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What is a billable buffer?
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A billable buffer is the number of seconds a call must last before you pay for it. Hang up inside the buffer and the call is free. Published buffers we found on Oct 7, 2026 run from 5 seconds (raw calls) to 3 minutes (live transfers), and one vendor uses caller criteria instead of a timer.
What buffers do vendors publish?
| Company | Buffer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| HotInboundCalls | 90 s inbound · 2 min live transfer · 3 min elite live transfer | pricing |
| AgentCalls | Set per campaign and shown in the portal; 85 s on final expense as an example | source |
| AllCalls | 25 s standard Medicare · 80 s call type · 5 s raw | source |
| Ringelo | No timer; billable on caller criteria | source |
| Final Expense TV | Bills per connected call | source |
Competitor facts as of Oct 10, 2026, taken from each company's own pages (linked). Prices change; check the source before you buy.
Is a longer buffer better?
For you as the buyer, usually yes: a longer buffer gives you more time to hang up on a wrong number, a child, or someone outside your states without paying. Vendors with longer buffers often charge more per call, so compare cost per conversation.
How do I use the buffer well?
Qualify in the first 60 seconds: name, age, state, and what they called about. If they are not a fit, end the call politely before the buffer runs out.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 90-second buffer mean?
You can talk to the caller for up to 90 seconds without paying. If the call goes past 90 seconds it becomes billable.
Which is better, a timer or criteria billing?
A timer is a rule you control; criteria billing protects you from long calls with unqualified people. Pick the one that matches how fast you qualify.
What buffer does HotInboundCalls use?
90 seconds for inbound calls, 2 minutes for live transfers and 3 minutes for elite live transfers.
What buffers do other vendors publish?
As of Oct 7, 2026: AgentCalls 85 seconds on final expense and 55 seconds on TV inbound; AllCalls 25 seconds on standard Medicare; Ringelo uses caller criteria instead of a timer.
Talk to a person before you spend anything
A 15-minute call: your states, which call type fits how you sell, and exact pricing.
Book a 15-minute callSources
Checked Oct 7, 2026.