Guide
Missed calls → booked jobs: an AI text-back setup
If you're on a job, driving, or with a customer, you can't answer every call. The person who called usually tries one more number. A missed-call text-back closes that gap: within about a minute they get a short SMS that apologises, asks what they need, and offers two real booking times. You confirm before anything is locked in.
What to hand to an agent first
Instant SMS on missed call
When your phone system (or mobile app) marks a call as missed, trigger one SMS to that number. Keep it short, in your voice, and ask one clear next step.
Qualify in the thread
Ask what they need, the address or area, and how urgent it is. For trades, ask for a photo when it helps. Stop at 3–4 questions; don't interrogate.
Offer real slots
Pull two open windows from your calendar and offer them. Hold a request for you — do not auto-confirm paid work until you approve.
Notify you + escalate emergencies
One message to you with who called, what they want, urgency, and the slot they picked. Words like flooding or gas smell should ring you immediately, not wait in SMS.
Ready-made use cases
- 01Missed-call text-back that books the job
Every missed call gets an instant text that qualifies the lead and offers a booking link.
~6h/week · estimate - 02Book plumbing jobs by SMS with no office staff
An agent answers inbound texts, quotes standard jobs, checks your calendar and books the slot. Built for owners with no office staff to answer texts.
~12h/week · estimate - 03Quotes from customer photos
Customers text photos; the agent drafts a quote range from your price list for you to confirm.
~4h/week · estimate - 04Appointment reminders that cut no-shows
The agent confirms appointments the day before and handles reschedules.
~3h/week · estimate - 05Never miss a lead follow-up
The agent checks your CRM or inbox for leads that went quiet and drafts the next follow-up.
~4h/week · estimate
Example: Grok Bot setup
Grok Bot routine: Missed-call text-back that books the job Schedule: Always on (missed calls) When I miss a call, text the caller within 1 minute: apologize, ask what they need, and offer two booking times from my calendar. Log the lead and notify me with a summary. Rules: draft first, never send or post anything external without my approval. Keep summaries short.
Grok Bot, ChatGPT, Claude and n8n versions: all templates
Keep these human
- Emergencies must reach a human immediately.
- Final quotes and discounts are yours until you trust the price list matching.
- Complaints and refunds go to you.
- Start in draft mode: the agent prepares, you approve, then you loosen the leash routine by routine.
FAQ
What should an AI agent do first for Missed calls → booked jobs: an AI text-back setup?
Instant SMS on missed call: When your phone system (or mobile app) marks a call as missed, trigger one SMS to that number. Keep it short, in your voice, and ask one clear next step. Qualify in the thread: Ask what they need, the address or area, and how urgent it is. For trades, ask for a photo when it helps. Stop at 3–4 questions; don't interrogate. Offer real slots: Pull two open windows from your calendar and offer them. Hold a request for you — do not auto-confirm paid work until you approve.
What should stay human?
Emergencies must reach a human immediately. Final quotes and discounts are yours until you trust the price list matching. Complaints and refunds go to you. Start in draft mode: the agent prepares, you approve, then you loosen the leash routine by routine.
Is there a ready-made template?
Yes. Start with "Missed-call text-back that books the job": copy-ready Grok Bot, ChatGPT, Claude and n8n templates are at https://whatshouldmybotdo.com/use-cases/missed-call-text-back#templates.