If you run a trade business, you probably didn’t go into it to spend your day answering calls and managing bookings. But for many sole traders and small teams, the phone rings constantly — even when you’re halfway through a job, up a ladder, or trying to enjoy your evening.
That’s where a smarter phone setup makes a big difference.
Let’s look at how a typical tradie could use Advanced PBX, mobile apps, and call automation to stay professional and win more jobs — without being glued to his mobile.
📲 The Scenario: One Number, Smart Handling
Imagine you’re a local plumber, builder, or sparky. You advertise your business number across your van, website, Facebook page and job directories. But instead of answering every call manually, here’s how your phone system could work for you:
1. Main Business Number Routes All Calls
You keep your advertised number — but behind the scenes, it runs through Advanced PBX, a cloud-based phone system with mobile app access and powerful automation.
During hours, calls ring to your mobile app or redirect to someone on your team.
After hours, callers hear a clear, professional message — e.g. “We’re closed, but if it’s urgent, press 1 to be connected to our live answering service.”
2. Overflow or After-Hours? Send to a Live Answering Team
For a small monthly fee, you can activate WTCO’s live answering service. This means:
Calls you miss during the day go to a real person — not a voicemail.
Urgent jobs or emergency call-outs can still be actioned.
You don’t miss out on work just because you were on the tools.
3. Automated Messages & Call Flows
Set up custom call flows with clear options:
Press 1 for quotes
Press 2 to reschedule
Press 3 for emergencies
This gets callers the right info fast — no phone tag, no stress.
Bonus: Call Reports Help You Improve
Advanced PBX also gives you call reporting tools that help you see:
When calls come in (time of day, day of week)
How many were answered vs missed
What your busiest times are
Which numbers are calling most
With this data, you can:
Plan admin or quoting time around peak call periods
Justify hiring help (or switching to live answering)
Never lose track of lead follow-ups again
Why Not Just Use Your Mobile?
Here’s the thing: using your personal mobile number for your business might seem easy, but it leads to:
Missed jobs because you’re tied up
Unprofessional or inconsistent messaging
After-hours interruptions that burn you out
No visibility or reporting on what’s working
A Better Setup = More Time, Better Service
Using WTCO’s Advanced PBX setup:
You stay in control of your business number
You stay off the phone when you need to be on the tools
You give customers a professional experience, even after hours
And if you need help setting it up, our team’s here to guide you — or take care of it all for you.
Want to See How It Would Work for Your Business?
Book a free 30-min strategy call and we’ll map out what this setup could look like for your trade business — including:
Smart call flows
Mobile app access
After-hours coverage
Call reporting insights
Book your upgrade strategy call »
Let your phone system do more — so you can focus on the job.
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