Pricing is not one decision. A published flat fee, a starting price, a diagnostic charge, and an onsite estimate carry different meanings. An AI receptionist needs an approved rule for each one.
Classify the price before writing the answer
List every price callers ask about and label it fixed, starting, ranged, conditional, promotional, or quote-only. Record taxes, travel, after-hours, materials, minimums, and expiration dates where they matter.
If the business cannot state the rule clearly, Nova should not improvise a number from a partial example or an old web page.
Use exact language for approved fixed prices
A fixed published fee can be repeated only with the conditions the business approved. A starting price must remain a starting price. A range should not be presented as a final total.
Assign one owner to update the source whenever prices change. Test what Nova says after the update and keep the prior answer from surviving in another prompt or document.
Explain the pricing process when the price depends on inspection
For variable work, a useful answer may explain what information the business needs before quoting and who will confirm the amount. Capture the details that support that review without pretending to estimate.
Avoid promising discounts, financing, insurance coverage, reimbursement, or price matching unless the business has supplied a current, testable policy.
Build a safe stop rule
When the caller presses for a number outside approved knowledge, Nova should say what it cannot confirm, capture the question, and use the configured transfer, escalation, voicemail, or callback path.
AfterTone configures approved business answers with each customer and tests them before production. The system is not handed over for instant activation.