What does a missed call cost a contractor?
Most contractors know they miss calls. Few know what those calls are worth. Here is a quick way to put a number on it using your own figures.
The simple formula
Take the number of calls you miss in a typical week. Multiply by the share of callers who would have booked an estimate. Multiply by the share of estimates you normally win. Multiply by your average job value. That is what missed calls cost you each week. Multiply by four for a rough monthly figure.
- Missed calls per week
- Share of callers who book an estimate
- Your win rate on estimates
- Average job value
Where to get the numbers
Your phone carrier's call log shows missed and unanswered calls. Your calendar or CRM shows how many booked estimates turned into jobs. If you do not track a win rate, start with a cautious guess and replace it with real data after a month.
Why voicemail loses more than you expect
Many callers with an urgent problem will not leave a message and wait. They call the next company on the list. Voicemail works for people who already know and trust you. It works poorly for new customers who are comparing options.
What you can do about it
You can answer more calls yourself, hire someone, use a live answering service, or use an AI receptionist. Each has trade-offs. Our comparison of an AI receptionist and a live answering service walks through them, and the page on after-hours options covers nights and weekends.
Common questions
How many missed calls is normal?
It varies by trade and season. Count yours for two weeks before deciding anything.
Is every missed call a lost job?
No. Some callers try again or leave a message. The formula uses your own booking and win rates so it does not assume every missed call is lost.
Want to talk it through?
Tell us what you are dealing with. We will give you a straight answer on whether automation is worth it for your business.