12 Missed Call Text Templates for Contractors (Copy and Paste)
In short
A good missed call text names your business, says what happens next, gives the caller one easy action and includes an opt-out. Keep it under 160 characters when you can, avoid offers and links you don't need, and make sure someone will see the reply. Below are 12 templates for contractors, grouped by situation.
A missed call text has one job: give the caller an easier next step than calling your competitor. In CallRail's September 2025 survey of 1,000 US consumers, only 42% said they leave a voicemail when a business doesn't answer, so a short text gives the rest a way to respond.
Before you use these, make sure your texting is set up properly. Business texts sent through software generally need A2P 10DLC registration, and you should have the right permission to text. Our missed call text back guide explains both. This is general information, not legal advice.
Swap in your business name and number. Everything in brackets is a placeholder.
What should every missed call text include?
| Include | Why |
|---|---|
| Your business name | Carriers expect it, and the caller needs to know who's texting |
| What happens next | "We'll call back within an hour" beats "We'll be in touch" |
| One easy action | Reply here, or call a number |
| Opt-out wording | CTIA says standard "STOP" wording should be used |
| Nothing promotional | Marketing texts need express written consent |
Keep it to about 160 characters when you can. Plain punctuation helps too, since curly quotes and special characters can shorten what fits in one text segment and raise the cost.
What should you text during business hours?
1. Simple and short
[Business]: Sorry we missed your call. We're on a job and will call back soon. Reply here with what you need. Reply STOP to opt out.
2. Set a time
[Business]: Sorry we missed you. We return calls within [1 hour] during the day. Reply with your address and the problem. Reply STOP to opt out.
3. Ask for one detail
[Business]: Thanks for calling. What can we help with: repair, install or estimate? Reply here and we'll follow up. Reply STOP to opt out.
What should you text after hours?
4. Next morning
[Business]: We're closed for the night and will call you back after [7 AM]. Reply here with what you need. Reply STOP to opt out.
5. Weekend
[Business]: We're off today and back [Monday at 7 AM]. Reply here with your details and we'll call you first thing. Reply STOP to opt out.
6. Emergency line
[Business]: We're closed now. For an emergency, call [on-call number]. For anything else, reply here and we'll respond in the morning. Reply STOP to opt out.
What should you text for emergencies?
Only promise what you can deliver. If nobody's watching replies overnight, say so and point to a number that works.
7. No heat, no cool, no water
[Business]: Got your call. If this is an emergency, call [on-call number] now. Otherwise reply with your address and the problem. Reply STOP to opt out.
8. Safety first
[Business]: Sorry we missed you. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the area and call 911 or your utility. For help from us, call [number]. Reply STOP to opt out.
9. Storm days
[Business]: We're getting a lot of storm calls today. Reply with your address and damage and we'll add you to the list. Reply STOP to opt out.
What should you text for quotes and return calls?
10. Estimate request
[Business]: Thanks for calling about an estimate. Reply with your address and the work you need and we'll call to schedule. Reply STOP to opt out.
11. Existing customer
[Business]: Sorry we missed you. If this is about a current job, reply with your name and address and we'll get the right person. Reply STOP to opt out.
12. Photos help
[Business]: Sorry we missed your call. If it helps, reply with a photo of the problem and your address. We'll follow up soon. Reply STOP to opt out.
What should you avoid in a missed call text?
- Offers and coupons. A discount can turn an informational text into a promotional one.
- Link shorteners. Texting platforms and reviewers may reject public shorteners such as bit.ly.
- Promises you can't keep. "We'll call right back" at midnight sets you up to fail.
- Repeated texts. Send one. Don't start a sequence on someone who only called once.
- Opt-out dead ends. CTIA says businesses should honor normal requests such as "please opt me out," not just the word STOP.
Who should answer the replies?
Decide this first. A text back only works if someone responds, and that's where most setups fall apart. Name one person for business hours, and be honest about nights and weekends.
If nobody can do that, the better fix may be answering the call in the first place. Our comparison of missed call text back vs an AI receptionist walks through that decision, and the missed call audit shows what you're losing today.
Frequently asked questions
What do you say in a missed call text?
Name your business, apologize briefly, say when you'll respond and give one easy next step. Add opt-out wording such as "Reply STOP to opt out." Keep it short enough to read at a glance.
How fast should a missed call text go out?
Within seconds or a minute or two. The caller may still be looking for someone else, so the value of the text falls quickly. Most tools send it automatically.
How long should a missed call text be?
Aim for 160 characters or fewer, which fits in one standard text segment. Longer messages are split and billed as multiple segments. Some templates here run slightly longer, so trim them to fit your name and number.
Should I include my business name in every text?
Yes. The caller may not have your number saved, and carrier reviewers expect texts to identify the sender. It also makes the message look less like spam.
Can I send the same template to every caller?
You can start that way, but use separate versions for business hours and after hours. A text saying you'll call right back reads badly at 11 PM.
Do missed call texts need "Reply STOP to opt out"?
It's the standard wording, and CTIA says it should be used for opt-out instructions. Include it, and make sure your system actually honors the request.