Plumbing crews spend a significant amount of time in the field catering to customers and juggling between locations and job sites. Because many are small local businesses, they don’t necessarily have a full-size front desk or too many people inside the office. Technicians often have to take calls during work, and even with dedication, it is impossible to attend every caller. Missed calls mean lost leads and opportunities, considering plumbing emergencies are common and require immediate attention. You can change the game for your local business by using an answering service for plumbers. Here is a look at advantages and guidelines on choosing one!
Capture Every Call – Even While You’re Under a Sink
What exactly is an AI receptionist? Providers like Signpost offer an AI answering service that allows plumbers and other services to take calls without expanding the existing team or using voicemail. Signpost’s AI-powered service is scalable and can handle hundreds of calls at the same time, ensuring each caller gets a quick and custom response. Currently, the company has hundreds of small businesses as their clients. AI can also capture every detail, such as names, numbers, requests, and locations.
Book Plumbing Jobs Automatically
AI answering services can directly connect with existing tools, including QuickBooks, Jobbr, and calendar, ensuring service requests are booked without delay. There is no risk of double booking the same slot or missing available slots, as the entire process is streamlined and designed for centralized communication. AI is also designed to understand user intent. Current models are only getting better, and with natural language processing and voice synthesis, AI can understand emergency situations and help the caller accordingly. Many providers offer an app, so your team on the field is automatically notified when there is an urgent request. Your technicians and plumbing experts don’t have to answer every call – Only the essential and urgent calls will be forwarded by AI.
Respond to Customers 24/7
AI is designed to respond around the clock, even beyond usual business timings, weekends, and holidays. You don’t have to use voicemail anymore, which was always an ineffective option. When someone is dealing with a major plumbing leak, they are unlikely to use voicemail. Instead, they will choose the first service they can find. Scaling your existing front desk strength may not be economical, considering there are numerous costs – recruitment, salaries, training, benefits, perks, and more. With AI leading the customer care department, you can expect to deliver quality support without the corresponding costs.
Finding the Best AI Answering Service for Plumbers
Let’s start with niche features. You need an AI receptionist that’s meant for service providers, such as electricians, contractors, and plumbers. Ensure the company supports and offers solutions for small businesses.
Next, check what is included and how you are billed. In most cases, you will usually get a fixed number of minutes for a monthly price, but you should also have the choice to scale or move between options. Consider whether you experience seasonal spikes or have busy months, which will help you choose the right option.
Next, check the process of updating scripts. Your team may not know coding and yet, they will be responsible for adding information or changing details in the knowledge base. Ensure the steps are simple. What also matters is the overall onboarding process. If the AI system can integrate with existing tools, that is always a plus.
You should also check a few demo calls to review if the AI responses sound natural. Your customers shouldn’t have a robotic conversation with the machine. How the system will route calls to your team is also worth reviewing, Make a list of best-rated AI answering services for plumbers now!