What Missed Calls Really Cost Contractors
By Lucas Spyker, Founder, ERA Solutions · Updated
Missed calls are one of the most expensive problems contractors rarely measure. Here is a simple way to put a dollar figure on yours using your own data — and why answering the calls you already get often matters more than buying more leads.
Put a number on your missed calls
Estimate it in four numbers: monthly inbound calls × the share you miss × your call-to-job conversion rate × average job value. Use your own call logs and CRM data so the estimate reflects your business rather than a generic industry benchmark.
Hypothetical example: 200 calls/month × 35% missed × 20% booking rate × $1,500 average job value = $21,000 in potential monthly revenue tied to missed calls. Replace each assumption with your own numbers before using it for a decision.
You’re not bad at sales — you’re busy
Crews are on jobs, driving, or with another customer. Calls come after hours, on weekends, and during storm or heat surges. And some callers who reach voicemail move on rather than waiting for a callback.
Answer and follow up before you spend more
You are already paying to make the phone ring. Before adding marketing spend, make sure the calls you already get are answered, qualified, and followed up. Missed-call text back and after-hours coverage are the usual first steps.
Frequently asked questions
How many calls do contractors really miss?
There is no single useful missed-call percentage for every contractor. Check your own phone logs, including after-hours, weekends, and periods when crews are busy.
What’s the fastest way to stop losing them?
Text back missed calls right away and add coverage for the hours your logs show you are missing. An AI receptionist can do both.
See how ERA would answer your calls.
Book a free 30-minute demo. Tell us how calls reach you today and what a good job looks like — we will show you how ERA would handle them, which plan fits, and what setup involves.