FAQ
Straight answers before you commit
Start with one costly workflow, get a written scope and fixed price before paid work, keep humans in control of high-impact decisions and own everything we build. The details are below.
Getting started
Where should we start?
Start with one repeated, costly, delayed or fragile workflow. Document how it works today (trigger, tools, decisions, exceptions and owners) and choose one observable result, such as leads contacted within five minutes. Then we choose the architecture.
Do we need to replace our current software?
Rarely. The first option is almost always improving the handoffs around what you already use: CRM, email, calendar and spreadsheets. We only recommend replacement when an existing tool is genuinely the operational constraint.
What stays under human control?
You decide. By default, people own unusual, sensitive, expensive, regulated or relationship-heavy decisions. Approval gates, stop paths and escalation rules are defined in writing before launch.
How is scope and pricing determined?
Scope is based on systems touched, data complexity, exception paths and handoff needs. You receive a written scope with a fixed price, exclusions, third-party costs and acceptance criteria before any paid work begins. No hourly surprises.
What happens if a tool’s API changes or breaks?
Every workflow gets fallback paths: human review queues, error notifications, manual override options and documented recovery steps. You own the accounts and the logic, never a closed black box.
Who owns the finished system?
You do. Ownership and handoff are defined in the scope: client-owned accounts, inspectable logic, documentation and a clear maintenance path, with no lock-in and no renting your own system back.
AI voice receptionist
How much does the AI receptionist cost?
Published plans are $69/month (T1 Missed Caller, 500 minutes), $129/month (T2 24/7 Receptionist, 1,200 minutes), $249/month (T3 Business Receptionist+, 2,400 minutes) and $499/month (T4 Multi-Location, 4,000 minutes).
How fast can an AI receptionist be live?
Most businesses are live within days. We train it on your business details, connect your number and test before a real caller hears it.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. We forward your existing number.
Can I try it first?
Yes. Use the live browser demo on the AI receptionist page, or call (206) 837-4083.
AI agents and automation
Which automation platforms do you use?
We choose from your existing stack, direct APIs, n8n, Make, Zapier or custom code based on ownership, reliability, cost and security.
What should not be automated?
Rare judgment-heavy tasks, unclear processes and high-risk irreversible actions usually need simplification or human control first.
How do you reduce unreliable AI output?
Constrained instructions, approved sources, deterministic rules where possible, structured outputs, evaluation cases and human review for high-impact decisions.
Free apps
What free apps does Custom AI Works offer?
IdeaForge (business idea research), Business Plan Maker (editable first-draft business plans) and Grant Match (official grant opportunities). All three are free with a free account.
Your next move
What is the first constraint worth solving?
Describe one costly, repetitive or fragile workflow. We review the fit and respond with a written scope and fixed quote, not a canned pitch.