How should I answer the phone for my business?
Answer a business phone with a short greeting that gives the business name and your name and offers help, such as "Northside Plumbing, Sam speaking, how can I help?", then ask the questions that let you deal with the call properly.
The greeting
Three parts: the business, who's speaking, and an offer of help. Say it slowly; the caller is still working out if they've rung the right number. Skip long scripts like 'good morning and thank you for calling', which sound rushed when said quickly.
- "Northside Plumbing, Sam speaking, how can I help?"
- "Northside Motors, this is Priya. What can I do for you?"
- "Good afternoon, Northside Lettings, Tom speaking."
What to ask next
After the caller explains, get what you'll need to act, in a natural order:
- Their name, and the best number to reach them.
- Where the job is, if it's at their property.
- What's needed and how urgent it is.
- For garages: the registration and what work. For agents: the property and whether they're buying, selling, renting or letting.
- A time that suits, or when they'd like a call back.
Ending the call
Read back the key details, especially the phone number. Then say exactly what happens next: "I've pencilled you in for Thursday at 9 and someone will confirm by end of day." Callers remember the ending more than anything else.
Where Pickuply fits
Pickuply's receptionist follows this pattern on every call: your business name and its own name in the greeting, then the questions that matter for your kind of business, a read-back of the caller's number, and a clear next step.
Free to try on a call in your browser. No card needed. Or start without a website.
Questions
Should I use my own name when answering?
Yes. It makes the call personal and helps the caller if they ring back.
Should I say 'good morning'?
It's fine if you say it slowly. The business name matters more.