💸Troubleshooting to Pricing: Key Takeaways from Our Latest Build Hours Session

We just wrapped up another dynamic Build Hours session filled with practical problem-solving and valuable insights. For those who couldn't make it, here's what you missed:

🤠 Assistant Connection Troubleshooting:

@Lisa Grace

brought a challenging issue where her VAPI assistant wasn't connecting properly. Through live debugging, we:

- Examined the Make automation and webhook configurations

- Identified an "Invalid Assistant" error in the webhook response

- Validated JSON formatting using JSONLint

- Discovered potential issues with repurposed VAPI organizations and Make connections

This was a great example of systematic troubleshooting approach for voice AI implementations.

💥 VAPI Squad Transfer Deep Dive:

@Jason Smith

shared an interesting challenge with squad transfers - when adding an external phone number transfer option, the AI started explicitly announcing transfers even between squad members using the same voice. The group explored potential solutions including modifying transfer messages and investigating the transfer call function configuration.

💰Pricing Strategies for AI Voice Solutions:

@Zoltan Nagy

sparked an enlightening discussion about pricing voice AI solutions. Key takeaways:

- Starting price point: $1500-2000 for basic call handling

- Add 50% buffer to estimated development time for unexpected challenges

- Monthly pricing strategy: Consider bundling setup costs into higher monthly fees (e.g., $600/month) instead of large upfront costs

- Include minutes, maintenance, and technology updates in monthly fees

☎️ Twilio A2P Compliance Deep Dive:

@Tylan Miller

provided expert insights on A2P registration:

- A2P registration is mandatory for texting U.S. numbers

- The process can take about a week

- Registration costs money per campaign attempt

- It's a carrier-level requirement (Verizon, AT&T, etc.)

- Having your own Twilio account gives more control vs. using platforms

🌐 VAPI Organization Management:

The team discussed best practices for organizing VAPI accounts:

- Maintain separate organizations for demos, testing, and production

- Consider dedicated organizations for large clients

- Keep one VAPI account with multiple organizations for simplicity

- Use folders in Make to organize different client scenarios

💻 Webhooks and Technical Architecture:

The session included a discussion about webhook fundamentals, with @Julio offering to provide deeper technical insights in a breakout room for those interested in leveling up their technical understanding.

We continue to see the power of collaborative problem-solving in our Build Hours sessions. The mix of technical troubleshooting, business strategy, and practical implementation tips makes these sessions invaluable for anyone working with voice AI solutions.

Huge thanks to Lisa, Jason, Zoltan, Julio, and everyone who contributed to today's discussions. If you're working with VAPI, Twilio, or building voice AI solutions, join us for our next session!

Stay amplified,

Paige & Alejo 🫶

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