A mobile phone answering service for when you are on the tools
If your mobile is your business line, you miss calls every time you are up a ladder, driving or with a customer. A mobile phone answering service picks up those calls for you. Here is how it works, what it costs and how to set it up in a few minutes.
Why mobile only businesses miss calls
Sole traders and small trade firms run on one phone. You cannot answer on a roof, under a sink, at the wheel or halfway through a job with the customer watching. Many of those callers will not leave a voicemail. They ring the next trader instead.
How it works
1. Forward the calls you miss
Set your mobile to forward calls you do not answer, or when you are busy or out of signal, to your answering service number.
2. It answers in your name
Callers hear your business name and a natural voice, and get answers about prices, areas and availability.
3. It books or takes the details
Jobs and appointments go into your diary, and every caller’s name, number and request is captured.
4. You see every call
Each call shows on your dashboard, so you can call back the ones that need you.
Set it up on your phone
On most UK networks, dial **61*number# to forward calls you do not answer, **67*number# for when you are busy and **62*number# for when you are out of signal, using the number your answering service gives you. Use all three to send only the calls you miss. Our guide to call forwarding explains each one.
What it handles
New enquiries
Who they are, where the job is and what they need.
Quote requests
The details you need to price the job.
Bookings
Visits and appointments straight into your diary.
Existing customers
Chasers and questions, logged for you.
Urgent jobs
Flagged so you see them first.
Common questions
Prices, areas covered and when you are free.
What it costs
Human answering services usually charge per call or per minute. OptiFlow Lite is a flat £49 a month with unlimited calls, so a busy week costs the same as a quiet one.
Questions people ask
Can I still answer calls myself?
Yes. Forward only the calls you do not answer, so you take the ones you can and the rest are picked up for you.
Will it work on any mobile network?
Call forwarding works on all the main UK networks. Some charge for forwarded calls, so check your tariff.
What happens to urgent calls?
You set the rules. Urgent calls can be flagged so you see them first, with the full details already taken.
Will customers know it is not me?
It answers in your business name, and it is good practice to say it is an assistant. Most callers just want to book in or get a price.
Answer every call, even on the tools
Book a demo and we will set it up on your own mobile number.
Related reading: What is call forwarding, AI receptionist for plumbers, AI receptionist for electricians, Call answering for small businesses.