Which Australian salon booking systems have an AI receptionist?

Which Australian salon booking systems have an AI receptionist?

We checked each platform's own pages on 16 October 2026. Here's what we found, system by system.

Shortcuts- Own AI answers calls? Yes. The Shortcuts AI Receptionist launched on 23 June 2026.- Books during the call? Yes. Shortcuts says it checks real-time availability and "writes the appointment straight into your Shortcuts appointment book" (Shortcuts).- CallPad? The Shortcuts AI Receptionist is powered by CallPad.

Fresha- Own AI answers calls? Yes. Fresha's AI Concierge answers calls 24/7.- Books during the call? Yes. Fresha says it books, reschedules and cancels in your Fresha calendar, and can transfer a call or take a message (Fresha).- CallPad? Not a CallPad integration.

Timely- Own AI answers calls? We found no native AI phone receptionist. Timely's AI feature, Textie Bestie, helps you write text messages to clients (Timely).- CallPad? A CallPad integration with Timely is in the works (join the waitlist). See does Timely have an AI receptionist?

Kitomba- Own AI answers calls? We found no native AI phone receptionist. Kitomba's own AI, Fully Booked, texts clients to fill cancellations and quiet gaps (Kitomba). Kitomba's partner REACH.ai says its SARA AI Front Desk handles phone calls, texts and website chat 24/7 (REACH.ai).- CallPad? A CallPad integration with Kitomba is in the works (join the waitlist). See does Kitomba have an AI receptionist?

Phorest- Own AI answers calls? We found no native AI phone receptionist. Phorest's Front Desk AI handles booking requests and questions by SMS and WhatsApp (Phorest).- CallPad? Yes. CallPad books into Phorest in real time with a named stylist, on any Phorest plan. See CallPad for Phorest.

Square Appointments- Own AI answers calls? Not for appointments. Square's AI voice feature takes customer orders by phone (Square).- CallPad? Yes. CallPad books into Square Appointments in real time with a named stylist.

Simple Salon- Own AI answers calls? We found no native AI phone receptionist. Simple Salon's AI, Aidan, is an in-app assistant that answers questions about using the software (Simple Salon).- CallPad? Yes. CallPad books into Simple Salon in real time with a named stylist.

If you're on Shortcuts

The AI Receptionist built into Shortcuts is powered by CallPad. Find out more about the Shortcuts AI Receptionist.

If you're on Timely or Kitomba

CallPad can't book into Timely or Kitomba yet, but CallPad integrations with both are in the works. Join the Timely or Kitomba waitlist to be first to know. Our Timely and Kitomba pages have more.

On Kitomba, the partner option for calls is REACH.ai. Kitomba says the REACH.ai integration needs the Diamond package with Online Booking (Kitomba).

If you're on Phorest, Square or Simple Salon

CallPad answers your calls 24/7 and books in real time with a named stylist. On a call, it:

• books, moves and cancels appointments, with the stylist the client asks for
• books multi-service appointments and handles processing time, such as a colour plus cut with the gap while the colour develops
• books colour and extension consultations as their own appointment type, under your rules
• takes deposits: CallPad can take a deposit on the call, either by texting a payment link or using a card on file in your booking system
• hands off when needed: CallPad can transfer the call to a team member or take a message

It also books into Google Calendar. For Phorest, you request an API key from Phorest, and CallPad connects. Setup takes about 10 minutes. See our page on CallPad for Australian salons.

What does it cost?

Kitomba says Fully Booked has no upfront cost or subscription and charges a success fee of 5% of the value of each booking it fills (Kitomba). Shortcuts and Fresha didn't publish an Australian-dollar price for their AI receptionists on the pages we checked. Ask them for a quote.

CallPad plans are quote-based and depend on how many staff diaries you connect and how many hours of calls you need. See CallPad pricing to get a quote.

How does CallPad handle client privacy?

CallPad complies with the Australian Privacy Act. Our security overview explains how we protect client data.

Frequently asked questions

Does Timely have an AI receptionist that answers calls?

As of October 2026, Timely's AI helps write text messages. We found no native AI phone receptionist.

Does Kitomba answer calls with AI?

Kitomba's Fully Booked uses AI to fill gaps by text. We found no native AI phone receptionist; a partner, REACH.ai, offers call answering.

Does Shortcuts have an AI receptionist?

Yes. The Shortcuts AI Receptionist answers calls and books into Shortcuts. It's powered by CallPad.

Does CallPad work with Timely or Kitomba?

Not yet. CallPad integrations with Timely and Kitomba are in the works. Join the waitlist to be first to know.

Which Australian salon systems does CallPad book into?

Shortcuts, Simple Salon, Phorest, Square Appointments and Google Calendar.

Does CallPad comply with Australian privacy law?

CallPad complies with the Australian Privacy Act.

Hear it for yourself

Hear CallPad take a call, or book a demo to see it book into your salon software.