keeping the personal touch
Clients like a salon that knows them. Ora takes the booking and the details, and you keep the conversation in the chair. If someone would rather talk to you, it takes a message and you call back.
What it costs in 2027
| Ora plan | Price (plus GST) | Call minutes a month |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | NZ$149 a month | 100 |
| Growth | NZ$349 a month | 400 |
| Team | NZ$790 a month | 1,000, up to 3 businesses or branches |
There are no extra-minute charges: you get an email at 80% and 100% of your minutes, and answering carries on for 20% more. You connect your own phone number through Twilio. Prices are as at 3 November 2026; we’ll recheck them in January 2027. Full detail on the pricing page.
Will customers mind?
Some will want a person, and that’s fine: Ora says it’s an AI on every call and takes a message for you. Most callers care more that someone picked up and their job got booked. Read why an AI caller should say it’s an AI, and compare Ora with voicemail or other AI receptionists in NZ.
Short on time? Read Bjorn’s short version on LinkedIn.
Questions
Can an AI receptionist book salon appointments?
Yes. Ora books into free times in your Google Calendar, using how long each service takes.
Will it give prices?
Only prices you approve, including “from” prices for services that vary.
How much does it cost?
From NZ$149 a month plus GST for 100 call minutes, with no extra-minute charges. Setup and practice are free.
Try Ora on your own business.
Free to set up and practise calls in your browser, no card. Or ring Veronica, our own Ora, on 09 873 4723.