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Why missing calls is costing you business

5 min read
WorkWise Team

Your phone rings. You're halfway up a ladder, tools in hand. By the time you climb down, the caller's gone. Sound familiar? That missed call isn't just an inconvenience – it's money walking out the door.

The value of first impressions and fast responses

In today's instant-everything world, speed wins. When someone needs a tradesperson, they're often dealing with an urgent problem. A leaking pipe. No heating in winter. Electrical faults that need immediate attention.

They pick up the phone and start calling. The first person to answer – and answer professionally – usually gets the job. It's that simple. Your expertise matters, but if you don't answer the phone, potential customers never get to experience it.

How many leads go cold?

Time is critical when customers are looking for tradespeople. The faster you respond, the more likely you are to win their business. Even a short delay can mean they've already moved on to someone else who answered their call.

The Cost of Delayed Response

Many customers choose the first business that responds

Speed often matters more than price when people need urgent help

First responders often win the work

Being slow to respond means losing out to faster competitors

But here's the thing – it's not just about speed. When customers can't reach you, they don't just wait patiently. They move on to your competitors. Each unanswered call pushes them further down the list of local tradespeople.

You're too busy to answer, and that's normal

Let's be honest. You're not sitting by the phone waiting for it to ring. You're working. Under sinks, in lofts, on roofs. Your hands are dirty, you're focused on the job, and the last thing you can do is stop everything to chat.

This isn't a failing – it's the reality of being a successful tradesperson. The very thing that makes you good at your job (being on-site, hands-on, getting work done) makes it impossible to be a receptionist at the same time.

You can't be in two places at once. While you're doing excellent work for one customer, you might be losing three more.

Missed calls equal missed jobs and lost income

Every missed call represents potential income slipping away. It's not just about losing a single job – it's about losing:

  • Immediate work:The job they're calling about right now
  • Future business:Repeat customers who could've become regulars
  • Referrals:Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers
  • Your reputation:Being known as reliable and easy to reach

Think about your average job value. Now multiply that by the number of calls you miss each week. The figure quickly becomes substantial. And that's before considering the lifetime value of a good customer relationship.

How WorkWise ensures every call is answered professionally

This is where WorkWise changes everything. We answer your calls in your business name, creating a seamless experience for your customers. They don't know they're speaking to a call answering service – they just know they've reached a professional, helpful person who represents your business.

Our UK-based team understands the trades. They know the right questions to ask, can book appointments into your WorkWise calendar, and send you messages via SMS or email about urgent jobs. You stay focused on the work at hand while we handle the phones.

Professional first contact

Every caller gets a warm, professional greeting that reflects well on your business

Detailed message taking

We capture all the important details so you can prioritise and respond effectively

Message alerts

Urgent calls are flagged and sent to you via SMS or email

WorkWise calendar

We book appointments in your WorkWise calendar, saving you time on admin

Don't lose another lead

Every day you operate without proper call coverage is another day of lost opportunities. Those missed calls aren't coming back. The customers who couldn't reach you have already found someone else.

But it doesn't have to be this way. With WorkWise, you can focus on what you do best – quality work for your customers – while we ensure you never miss another opportunity. No more choosing between finishing a job and answering the phone. No more wondering what business you've lost.

The solution is simple. The impact is immediate. And the first step? Making sure your next call doesn't go unanswered.

Ready to capture every opportunity?

Get started today and see how WorkWise transforms your customer communications. No missed calls, no lost leads, no hassle.

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