Replies for new leads: web forms, referrals, and "how much does it cost?"
The first reply often decides who gets the job. These go out fast, ask the questions you need answered, and give the customer one clear next step.
Want 25 AI prompts like these in one free PDF? Get the free 25-prompt pack.
Text and email replies
Web form or online lead replyText
Hi [first name], thanks for reaching out to [business] about [service]. A couple quick questions so I can give you a straight answer: 1. [question, e.g. "How old is the system?"] 2. [question, e.g. "Is it not working at all, or working poorly?"] 3. What days/times work best for a visit?
Tip: Pick the two questions that tell you whether this needs a same-day visit. The trade pages below have intake questions for each trade.
Lead from a referralText
Hi [first name], [referrer's first name] passed along your number and said you might need help with [service]. Happy to take a look. What's going on, and when's a good time to talk?
"How much does it cost?" before you've seen the jobText
Good question. It depends on [1-2 factors, e.g. "what's causing it and what parts it needs"], so I don't want to guess and be wrong. Our service call is [$], which covers [what it covers]. If you go ahead with the repair, [e.g. "that fee goes toward it"]. Want me to get you on the schedule?
Tip: Be upfront about the service-call fee before anyone drives out. Don't guess at a repair price.
Out of your service areaText
Thanks for reaching out, [first name]. Unfortunately [town] is outside the area we cover. [Optional: "I'd try [referral business], they do good work."] Sorry we can't help this time.
Phone intake script
For you or whoever answers the phone. It gets the details you need before booking and ends with a clear time window.
Phone intake scriptPhone script
"Thanks for calling [business], this is [name]. How can I help?" [Let them explain. Don't interrupt.] "Got it. Let me grab a few details so we send the right person." 1. Name and best callback number 2. Service address 3. What's happening, and when did it start? 4. [Trade question, e.g. "Is the unit running at all?" / "Is water actively leaking?"] 5. Anyone in the home we should know about? (pets, gate code, access) "Our service call is [$], which covers [what]. The earliest I have is [day, window]. Does that work?" "You're all set for [day, window]. You'll get a text confirmation, and [tech] will text when they're on the way."
Let AI tailor them to your trade
AI prompt: rewrite the first-contact templatesAI prompt
Using my Voice Card, rewrite templates 1.1 to 1.6 for a [trade] business. Keep each under 50 words. Add one question to 1.3 that helps me decide whether this needs a same-day visit.Tip: Paste your Voice Card first (it's on the AI prompts page) so the rewrite sounds like you.
Get the free 25-prompt pack
25 copy-paste AI prompts for home-service owners: quotes, follow-ups, review asks, payment reminders, scheduling texts, and job write-ups. Works with ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, Gemini, or Copilot, free versions included. Enter your email and the PDF is sent to you.
Send me the free pack