***

id: 59a7b21a-5b44-40bc-878e-906773a5dfc3
title: Receptionist
sidebar-title: Receptionist
slug: /python/guides/receptionist
max-toc-depth: 3
----------------

## Receptionist

ReceptionistAgent greets callers, collects their information, and transfers them to the appropriate department based on their needs.

### Basic Usage

```python
from signalwire_agents.prefabs import ReceptionistAgent

agent = ReceptionistAgent(
    departments=[
        {
            "name": "sales",
            "description": "Product inquiries, pricing, and purchasing",
            "number": "+15551234567"
        },
        {
            "name": "support",
            "description": "Technical help and troubleshooting",
            "number": "+15551234568"
        },
        {
            "name": "billing",
            "description": "Payment questions and account issues",
            "number": "+15551234569"
        }
    ]
)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    agent.run()
```

### Department Format

| Field         | Type   | Required | Description                           |
| ------------- | ------ | -------- | ------------------------------------- |
| `name`        | string | Yes      | Department identifier (e.g., "sales") |
| `description` | string | Yes      | What the department handles           |
| `number`      | string | Yes      | Phone number for transfer             |

### Constructor Parameters

```python
ReceptionistAgent(
    departments=[...],                              # List of department dicts (required)
    name="receptionist",                            # Agent name
    route="/receptionist",                          # HTTP route
    greeting="Thank you for calling. How can I help you today?",
    voice="rime.spore",                             # Voice ID
    **kwargs                                        # Additional AgentBase arguments
)
```

### Built-in Functions

ReceptionistAgent provides these SWAIG functions automatically:

| Function              | Description                                  |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| `collect_caller_info` | Collect caller's name and reason for calling |
| `transfer_call`       | Transfer to a specific department            |

### Call Flow

<Frame caption="Receptionist Flow">
  <img class="diagram" src="https://files.buildwithfern.com/signalwire.docs.buildwithfern.com/docs/50e13b4721fa03b64052c9f8db3a21d39f86b4e234d08c3f04274a60022e3696/assets/images/agents-sdk-manual/09_04_receptionist_diagram1.webp" alt="Receptionist Flow." />
</Frame>

### Complete Example

```python
#!/usr/bin/env python3
## company_receptionist.py - Custom receptionist agent
from signalwire_agents.prefabs import ReceptionistAgent


agent = ReceptionistAgent(
    departments=[
        {
            "name": "sales",
            "description": "New orders, pricing, quotes, and product information",
            "number": "+15551001001"
        },
        {
            "name": "support",
            "description": "Technical issues, troubleshooting, and product help",
            "number": "+15551001002"
        },
        {
            "name": "billing",
            "description": "Invoices, payments, refunds, and account questions",
            "number": "+15551001003"
        },
        {
            "name": "hr",
            "description": "Employment, careers, and benefits",
            "number": "+15551001004"
        }
    ],
    greeting="Thank you for calling Acme Corporation. How may I direct your call?",
    voice="rime.spore",
    name="acme-receptionist"
)

## Add custom prompt section
agent.prompt_add_section(
    "Company",
    "You are the receptionist for Acme Corporation, a leading technology company."
)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    agent.run()
```

### Best Practices

#### Departments

* Use clear, distinct department names
* Write descriptions that help AI route correctly
* Include common reasons in descriptions
* Verify transfer numbers are correct

#### Greeting

* Keep greeting professional and welcoming
* Include company name if appropriate
* Ask how to help (prompts caller to state need)

#### Transfers

* Always confirm before transferring
* Use final=True for permanent transfers
* Test all transfer numbers