How the new Google Maps “Have AI Get Prices” feature works...

Not sure if you’re aware but Google introduced a new feature inside their Google Maps section that allows for local customers to ask specific questions about prices, hours, appointments, etc.

This makes it really easy and convenient for local prospects to get answers without having to check or call multiple service providers.

The process starts with the user asking Google AI (or using features like Google's automated assistant tools) a direct question or search query, rather than the user browsing Maps manually.

This is how it works:

1. The User Asks a Question: A consumer types a transactional question into Google (e.g., "I need an emergency plumber near me who charges under $200" or uses an AI-assisted search prompt).

2. Google AI Targets the Map Pack: Instead of just giving a list of links or static map results, Google’s AI acts as an intermediary. It pulls a shortlist of businesses from the local Google Maps "map pack" (usually the top results in a given area)***.

3. The AI Makes the Calls: Behind the scenes, Google's AI system automatically dials out to those local businesses on behalf of the user.

4. The Bottleneck (Human Pickup): The actual phone call portion takes however long it takes for a business's front desk to answer and speak with the AI (typically a 30-to-60-second conversation per business).

5. The AI Gathers Data: The automated agent asks the business standardized questions—such as pricing rates, service availability, or specific job requirements.

6. The Shortlist is Delivered: Based on the responses it gets (or doesn't get, if a business fails to answer or provide clear info), the AI compiles the final options and presents the pre-screened results back to the user displayed directly inside Google Search / Maps as a comparative breakdown or via email or an SMS text message..

7. Compilation & Notification: Once the AI finishes gathering the data (or hits a timeout if a business fails to answer), it aggregates the results almost instantly into a clean, structured summary and delivers it straight to the buyer's preferred channel (an email inbox or an SMS text message).

   
   

8. If a business answers right away, the user generally has their consolidated shortlist back within 2 to 5 minutes.

This final summary usually organizes the results into clear categories:

• The Responding Businesses: Shows the companies that picked up and provided specific answers, pricing, or availability.

• The Unreachable/Non-Responsive Businesses: Lists any shops the AI couldn't reach or that didn't provide a quote, often including their direct contact info so the buyer can still follow up manually if they choose.

Result: Instead of seeing a list of 10 phone numbers they have to call manually, the buyer gets a clean shortlist of pre-screened options and can make a final choice without ever picking up the phone.

***This is why local map visibility (for your entire service area) and having a business phone answered correctly matter so much. 

If your GBP/Maps listing isn't optimized to rank in those top Map spots, or if your front desk misses the automated AI call, your business will get filtered out before the buyer ever sees your business listing.

The easiest way to find out if your business will “get that call” is to find out:

1. Is your listing VISIBLE in your entire service area? (Google has a flaw that makes local business listings invisible to 80% of their service area.)

2. Is your GBP/Maps listing optimized correctly so Google AI and your local buyers find you first?

Find out by requesting your free ranking and visibility report here. No call, no pitch. Just data you should have.