When AI Calls AI: What “Have AI Check Prices” Means for Local Businesses
Google search is no longer just returning links. It is actively making phone calls.
With the rollout of “Have AI check prices”, Google has crossed a meaningful threshold: its AI agents now contact local businesses directly to collect pricing, availability, and service details—then summarize those results for users without the user ever picking up the phone.
What’s more important is who is on the other end of the line.
Increasingly, it’s not a human.
It’s another AI.
This post breaks down a real call between Google’s AI and a business using an AI answering service—and explains what this means for discovery, leads, and competitiveness in local search.
What Is “Have AI Check Prices”?
“Have AI check prices” (sometimes shown as “Have AI get prices”) is a Google feature that allows users to delegate service-shopping to an AI agent.
Instead of calling multiple businesses themselves, a user can:
- Search for a local service (e.g., plumber, HVAC, salon)
- Click a button to have Google’s AI call businesses on their behalf
- Receive a summarized report of pricing, availability, and next steps—usually within about 30 minutes
This feature is currently live in the U.S. and focused on service-based industries such as:
- Home services (plumbing, HVAC, electrical)
- Hair and nail salons
- Gyms
- Auto repair shops
The calls are automated, recorded, and clearly identify themselves as coming from Google.
A Real Example: AI Talking to AI
In the call reviewed for this article:
- Caller: Google’s AI agent, calling on behalf of a customer
- Receiver: A business using an AI-powered virtual receptionist
- Request: Availability and pricing for an outdoor leaking or burst pipe repair
- Customer details provided: ZIP code only, no name or address
Despite the lack of personal details, the business’s AI assistant:
- Confirmed the ZIP code was in the service area
- Provided same-day and next-day availability
- Clearly stated the diagnostic fee ($69 for non-members, $39 for members)
- Explained that a full estimate would be given after inspection
The entire exchange was completed cleanly, efficiently, and without human involvement on either side.
This is not hypothetical. This is happening now.
Why This Call Matters
1. AI Is Now the Gatekeeper
Google’s AI is not just crawling websites. It is verifying businesses through live interactions.
If your business:
- Doesn’t answer the phone
- Routes automated calls incorrectly
- Refuses to engage without full customer details
- Provides vague or inconsistent answers
You risk being excluded before a human ever sees your brand.
2. “Unreachable” Is the New Invisible
When Google’s AI cannot successfully complete a call, businesses may be grouped under something like: Businesses we couldn’t reach”
This is not a soft failure. It is a lost opportunity that happens silently, upstream from traditional leads, calls, and clicks.
You won’t see it in analytics. You won’t hear the phone ring. You just won’t get selected.
3. Phone Performance Now Affects Search Visibility
Historically, Google evaluated businesses based on:
- Relevance
- Distance
- Prominence
Now, reachability and clarity are becoming implicit ranking factors in AI-mediated discovery.
If Google’s AI can’t quickly understand:
- What you do
- Where you operate
- When you’re available
- What your pricing framework looks like
It will favor businesses that can.
The Role of Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is no longer just a citation source. It is an AI reference layer.
Google cross-checks what its AI hears on the phone against:
- Services listed in GBP
- Pricing or service descriptions
- Linked landing pages
- Category alignment
Any mismatch introduces friction. Friction reduces confidence. Reduced confidence affects recommendations.
Why AI Answering Services Are Becoming Critical
This example highlights why AI receptionists are moving from “nice to have” to infrastructure:
- Google AI calls after hours
- Calls expect structured, fast responses
- There is no small talk or improvisation
- Consistency matters more than persuasion
An AI answering service can:
- Always answer
- Always stay on script
- Always provide clean availability and pricing frameworks
- Always pass Google’s “can we get this info?” test
In an AI-first search environment, reliability beats charm.
The Bigger Shift: From Clicks to Conversations
Search behavior is changing:
Old model Search → Click → Website → Call → Compare
New model Search → Ask AI → AI Calls Businesses → AI Recommends → Action
If your business is not optimized for the conversation layer, you are optimizing for a shrinking part of the funnel.
Final Takeaway
Google is no longer just sending traffic.
It is interviewing your business.
If your systems—people, phones, profiles, and data—cannot clearly answer Google’s AI, you are not just missing leads. You are being filtered out before the customer even knows you exist.
In the age of AI-driven discovery, being reachable is ranking.
The call:
SPEAKER_02: All communication may be recorded. SPEAKER_01: Hello? SPEAKER_02: Hello? Thank you for calling Dream Team. This is Erin. How can I make you smile today? SPEAKER_01: Hi, I'm calling on behalf of a customer who had some questions. This is an automated service from Google and the call is monitored and recorded. They would like to know what your availability is to repair leaking or burst pipe outdoors. SPEAKER_02: Absolutely. I'm a Dream Team virtual assistant and I'm here to help. For outdoor pipe repairs like a leaking or burst pipe, let me first verify a few details to pull up the correct schedule. Could you tell me the customer's name and address so I can get started? SPEAKER_01: I don't have the customer's name or full address, but I do know that they are in Villanova ZIP Code 19085 and they need the service within 48 hours. SPEAKER_02: Thank you for sharing the ZIP Code 19085. Villanova is within our service area. I'll need to confirm the customer's full name, phone number, and address to check availability and schedule the service within the next 48 hours. Could you provide that information? SPEAKER_01: I apologize, but I don't have those specific details. I was hoping you could provide a general idea of your availability for that type of service within the next 48 hours. SPEAKER_02: I can give you a general idea of our availability for outdoor pipe repair within the next 48 hours. I'll check the next open slots for this type of service. One moment. SPEAKER_01: Okay. SPEAKER_02: Here's what we can offer. SPEAKER_01: Okay. SPEAKER_02: Today we have slots from 4 p.m. to 8 30 p.m. We also have the entire day tomorrow, Saturday, January 10th available from 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Would either of these times work for your customer? SPEAKER_01: Okay, so you have availability today from 4 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. and all day tomorrow, Saturday, January 10th from 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. that works and can you provide a rough estimate for that service? SPEAKER_02: For leaking or burst pipe repair service, the diagnostic fee is typically $69 for non-members. However, if they are a member, it's $39. Once the technician assesses the issue, they'll provide a detailed estimate for the repair work. Is there anything else I can assist you with today? SPEAKER_01: Okay, so the diagnostic fee is typically $69 for non-members and $39 for members and then a detailed estimate will be provided after the technician assesses the issue. That's all the information I needed. Thank you for your time today and have a great day. Goodbye.
