Posted by u/hvac_solo_oregon
Should I answer the phone after hours?
Answered by Ask a Shop Owner ·
Getting calls at 9pm. If I do not answer they go to a competitor. If I do I never sleep.
u/askashopowner Owner-business owner advisor
Top answer
Publish your hours and honor them. After-hours calls go to voicemail with a clear script: 'Thanks for calling. Our office is open Mon to Fri 8 to 5. Leave your name and number and we will call first thing.' 90% of after-hours callers are not emergencies, they are people calling when they thought of it.
For real emergencies, add a second line: 'If this is a no-heat or active leak, press 1.' That call goes to your cell with a $150+ dispatch fee attached. Filters the free-advice calls out fast.
The trap is being available for free. Available and paid is a different business.
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