Missed call text back · Guide
What to text a customer when you miss their call
A missed call is a customer deciding who to call next. A short text back in the next minute keeps them with you. Below are three texts for each of 25 trades: one for when you’re on a job, one for after hours, and a follow-up for the next morning. Change the name and details to your own.
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01
Five rules that make a missed-call text work
Start with your business name. The text comes from a number they don’t have saved. The name is how they know it’s you and not spam.
Ask one easy question. What’s going on, which appliance, interior or exterior. A question they can answer in a few words gets a reply; “call me back” mostly doesn’t.
No links, prices or offers. A link or a coupon in a text from an unknown number looks like spam to the customer and to carrier filters, and an offer can turn a reply into a marketing message.
Don’t promise a time you can’t keep. “I’ll call you in 10 minutes” sent while you’re under a house is worse than no promise.
End the first text with “Reply STOP to opt out.” It’s expected on business texts and costs you nothing.
02
Templates by trade
Plumber: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Mike’s Plumbing: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. What’s going on: a leak, a clog, or the water heater? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Mike’s Plumbing: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. If water is leaking, shut off the main valve. Text me what’s happening and I’ll get back to you first thing. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Mike’s Plumbing: Morning, following up on your call yesterday. Still need help with the plumbing? A photo of the problem helps me bring the right parts.”
Electrician: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Bright Line Electric: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. What do you need: a repair, an outlet or fixture, or a panel issue? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Bright Line Electric: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. If you smell burning or see sparks, turn off that breaker and call 911. Otherwise text me the details and I’ll reply in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Bright Line Electric: Following up on your call. Is the electrical issue still going on? A photo of the panel or the fixture helps.”
HVAC: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Comfort Air HVAC: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a service call. Is it heating, cooling, or something else? What’s the system doing? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Comfort Air HVAC: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. Text me what the system is doing and the age of the unit if you know it, and I’ll get back to you in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Comfort Air HVAC: Following up on your call. Is the AC or heat still giving you trouble? A photo of the thermostat and the outdoor unit’s label helps.”
Handyman: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Dan the Handyman: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. What do you need done? Small lists are fine. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Dan the Handyman: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me your list of jobs and your town, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Dan the Handyman: Following up on your call. Want to send me the list? Photos help me give you a time estimate.”
Roofer: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Summit Roofing: Sorry I missed your call, I’m up on a roof. Is it a leak, storm damage, or a replacement quote? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Summit Roofing: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. If water is coming in, put a bucket under it and move valuables away. Text me the details and I’ll reply in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Summit Roofing: Following up on your call about the roof. Is it still leaking? A photo from the ground is a big help.”
Gardener / landscaper: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Green Leaf Landscaping: Sorry I missed your call, I’m out on a yard. What are you looking for: regular maintenance or a one-time job? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Green Leaf Landscaping: Sorry I missed you, we’re done for the day. Text me what you need and your address area, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Green Leaf Landscaping: Following up on your call. Still want a quote for the yard? A couple of photos help.”
Tree service: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Tall Oak Tree Service: Sorry I missed your call, we’re on a job. Is it a removal, trimming, or a tree that came down? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Tall Oak Tree Service: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. If a tree is on a power line, stay away and call the utility. Otherwise text me the details and I’ll reply in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Tall Oak Tree Service: Following up on your call. Still need the tree work? A photo of the tree and what’s around it helps.”
House cleaner: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Sparkle Home Cleaning: Sorry I missed your call, I’m at a clean right now. Are you looking for a one-time clean or regular visits? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Sparkle Home Cleaning: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me the size of the home and when you’d like it cleaned, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Sparkle Home Cleaning: Following up on your call. Still looking for a cleaning? Let me know the bedrooms and bathrooms and I’ll send a quote.”
Painter: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Fresh Coat Painting: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. Is it interior or exterior, and roughly how many rooms? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Fresh Coat Painting: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me what you want painted and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Fresh Coat Painting: Following up on your call. Still planning the painting? Photos of the rooms help me quote it.”
Pest control: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Shield Pest Control: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a service visit. What are you seeing, and where in the house? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Shield Pest Control: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. Text me what pest you’re seeing and where, and I’ll get back to you in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Shield Pest Control: Following up on your call. Still seeing them? A photo helps me bring the right treatment.”
Garage door: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Lift Right Garage Doors: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. Is the door stuck, noisy, or is a spring broken? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Lift Right Garage Doors: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. If a spring snapped, don’t try to lift the door. Text me what happened and I’ll reply in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Lift Right Garage Doors: Following up on your call. Is the door still giving you trouble? A short video of it opening helps.”
Pool service: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Clear Blue Pool Service: Sorry I missed your call, I’m at a pool. Are you looking for weekly service or a repair? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Clear Blue Pool Service: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me what’s going on with the pool and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Clear Blue Pool Service: Following up on your call. Still need help with the pool? A photo of the water and the equipment helps.”
Chimney: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Clean Flue Chimney: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. Is it a cleaning, an inspection, or a repair? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Clean Flue Chimney: Sorry I missed you, we’re closed for the night. Don’t use the fireplace if you smell smoke inside. Text me the details and I’ll reply in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Clean Flue Chimney: Following up on your call. Still want the chimney looked at before you use it?”
Carpenter: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Oak & Pine Carpentry: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. What’s the project? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Oak & Pine Carpentry: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me what you have in mind and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Oak & Pine Carpentry: Following up on your call. Still planning the project? Photos and rough measurements help.”
Masonry: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Stoneworks Masonry: Sorry I missed your call, we’re on a job. Is it a repair or new work: brick, stone or concrete? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Stoneworks Masonry: Sorry I missed you, we’re done for the day. Text me the details and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Stoneworks Masonry: Following up on your call. Still need the masonry work? A photo of the area helps.”
Epoxy coating: missed-call texts
- On a job: “ProShield Epoxy: Sorry I missed your call, we’re on a floor. Is it a garage, patio, or something else, and roughly how big? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “ProShield Epoxy: Sorry I missed you, we’re done for the day. Text me the space and its size, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “ProShield Epoxy: Following up on your call. Still thinking about the floor? A photo of the current surface helps.”
Window installer: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Clearview Windows: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on an install. How many windows, and is it replacement or repair? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Clearview Windows: Sorry I missed you, we’re done for the day. Text me what you need and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Clearview Windows: Following up on your call. Still looking at new windows? A count and a couple of photos help.”
General contractor: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Keystone Builders: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on site. What’s the project, and roughly when are you hoping to start? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Keystone Builders: Sorry I missed you, we’re done for the day. Text me a short description of the project and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Keystone Builders: Following up on your call. Want to set a time to look at the project?”
Appliance repair: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Fix-It Appliance Repair: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a repair. Which appliance, and what is it doing? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Fix-It Appliance Repair: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me the appliance, brand and model if you have it, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Fix-It Appliance Repair: Following up on your call. Is the appliance still acting up? A photo of the model label helps me bring the right part.”
Mobile mechanic: missed-call texts
- On a job: “RoadReady Mobile Mechanic: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a car. What’s the vehicle and what’s it doing? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “RoadReady Mobile Mechanic: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me the year, make and model and what’s wrong, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “RoadReady Mobile Mechanic: Following up on your call. Still need the car looked at? Where is it parked?”
EV charger: missed-call texts
- On a job: “ChargeUp Electric: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on an install. Are you looking at a home charger? Do you know which car or charger? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “ChargeUp Electric: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me where you’d like the charger and a photo of your electrical panel, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “ChargeUp Electric: Following up on your call. Still planning the charger? A photo of the panel helps me check capacity.”
Refinishing: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Like New Refinishing: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. Is it a tub, tile, or countertops? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Like New Refinishing: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me what you want refinished and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Like New Refinishing: Following up on your call. Still interested? A photo of the surface helps me quote it.”
Pet sitter: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Happy Paws Pet Care: Sorry I missed your call, I’m with a pet right now. What kind of care do you need, and which dates? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Happy Paws Pet Care: Sorry I missed you, I’m done for the day. Text me your pet and the dates, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Happy Paws Pet Care: Following up on your call. Still need pet care for those dates?”
Photographer: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Golden Hour Photography: Sorry I missed your call, I’m at a shoot. What kind of session are you looking for, and what date? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Golden Hour Photography: Sorry I missed you. Text me the type of session and the date you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Golden Hour Photography: Following up on your call. Still looking to book a session?”
Bookkeeper: missed-call texts
- On a job: “Clear Books Bookkeeping: Sorry I missed your call, I’m with a client. What kind of help are you looking for? Reply STOP to opt out.”
- After hours: “Clear Books Bookkeeping: Sorry I missed you, the office is closed for the day. Text me a little about your business and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Next-morning follow-up: “Clear Books Bookkeeping: Following up on your call. Want to set up a short call to go over what you need?”
03
The voicemail greeting that goes with it
If you text back missed calls, say so in your greeting. The caller isn’t surprised by the text, and they know they can reply STOP:
“Hi, you’ve reached Mike’s Plumbing. Sorry we missed your call. We’ll text you at this number about your call. Reply STOP to opt out. You can also leave a message after the tone.”
Why it matters: telling callers a text is coming is part of doing this the conservative way. More in Is it legal to auto-text people who call you?
Coming soon from LeadHunter USA
LeadHunter USA’s missed-call text back sends your first text automatically within seconds of a missed call, with your business name in front and “Reply STOP to opt out.” at the end, and puts the reply in a business inbox in the app with these follow-ups one tap away.
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Questions
Common questions
What should I text a customer when I miss their call?
Your business name, a one-line apology, and one easy question about what they need, for example: "Mike’s Plumbing: Sorry I missed your call, I’m on a job. What’s going on: a leak, a clog, or the water heater? Reply STOP to opt out." Keep it short, and leave out links and offers.
How fast should I text back a missed call?
As fast as you can, ideally within a minute or two, while they are still deciding who to call next. That is why most contractors automate the first text and answer the reply themselves when their hands are free.
Should the text include a link to book online?
Not in the first text. A link from a number the customer doesn’t know looks like spam and is more likely to be filtered by carriers. Ask what they need first; send a link later in the conversation if they want one.
What should my after-hours text say?
That you’re closed, what to do right now if it’s urgent (shut off the water, turn off the breaker, stay away from a downed line), and that you’ll reply in the morning. Don’t promise a time you can’t keep.
Do I need "Reply STOP to opt out" in the text?
Put it in the first automatic text. It is the standard way to let people opt out of business texts, and honoring STOP is required. You don’t need to repeat it in every message of a conversation the customer is replying to.