How to never miss a call on the job: practical options for tradespeople
You can't answer from the top of a ladder or with your hands in a boiler, and you shouldn't try. But the call doesn't have to be lost. Here are the options, from free settings on your phone to having every call answered for you, and how to put them together.
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1. Set up call diverts properly
Almost every other option depends on this. A conditional divert sends a call somewhere else only when you don't pick up, are on another call, or have no signal. When you're free, your phone rings as normal.
On UK mobiles you set diverts by typing a code into the phone keypad and pressing call, with the number you want calls sent to in place of number:
| Dial | What it does |
|---|---|
| **61*number# | Divert when you do not answer |
| **67*number# | Divert when you are already on a call |
| **62*number# | Divert when your phone is off or has no signal |
| **004*number# | All three of the above in one go |
| ##004# | Cancel those diverts |
| *#61# | Check where unanswered calls are going |
These are the standard codes on the main UK networks. If one is rejected, your network's app or customer services can set the same thing. Two things to check: whether diverted calls cost extra on your tariff, and on an iPhone, that the Call Forwarding switch in settings is off. That switch forwards every call, not just the missed ones.
A landline is different: most providers offer divert on no answer, but you set it through them rather than with these codes.
2. Make voicemail ask for what you need
If calls go to voicemail, the greeting decides whether you get a job or a mystery. Ask for the specifics, and say when you'll call back so the caller has a reason to wait. For example:
"You've reached [your business name]. I'm on a job right now. Leave your name, number, postcode and what you need doing, and I'll ring you back by the end of the day. If water is coming through, say so at the start and I'll call as soon as I can."
Then keep the promise. A greeting that says "end of the day" and a callback the next afternoon teaches customers to ring someone else.
3. Habits that cost nothing
- Set callback times. Ten minutes at each break, returning every missed call, beats an hour of callbacks at nine at night.
- Reply by text when you can't talk. Both iPhone and Android let you decline a call with a quick text message. "On a job, will call you at 12" keeps a caller from moving on.
- Put your hours on your van and your listings. People who know when you are reachable are more likely to wait.
4. Get someone else to answer
A family member or office help
A partner or part-time admin who knows the business is the best receptionist there is, when they are available. The catch is that they are not available at seven in the morning, during their own work or on holiday, and it can put a strain on the arrangement.
A human answering service
A call-handling company answers in your name and passes on a message. A person can use judgement on awkward calls. Hours, booking and pricing vary a lot between providers, so check what counts as a call and what happens out of hours.
An AI receptionist
Software answers every diverted call at once, any hour, takes the details, flags urgent jobs and can book into your diary. It is consistent and always available, but it can mishear and it follows instructions rather than improvising. That is what Trade Receptionist is.
For a straight comparison of the three, read AI receptionist vs answering service vs voicemail.
Putting it together
The setup that misses least is simple: answer when you can, and divert everything you can't to something that answers straight away rather than to voicemail. With an AI receptionist that is one divert code, **004* followed by the number you are given, and you keep your own number on the van.
Not sure it is worth it? Work out what missed calls cost you first, or see how it works for your trade.
Questions
What is the code to divert calls when I do not answer?
On most UK mobile networks, dial **61* followed by the number you want calls sent to, then #, and press call. To cover busy and no signal as well, use **004* instead of **61*. To cancel, dial ##004#.
Will diverting calls cost me anything?
It depends on your tariff. Diverted calls are often taken from your plan like any other call, but some tariffs charge for them. Check with your network before you rely on it.
Why did my iPhone send every call away?
The Call Forwarding switch in the iPhone settings forwards every call, not just the ones you miss. For missed calls only, turn that switch off and use the **61* or **004* code from the keypad instead.
What should my voicemail greeting say?
Your business name, that you're working, and exactly what to leave: their name, number, postcode and what the job is, plus when you'll ring back. A greeting that asks for specifics gets messages you can act on.
One divert code. Every call answered.
Start the 14-day free trial, divert the calls you miss, and keep your own number.
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