Missed-call text templates

By Steve Clune, Back Office Bot · Updated November 14, 2026

What makes a missed-call text work

• Your business name in the first line. They called a lot of numbers. Remind them which one you are.
• One question. "What can we help with?" gets more replies than a paragraph.
• Send it fast. A text in 30 seconds beats a callback in 3 hours.
• Opt-out wording. Adding "Reply STOP to opt out" keeps you on the right side of carrier rules.

Swap in your business name where you see [Business].

General templates

1. Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call. What can we help you with?
2. Thanks for calling [Business]! We're with a customer right now. Reply here with what you need and we'll get right back to you.
3. Hey, it's [Business]. Missed you by a second. Want us to call you back, or is text easier?
4. [Business] here. Sorry we couldn't pick up. What's a good time to call you back today?
5. Thanks for reaching out to [Business]. Text us a quick note about your project and we'll send you times for an estimate.

After-hours templates

6. Thanks for calling [Business]. We're closed for the night, but we got your call. Reply with what you need and we'll reach out first thing in the morning.
7. [Business] here. Our office is closed, but if this is an emergency, reply URGENT and we'll call you back tonight.
8. Hi from [Business]! We're out for the weekend. Tell us what's going on and we'll get you on the schedule Monday morning.

Trade-specific templates

9. Roofing: Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed you! Is this about storm damage, a leak, or a new roof? We can usually inspect within 48 hours.
10. HVAC: [Business] here. Missed your call. Is your system not heating or cooling at all, or is it a tune-up or quote?
11. Plumbing: Hi, it's [Business]. Is water leaking right now? Reply YES and we'll call you back immediately.
12. Electrical: [Business] here, sorry we missed you. What's going on? If you smell burning or see sparks, turn off the breaker and call 911 first.
13. Remodeling: Thanks for calling [Business]! What project are you thinking about? Kitchen, bath, basement, something else?
14. Lawn care: Hi from [Business]! Looking for weekly mowing, a cleanup, or something else? Send your address and we'll quote it.
15. Garage doors: [Business] here. Is your door stuck closed, stuck open, or making noise? We'll get you sorted.
16. Pest control: Hi, this is [Business]. What are you seeing? Ants, mice, termites, something else? We'll call you right back.
17. Auto repair: Thanks for calling [Business]. What's the year and model, and what's it doing? We'll get you a time to bring it in.
18. Salon or spa: Hi from [Business]! Sorry we missed you. Are you looking to book? Reply with the service and day you want.
19. House cleaning: [Business] here! Looking for a one-time clean or regular service? Send your zip code and home size for a quick quote.
20. Tree service: Hi, it's [Business]. Is a tree down or hanging over something right now, or are you looking for a trim or removal quote?
21. Movers: Thanks for calling [Business]! What's your moving date and how many bedrooms? We'll text you a quote.

Sending these automatically

Templates only help if they go out every time. Most phones can't send them on their own (here's why). BOB sends the right one within seconds, after hours too, and follows up if they don't answer. See missed-call text back.