Text Message Templates for Contractors (Copy & Paste)
Ready-to-use SMS templates for follow-ups, reviews, reminders, emergencies, and re-engaging past customers — written for trade businesses.
Why templates matter
The difference between a reply that wins a job and one that loses it is often just a few words. Customers text you, and what you say in the first response sets the tone for the whole job.
These templates are written for home-service businesses — natural, professional, and ready to copy and paste. Swap in your details and make them yours.
First response (new inquiry)
When a customer texts for the first time:
> Hi [name]! Thanks for reaching out to [business]. Happy to help with [service]. Could you tell me a little more about what's going on — and what area you're in?
Why it works: acknowledges, offers help, and gathers the info you need to respond well.
Booking / scheduling
When they ask about availability:
> We have [day] at [time] and [day] at [time] open this week. Which works better for you?
Confirming a booking:
> You're booked for [service] on [day] at [time] at [address]. I'll text you a reminder the day before. See you then!
Rescheduling (customer request):
> No problem at all! I have [day] at [time] or [day] at [time] available. Which works better?
Emergency / urgent
Burst pipe, no heat, no power:
> This sounds urgent — I'm flagging it right now. Can you confirm your address and whether there's water/power still working? I'll get back to you within [X minutes].
After-hours:
> Thanks for reaching out! I'm currently off the clock but wanted you to know I saw this. If this is an emergency, reply "EMERGENCY" and I'll be notified immediately. Otherwise I'll get back to you first thing in the morning.
Estimate follow-up (the money template)
48 hours after sending an estimate:
> Hi [name] — just checking in on the [service] estimate I sent over. Happy to answer any questions. Would you like to move forward with [day]?
The availability nudge (day 5-6):
> Quick heads up — I have [day] open if you'd like to get this done before [weekend/heatwave/winter]. Want me to hold it?
Appointment reminder
24 hours before:
> Reminder: [business] will be at [address] tomorrow at [time] for [service]. Reply "C" to confirm or text us to reschedule. See you then!
After the job
Satisfaction check (24 hours):
> Hi [name] — hope everything's working great after our visit yesterday. If anything needs attention, just text us. Thanks for choosing [business]!
Review request (the one that grows your Google rating):
> Hi [name] — glad we could help with the [service]! If you have a minute, would you leave us a quick review? It really helps our small business. Here's the link: [review link]. Thanks so much!
Re-engaging past customers
Seasonal check-in:
> Hi [name] — it's that time of year again! We're booking [spring tune-ups / winter checks / fall cleanings] now. Want me to put you on the schedule?
Winning back silent customers (6+ months):
> Hi [name] — it's been a while since we last helped out. If anything needs attention, we'd love to help. Reply and I'll get you scheduled.
The automation advantage
Templates only work if you actually send them. The reality: in the middle of a busy day, the follow-up that would have closed a quote gets forgotten. That's exactly what automation solves.
Prybar sends these follow-ups automatically:
Instant reply to every new text, 24/7
Estimate follow-up 48 hours after every quote
Review request 24 hours after every job
Reminders before appointments
Set it once, and every customer gets the same professional response your best day would give. Try it free for 7 days — no credit card.
Prybar helps trade businesses never miss a customer text again. Responds instantly, captures leads, books jobs — all while you work. Try it free.
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