The telli Auto-Dialer is a feature designed to make contact outreach efficient. It automatically schedules calls until either the contact is reached or gives up after a certain period.

​
Call Loop

When a contact enters a “call loop,” the system attempts to reach them repeatedly until one of two conditions is met:
  1. The contact answers and has a conversation
  2. The maximum number of attempts or days is reached
You can check a contact’s next scheduled call via: Next Schedule

​
Calling Strategies

The auto-dialer offers two strategies for scheduling call retries: Our smart calling strategy dynamically schedules calls at optimal times based on continuous data analysis. Key features:
  • Maximum 3 calls per contact per day
  • Respects dialer window hours
  • Configurable maximum duration in days
Smart Calling

​
2. Defined Intervals

This strategy allows manual definition of retry intervals after unsuccessful calls. Let’s look at an example. Suppose we have the following intervals set: Defined Intervals After the first call, we wait for 20min and then call again. After the second call we wait for 1h, after third 2h and 30min etc. If a scheduled time falls outside the Dialer Window, the call will be scheduled for the next available time.

​
Dialer Windows

Dialer windows define permitted calling hours to ensure contacts are only called during appropriate times. Dialer Windows

​
Timezone Handling

Dialer windows are always interpreted in the contact’s timezone when one is set. If no timezone is specified for a contact, the system defaults to using your account’s timezone shown above the dialer windows. For contacts with specified timezones, here’s how it works:
  • If your dialer window is set to 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • And you have a contact in Los Angeles (PST) and another in New York (EST)
  • The Los Angeles contact will be called between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST
  • The New York contact will be called between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
This ensures calls are made at appropriate local times for each contact, regardless of your account’s timezone setting.
Manual calls triggered via /initiate-call or the web app bypass dialer window restrictions.

​
Frequently Asked Questions

​
When is a contact marked as reached?

A contact is considered reached when they answer and have a conversation. Voicemails, unanswered calls, or connection issues trigger retry attempts.

​
What happens with calling errors?

After two consecutive errors, the call loop ends automatically, regardless of remaining attempts.

​
How do manual calls affect the call loop?

Manual calls are executed immediately. If unsuccessful, the next call follows the defined strategy.

​
What happens when dialer intervals change?

The system dynamically adjusts schedules while maintaining dialer window compliance.

​
How are reached contacts handled?

Manually calling a previously reached contact restarts their call loop.

​
How do maximum attempt changes work?

Changes take immediate effect for active call loops but don’t affect completed ones.

​
What happens when disabling/re-enabling the auto-dialer?

When re-enabled, past-due calls trigger immediately. To prevent this:
  1. Use /v1/remove-from-auto-dialer for specific contacts
  2. Adjust maximum intervals to auto-remove contacts