The CCM Answering Service Price Index (ASPI) normalizes comparable live-human minute-based answering plans to standardized monthly usage. The inaugural snapshot is Q3 2026.
Eligible sample
Ruby, PATLive, Abby in an all-human scenario, MAP Communications, Specialty Answering Service, Moneypenny, Go Answer, Answering Service Care and AnswerConnect. Call-based models such as Smith.ai remain in the research database but are excluded from this minute-based series.
Standard scenarios
ASPI-100 = 100 live receptionist minutes/month. ASPI-200 = 200. ASPI-500 = 500. For each provider, choose the least-cost current standard plan capable of satisfying the scenario, including known overage. One-time setup fees remain separate.
Q3 2026 sample medians
- 100 minutes: $189
- 200 minutes: $349
- 500 minutes: $759
The effective median price per minute declines as volume rises, but the spread between lower and higher priced providers increases materially.
Price position
Scenario Index = Provider Standardized Cost / Scenario Median x 100
A value below 100 means lower standardized published cost in this sample. It does not mean higher quality.
Historical series
Set Q3 2026 market level to 100 and retain every future quarterly snapshot. Do not overwrite historical records.
Research principle: ASPI measures price position, not provider quality.