Outbound AI calling (Retell)

Run an outbound calling campaign to your contacts with an AI caller that follows your script, books callbacks and logs every result in the CRM. It uses the same Retell account and phone number as your AI receptionist.

How it works

The first time you start a campaign or place a test call, the CRM creates a second agent in your Retell account called "your business name" outbound (Unavoidable CRM), using the same voice as your receptionist. Your campaign script is sent to it with each call, so every campaign can have its own script without you touching Retell.

Calls go out from your Retell number. When each call ends, Retell sends the result back to the CRM: whether they answered, the transcript, the outcome (interested, callback, not interested, do not call), any time agreed and any email address given.

Step 1: Write your script

1. Go to Outbound calling and click New campaign.
2. Write the script, or click Generate with AI and describe your goal and offer.
3. Keep it short and honest: say who you are, ask if it is a good time, give one reason for the call, ask one question and agree a next step.
4. Use {name} and {business_name} to personalise it.
5. Choose what to do on voicemail: hang up, or leave a short message you write.

Step 2: Test it on yourself

In the campaign builder click Test call and enter your mobile. Listen for how it opens, how it handles "who is this?" and "not interested", and whether it books the next step clearly. Adjust the script and test again.

Step 3: Start the campaign

Tick the consent box and click Launch campaign. The CRM calls your active contacts with phone numbers, half a second apart, up to 50 at a time. Results appear on the campaign and on each contact as calls finish. Anyone who asks not to be called again is marked as opted out automatically.

What it costs

Outbound calls cost the same per minute as the receptionist, paid to Retell. On the recommended set-up that is about 13p a minute, so a 2 minute call is about 26p. Calls that go unanswered are not charged. See the cost table.

Common problems

"Connect Retell first"

Add your Retell API key and phone number on the AI Receptionist page.

"Could not find a voice in your Retell account"

Create your receptionist agent in Retell first. The outbound agent copies its voice.

"Retell refused the call"

Usually the number cannot make outbound calls yet (for example a UK number still waiting for its regulatory check), or your Retell balance is empty.