Shortcuts AI receptionist: powered by CallPad, booked straight into Shortcuts

What does the Shortcuts AI Receptionist do?

Shortcuts announced its AI Receptionist on 23 June 2026, built for salons and barbershops. In Shortcuts' own words, it (Shortcuts, checked 18 October 2026):

• answers every call, 24/7, and handles up to 10 calls at once
• answers questions about your services, team and policies
• checks real-time availability, confirms the service and stylist, and writes the appointment straight into your Shortcuts appointment book
• can take a deposit to secure the booking
• reschedules, cancels and confirms appointments, and reopens the slot straight away so another client can book it

What does CallPad add behind the scenes?

Because CallPad powers it, the Shortcuts AI Receptionist works the way CallPad does on every call.

• CallPad books in real time with a named stylist.
• CallPad books multi-service appointments and handles processing time, like a colour plus cut with the gap while the colour develops.
• CallPad handles skin tests, such as the patch test many salons need before colour.
• CallPad can transfer the call to a team member or take a message. With a message, your team gets an email saying what the caller wanted.
• CallPad keeps treatment details out of reminder and confirmation texts.
• Every call is in your dashboard, where you can read the transcript or listen to the recording.

How do I switch it on?

To switch it on, contact CallPad.

Where is it available?

Shortcuts lists offices in Australia, New Zealand, North America and the United Kingdom. Shortcuts salons in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom can all use the AI Receptionist.

CallPad complies with the Australian Privacy Act.

Not on Shortcuts?

CallPad works with other booking systems too, including Phorest, Mindbody, Zenoti, Square, GlossGenius, SalonIQ, Salon Manager, Simple Salon and Cliniko. See the booking systems CallPad works with. In Australia, read which Australian salon booking systems have an AI receptionist.

Related guides

• Booking systems CallPad works with
• Which Australian salon booking systems have an AI receptionist?
• AI receptionist for salons in Australia
• Which UK salon booking systems have an AI receptionist?
• Salon Manager AI receptionist
• Simple Salon AI receptionist
• Best AI receptionist for Australian salons

Frequently asked questions

Does Shortcuts have an AI receptionist?

Yes. Shortcuts' AI Receptionist answers calls 24/7 and books appointments straight into your Shortcuts appointment book. It's powered by CallPad.

Who powers the Shortcuts AI Receptionist?

CallPad powers the Shortcuts AI Receptionist.

How do I switch on the Shortcuts AI Receptionist?

To switch it on, contact CallPad.

Can it book with a specific stylist?

Yes. CallPad books in real time with a named stylist, and Shortcuts says its AI Receptionist confirms the service and stylist before writing the appointment into your appointment book.

Can it take a deposit?

Yes. Shortcuts says its AI Receptionist can take a deposit to secure the booking.

Can it book a colour and cut together?

Yes. CallPad books multi-service appointments and handles processing time, such as the gap while a colour develops.

What happens when a caller wants a person?

CallPad can transfer the call to a team member or take a message. With a message, your team gets an email saying what the caller wanted.

Try CallPad

Contact CallPad to switch it on, or hear CallPad answer a booking call.