Auto-reply text for missed calls: 30 copy-ready messages by trade
Updated October 9, 2026
An auto-reply text for missed calls goes out when someone calls your business and nobody picks up. Done well, it tells the caller you got their call and gives them one easy next step, so they don't move on to the next number. Below are copy-ready messages by trade. Replace [Business] and [link] with your own name and booking link (or delete the link part).
Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, locksmith, garage door, roofing and pest control have their own fill-in templates on the missed-call text template tool. This page covers other trades and special situations.
Full guides by trade: plumbers · HVAC · electricians · roofers · locksmiths · pest control · garage door companies · auto repair shops · lawn care & landscapers · house cleaners · handymen · towing companies · appliance repair · painters · tree services.
The four parts of a good missed-call text
- Your business name first, so it isn't mistaken for spam.
- Acknowledge the call: "Sorry we missed your call".
- One next step: "reply with what you need" or a booking link. Not both a link and three questions.
- "Reply STOP to opt out."
Keep each text under about 160 characters (one SMS segment) and avoid emoji, which shrink a segment to 70 characters.
Templates by trade
Landscaping & lawn care
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your address and what you need (mowing, cleanup, design) and we'll get back to you today. Reply STOP to opt out.
House cleaning
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your address and home size, or book a cleaning: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Painting
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Interior or exterior? Reply with a few details and we'll set up a free estimate. Reply STOP to opt out.
Handyman
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call, we're on a job. Reply with what needs fixing (a photo helps) and we'll call you back. Reply STOP to opt out.
Auto repair
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your vehicle and what it's doing, or book a time: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Appliance repair
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with the appliance, brand and problem and we'll call back with the next available slot. Reply STOP to opt out.
Pool service
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your address and whether it's a repair or regular service, and we'll get back to you. Reply STOP to opt out.
Tree service
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your address and a photo of the tree and we'll call to set up an estimate. Reply STOP to opt out.
Flooring
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with the room size and flooring type, or book a measure: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Moving
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your move date and from/to zip codes and we'll send a quote. Reply STOP to opt out.
Carpet cleaning
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with how many rooms, or book online: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Window & gutter cleaning
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your address and number of stories and we'll send a quote. Reply STOP to opt out.
Solar & insulation
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your address and what you're looking for and we'll call you back today. Reply STOP to opt out.
Concrete & masonry
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with the job (driveway, patio, repair) and your address and we'll call to schedule an estimate. Reply STOP to opt out.
Fencing
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your address and roughly how many feet of fence and we'll get back to you. Reply STOP to opt out.
Junk removal
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with a photo of what needs to go and your zip code for a quote. Reply STOP to opt out.
Mobile mechanic / towing
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with your location and the vehicle problem and we'll call right back. If you're in danger on the road, call 911. Reply STOP to opt out.
Septic
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Backing up or due for a pump? Reply with your address and we'll call you back. Reply STOP to opt out.
Water damage restoration
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! If water is still coming in, shut off the main valve if it's safe. Reply with your address and we'll call right back. Reply STOP to opt out.
Chimney & fireplace
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call! Reply with what you need (sweep, inspection, repair) or book: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Situations
After hours
Hi, this is [Business]. We're closed right now but got your call. Reply with what you need and we'll get back to you after [opening time], or book: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Weekend
Hi, this is [Business]. We're off for the weekend but saw your call. We'll reply Monday morning, or book a time now: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Holiday closure
Hi, this is [Business]. We're closed for the holiday until [date] but got your call. Reply with what you need and we'll be in touch when we're back. Reply STOP to opt out.
On a job (owner-operator)
Hi, it's [Name] at [Business]. I'm on a job and can't pick up. Reply with what you need and I'll call you back as soon as I'm done. Reply STOP to opt out.
Fully booked
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed your call. We're booked this week; reply with what you need and we'll offer the first opening. Reply STOP to opt out.
Emergency trades
Hi, this is [Business]. Got your call. If anyone is in danger, call 911. Otherwise reply with your address and the problem and we'll call right back. Reply STOP to opt out.
Spanish
Hola, le saluda [Business]. Perdón por no contestar. Responda con lo que necesita y le llamamos pronto, o reserve: [link] Responda STOP para no recibir más mensajes.
Very short (one segment, no link)
[Business]: sorry we missed your call! Reply with what you need and we'll call back. Reply STOP to opt out.
With a booking link only
[Business]: sorry we missed your call. Book a time that suits you here: [link] Reply STOP to opt out.
Returning customer tone
Hi, this is [Business]. Sorry we missed you! Reply with what you need or the address, and we'll get you on the schedule. Reply STOP to opt out.
Rules every auto-reply should follow
- Only text people who just called you, and only once per caller in a window, not once per ring.
- No coupons, discounts or review requests in the automatic text. Under the wireless industry's CTIA guidelines, adding an offer can make a message promotional, which calls for written consent first.
- Honor STOP immediately (and words like QUIT, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE).
- Don't text your own staff, suppliers, withheld numbers, toll-free numbers or short codes.
The reasons, with links to the FCC rules and carrier guidelines, are in is missed-call text-back legal? (not legal advice).
Sending them automatically
Most phones can only send a canned text when you decline a call by hand (see missed-call text-back apps and free options). To send these automatically, you need a text-back app or service. Ringback does it from the Android phone your business line already rings on: you paste a business-hours and an after-hours message, and every missed caller gets the right one from your own number within seconds, once per caller in a set window, with STOP handled automatically. It costs $17/month (or $170/year) with no setup fee; the 7-day free trial needs a card on file through PayPal and is charged automatically when the trial ends unless you cancel first.
Questions
What should an auto-reply text for a missed call say?
Four things: your business name, that you got their call, one next step (reply with what they need, or a booking link), and "Reply STOP to opt out". Keep it under about 160 characters so it arrives as one text, and leave out offers or coupons.
Can I put a discount in my missed-call auto-reply?
It is safer not to. The wireless industry's CTIA guidelines note that adding a coupon or offer can move a message into the promotional category, which calls for express written consent first. Keep the automatic text about the call; send offers only to people who have agreed to receive them.
Should the after-hours message be different?
Yes. Say you are closed, when you will reply, and how to book. For trades where something can be dangerous (gas, electrical, flooding), add a safety line pointing to emergency services or the right shut-off.
Ringback works on an Android phone your business line rings on, or with an iPhone plus a Mac (Mac helper, beta) or a spare Android: see missed-call text-back on iPhone.