Missed-Call Text Back for Contractors: Scripts and Tools

Updated October 13, 2026 · Sources are vendor pricing pages unless noted · Disclosure

When you're under a sink or on a roof, the phone rings out. A missed-call text back sends the caller a message within seconds so they don't move on to the next contractor. Here's how it works, a script you can copy, and which tools in our directory mention texting.

Free: the Missed-Call Playbook (PDF). Call scripts, a missed-call cost checklist and AI receptionist setup steps. Get the playbook →

A text-back script you can copy

"Hi, this is [Company]. Sorry we missed your call, we're on a job. Reply here with your address and what's going on and we'll get you scheduled. Emergency? Reply URGENT."

From our free Missed-Call Playbook.

Contractors: get 1 short email a week on AI receptionist prices, new tools and call-handling tips. Plus the free Missed-Call Playbook (scripts and setup checklist).
Free, unsubscribe anytime. beehiiv handles subscriber emails; see our privacy note.

Text back vs AI receptionist

Missed-call text backAI receptionist
Caller experienceGets a text, must replyCall is answered
Can book the jobOnly after a back-and-forthOften, depending on plan and integration
EmergenciesRelies on you seeing the textSome plans transfer live

Tools in our directory that mention texting (8)

VendorPublished pricingSourceChecked
RosieProfessional $49/mo; Scale $149/mo; Growth $299/mo; Website Texting add-on $50/moheyrosie.com2026-10-13
bevado (formerly Frontdesk)Business-in-a-Box $99/mo ($79/mo billed annually); Partner/Enterprise customwww.bevado.com2026-10-13
OnCrewStarter $49/mo (100 calls); Pro $149/mo; Multi-Truck $349/mo; $0.99 per extra call; $0.05 per extra alert textoncrew.ai2026-10-13
HighLevel Voice AIPlatform Starter $97/mo; AI Employee $50/mo or $97/mo per location; phone/SMS extrawww.gohighlevel.com2026-10-13
DialzaraLite $29/mo ($0.48/min over); Pro $99 ($0.45); Plus $199 ($0.40); Elite $349 ($0.35); SMS from $19/mo; chatbot $39/modialzara.com2026-10-13
Avoca AINot published (sales-quoted) (unverified: vendor publishes no price)marketplace.servicetitan.com2026-10-12
XBert AI (Nextiva)$99/mo includes 100 interactions, then $0.99 per interactionwww.nextiva.com2026-10-13
Ziwi EngageEngage $99/mo; Engage Pro $299/mo + AI usage at cost (unverified: unverified (secondary source))ziwimarketing.com2026-10 (per source)

Feature descriptions come from vendor pages or the third-party sources shown. Confirm exactly what is texted, and when, during a trial.

Find out what unanswered calls cost you first: missed-call calculator. Some links on this site are affiliate links; see our disclosure.

Not sure which tool fits? Take the 1-minute matching quiz or run the missed-call calculator.

FAQ

What is missed-call text back?

An automatic text sent to someone whose call you didn't answer, inviting them to reply with their address and problem. It keeps the conversation going until you can call back.

Is text back enough on its own?

It helps, but the caller still has to wait. An AI receptionist answers the call itself. Some tools do both: Ziwi Engage lists missed-call text back on its $99/mo plan and answering on Engage Pro (third-party pricing, unverified).

Do I need customer consent to text?

Texting rules (such as US carrier registration for business texting and consent rules) vary by situation. Ask your vendor how they handle compliance; this is not legal advice.

Weekly: AI receptionist news for contractors

Pricing changes, new tools and setup tips for plumbers, HVAC, electricians and roofers. Free, unsubscribe anytime.

beehiiv handles subscriber emails; see our privacy note.

Take the quizCalculator