SkipCalls vs. Beside (M1): The Focused AI Receptionist for Your Business
Why Pay for Unnecessary Features? SkipCalls is the Pure AI Solution for Trades
Beside (also known as M1) is a comprehensive AI platform that focuses on being an "always-on partner" that records, remembers, and acts across all your conversations—phone, desktop, and in-person. While this sounds powerful, it's often overkill and overpriced for the small business owner who just needs a reliable AI receptionist to handle missed calls and book appointments.
SkipCalls is the focused, cost-effective solution built specifically for the trades and home services, delivering the core functionality you need without the bloat.
Price: Focused Value vs. Feature Bloat
| Feature | SkipCalls | Beside (M1) (Starter Plan) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $99/year (~$8.25/month) | $359.88/year ($29.99/month) | SkipCalls (Over 70% cheaper) |
| Core Function | AI Receptionist for missed calls and lead capture | All-in-one AI memory, recording, and assistant | SkipCalls (Specialized, lower cost) |
| Key Feature | Instant Appointment Booking | In-Person Recorder, Desktop Conversations | SkipCalls (Focus on phone-based lead conversion) |
The SkipCalls Advantage: Beside's Starter plan is nearly four times more expensive than SkipCalls' annual plan. The extra cost goes toward features like "In-Person Recorder" and "Desktop Conversations," which are often irrelevant to a plumber or electrician who primarily needs to capture leads from missed calls while on the job.
SkipCalls provides the essential AI Receptionist function—answering calls, screening leads, and booking appointments—at a price point that makes sense for a solopreneur or small team.
Features: Simple, Seamless, and Specialized
Beside is a complex tool that aims to be a "memory" for all your conversations. This complexity can lead to a steeper learning curve and features you simply don't use.
SkipCalls is designed for simplicity and speed:
- 60-Second Setup: Get up and running instantly with call forwarding.
- Trades-Focused AI: Trained on the specific language and needs of home services customers.
- Direct Lead Conversion: Turns missed calls into scheduled appointments or qualified leads instantly.
Beside's Complexity: Beside's focus on being an all-encompassing "memory" can distract from the primary goal of an AI receptionist: converting missed calls into revenue. Why pay for a desktop recorder when you're on a ladder or under a sink?
Conclusion: Choose Focus and Affordability
If your primary goal is to stop missing customer calls, capture leads 24/7, and book appointments automatically—all while keeping costs low—SkipCalls is the clear, superior choice.
Don't overpay for a complex AI platform with features you'll never use. Choose the focused, affordable, and specialized AI receptionist built for your business.
Ready for a simple, powerful, and affordable AI receptionist?
- Choose SkipCalls for focused, trades-specific lead conversion.
- Skip the high cost and feature bloat of Beside (M1).
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