As a small business owner or employee, you won’t be able to pick up the phone every a customer reaches out. You shouldn’t expect yourself to be able to respond 24/7 either. After all, even multinational corporations with billions in annual revenue put customers on hold. Ever try contacting your cable company?
If you can’t pick up the phone, here’s a list of professional sounding greeting and voicemail scripts you can use for after hours or out of the office messages. I even share the exact voicemail messages I use in my own business to let customers and prospects know that I’m not available right now whether I’m on vacation or just plain busy helping another client.
After Hours Voicemail Greetings
Professional Voicemail Messages.
Hello and thank you for calling Green Meadows Lawn Care, where your lawn’s beauty is our passion. This is Alex, the owner. We’re currently out making lawns look great, but your call is very important to us. Our regular business hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday.
For urgent lawn care needs, please email us at [insert email address]. We promise to get back to you by the next business day. Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief description of your lawn care needs.
Hello, you’ve reached Savory Delights Catering, where we bring flavor to your events. This is Jamie, the owner. We’re currently away from the phone, either preparing delicious menus or serving at an event. Our standard business hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
If you’re calling about an urgent catering request or need immediate assistance, please email us at [email protected], and we will respond as promptly as possible. We aim to return all calls within one business day, so please leave your name, contact information, and details about your catering needs.
Thank you for considering Savory Delights for your event. We’re excited to help make your occasion a memorable feast. Have a fantastic day!
Hey there! You’ve reached the Rolling Bistro, the funkiest food truck on wheels! Sorry we missed your call – we’re probably out flipping burgers or serving up our famous tacos. Our truck roams the streets from 11 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
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Got a craving or a special request? Dash us an email at [insert email address]. We’ll get back to you faster than our grill heats up! Leave your name, number, and what’s tickling your taste buds.
Thanks for chasing down The Rolling Bistro. Catch us if you can on the streets, and have an absolutely scrumptious day!
Hello, and thanks for calling HandyFix Solutions, your go-to for all home repair needs. This is Jack, your friendly neighborhood handyman. I’m currently out with my toolbelt, either fixing a leak or bringing an old deck back to life.
If your repair can’t wait, shoot leave me your name, contact details, and short description of your issue. I’ll get back to you as soon as I put down my hammer. My working hours are usually from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday, but I’m always ready to tackle emergencies.
The importance of a voicemail.
Out of Office Voicemail Messages
Hello, you’ve reached the voicemail of [Your Name], [Your Position] at [Company Name]. I am currently out of the office with limited access to my phone. My regular working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
If this is urgent, please contact my colleague [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Phone Number] or email [Colleague’s Email]. Otherwise, I would appreciate it if you could leave your name, contact information, and a brief message, and I will get back to you as soon as I return.
Hi there, you’ve dialed into the whirlwind world of [Your Name], the Warehouse Manager at [Company Name]. Right now, I’m likely in the midst of orchestrating our daily logistical symphony or tackling a mountain of inventory.
I’m typically on the move from 7 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, but I’m committed to returning calls within one business day. If you need immediate assistance or have a time-sensitive issue, please reach out to my assistant, [Assistant’s Name], at [Assistant’s Phone Number] or email [Assistant’s Email]. For all other inquiries, please leave your name, your number, and a brief message after the beep.
Small Business Voicemail Messages
Hello and woof-woof! You’ve reached [Your Name], the proud owner and chief stylist at [Your Mobile Pet Barber Business Name]. I’m currently out sprucing up some adorable clients or on the move to my next furry appointment.
I’m usually trimming and grooming from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. If your pet is in need of a quick snip or a full pamper session, please leave your name, your pet’s name, your contact number, and a brief message. I promise to get back to you as soon as my paws are free.
In case of a grooming emergency, you can email me at [Your Business Email]. I check emails regularly between appointments.
Thank you for calling [Your Business Name], where every pet gets the star treatment. Can’t wait to make your furry friend look fabulous. Have a paw-some day!
Hi, you’ve reached [Your Name], the owner of [Your Business Name]. I’m currently away from my desk or attending to business matters. My usual hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
If you need immediate assistance, please contact [Alternate Contact Name] at [Alternate Contact Phone Number] or email [Alternate Contact Email]. For all other inquiries, leave your name, your contact information, and a brief message. I prioritize returning all calls and will get back to you at my earliest convenience. Your call is important to [Your Business Name], and I appreciate your patience.
Hello, you’ve reached [Your Name] at [Your Consulting Firm’s Name]. I am currently out of the office or in consultations and unable to take your call. Our business hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
If this matter requires immediate attention, please reach out to my associate, [Associate’s Name], at [Associate’s Phone Number] or email them at [Associate’s Email]. For all other inquiries, kindly leave your name, contact details, and a brief overview of how we can assist you. I assure you that your message is of utmost importance, and I will return your call as soon as possible.
The notes that resonate when the conversation is on pause.
Out on Vacation Voicemail Messages
Hi! You’ve reached [Your Name], the chief do-everything officer at [Your Business Name]. Right now, I’m recharging my superpowers (aka on vacation) and won’t be able to answer calls directly. I’ll be back and in action on [Date You Return].
If your situation is as urgent as a cat stuck in a tree, my trusty sidekick, [Colleague’s Name], is on standby to save the day. You can reach them at [Colleague’s Phone Number] or email [Colleague’s Email]. For everything else, leave your name, your contact details, and a message. I’ll get back to you faster than a speeding bullet once I’m back.
Thanks for calling [Your Business Name], where every client is a superhero in our story. Enjoy your day, and remember – even superheroes need a vacation.
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Aloha! You’ve reached [Your Name] from [Your Business Name]. I’m currently soaking up some sun and finding inspiration on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. I’ll be back and ready to tackle business with a fresh tan and fresh ideas on [Date You Return].
In my absence, [Colleague’s Name] is steering our ship. Reach out to them at [Colleague’s Phone Number] or email [Colleague’s Email] for anything urgent. For non-urgent matters, leave me a message with your details, and I’ll call you back once I’m mainland again.
Bonjour and hello! This is [Your Name] from [Your Business Name]. I am currently on a cultural sabbatical, exploring the charming streets of Paris and indulging in a croissant or two. I’ll be back, full of inspiration and ready to work, on [Date You Return].
While I’m admiring the Eiffel Tower, [Colleague’s Name] will be your go-to person back home. They can be reached at [Colleague’s Phone Number] or via email at [Colleague’s Email] for immediate assistance. For all other inquiries, please leave your name and message, and I’ll respond faster than you can say ‘au revoir’ upon my return.
The value of a voicemail is not just in the words spoken.
Higher than Expected Call Volume Messages
Hello and thank you for calling [Your Business Name]. We’re thrilled (but a bit overwhelmed) by the number of calls coming in today! Unfortunately, this means we can’t pick up right now as we’re assisting other valued customers just like you.
We know your time is precious, and we’re sorry to keep you waiting. If you’re able to, please leave your name, contact number, and the reason for your call. Rest assured, we’re committed to returning your call as soon as we possibly can.
Good day! You’ve reached [Your Name] at [Your Business Name]. It looks like today is super busy – our phones are ringing off the hook! We’re doing our best to answer every call, but it seems your timing is as popular as our services.
Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief message. We’re working hard to get back to each and every call. If you prefer, drop us a line at [Your Business Email] – we’re just as quick on the keyboard as we are on the phone. Thanks for your patience and for choosing [Your Business Name]. We can’t wait to chat with you!
Hello! You’ve dialed into [Your Business Name], and we’re currently swamped with more calls than we ever anticipated – a good problem to have, but a challenge nonetheless! Unfortunately, this means we can’t take your call right this moment.
We value your time and your business, so please leave your name, number, and the reason for your call. We promise to get back to you as fast as humanly possible. Alternatively, for a quicker response, consider sending an email to [Your Business Email].
Hello and thank you for calling [Your Restaurant’s Name]. This is [Your Name], the owner and head chef. Right now, I’m either in the kitchen crafting today’s specials or ensuring every guest in our dining room is having a fantastic experience. That means I can’t come to the phone this instant.
If you’re calling to make a reservation, please leave your name, contact number, and desired reservation details. For all other inquiries, including event bookings or specific dietary requests, kindly leave a message and we will return your call as soon as the kitchen simmers down.
For immediate answers, you might also want to check our website at [Your Restaurant’s Website], where you can find menus, opening hours, and more.
The Anatomy of the Perfect Voicemail Message
Voicemails are the echoes of our words when we can’t be there in person.
Want to craft the perfect voicemail message? Here are the considerations you should consider to make sure your callers get all the information they need and the expectations are correctly set.
| Consideration | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Start with a polite and welcoming greeting. | “Hello, you’ve reached [Your Business Name].” |
| Business Name | Clearly state the name of your business. | “Thank you for calling [Your Business Name].” |
| Your Name and Position | Introduce yourself briefly. This adds a personal touch. | “This is [Your Name], the [Your Position] of [Your Business Name].” |
| After-Hours Acknowledgment | Acknowledge that the business is currently closed. | “We are currently closed.” |
| Business Hours | Provide your regular business hours so the caller knows when to reach you. | “Our normal business hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.” |
| Call-Back Assurance | Assure the caller that their call is important and will be returned. | “Your call is very important to us.” |
| Instruction for Urgent Matters | Include instructions or alternative contact information for urgent matters, if applicable. | “For urgent matters, please email us at [Urgent Contact Email].” |
| Expected Response Time | Let the caller know when they can expect a call back. | “We will return your call within one business day.” |
| Request for Caller Information | Ask the caller to leave their name, contact number, and a brief message. | “Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief message.” |
| Closing Appreciation | End with a note of thanks or appreciation for the call. | “Thank you for calling [Your Business Name]. Have a great day!” |
Here’s an example of how you might put it all together using this formula:Â
Hello, you’ve reached [Your Business Name]. This is [Your Name], the [Your Position]. We are currently closed. Our normal business hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Your call is very important to us. For urgent matters, please email us at [Urgent Contact Email]. We will return your call within one business day. Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief message. Thank you for calling [Your Business Name]. Have a great day!
Finally, here’s the exact voicemail message I leave on my phone as a blogger / content creator. I use literally the exact same process above to create my own voicemail. The one little wrinkle I like to add is to specifically request to email the details of the call. There’s nothing I like less than listening to a long voicemail message from someone that isn’t concise. Referring people to my website to complete a form or send an email has helped with my mental health.
Hi, you’ve reached Brett, the taste explorer behind FoodTruckEmpire. I’m likely out on a culinary adventure or stuffing my face with a food truck burrito so I can’t take your call right now.
If you have a specific question, collaboration idea, or just want to say hello, go to the Contact Us page of my website and complete the form. I look forward to getting your message and speaking with you.
This voicemail guides callers to the website for comprehensive information, minimizing the need for lengthy phone messages, while still inviting them to leave a brief message for more personalized queries. I hope this post helps you compile a professional sounding voicemail script you can use.
