The exact texts
Six texts an HVAC company sends, word for word.
Copy them into your own software with your company's name. Each one names the business, asks one question and gives a way out. Under each is the rule it follows under Canada's anti-spam law, with the source.
01 · The quote that went quiet
The unsold estimate, day one.
To anyone you quoted in the last six months who never said yes or no. One question, in the words you'd use across the counter. Replies go to your office to book.
An estimate request is an inquiry under CASL, which gives you six months of implied consent to text about it. After six months, the quote is cold.Government of Canada, CASL and texting
The text
Unsold estimate, day 1Hi Sam, it's Larkfield Heating. You had a quote from us for a furnace back in June. Is that still on your list? Happy to answer questions or find you a time. Reply STOP to opt out.
One follow-up, day 5, then nothingHi Sam, Larkfield Heating again. Checking you saw our last text. If now isn't the time, just let us know. Reply STOP to opt out.
Two texts, then silence. A third one costs you more in trust than it books.
02 · The call that rang out
The missed-call text-back.
Sent within a minute of a call that rings out, so the caller has a way to reach you before they dial the next company. Your software can send it; which plan and which number is in the side-by-side from the vendors' docs.
A smell of gas or a CO alarm is never a text-back. Those callers are told to leave the house and call 911 first.
The text
Missed call, within a minuteHi, it's Larkfield Heating. Sorry we missed your call. If it's a no-heat, reply here and we'll call you right back. Reply STOP to opt out.
35 of 100 calls to a business ring out, and 58 of 100 missed callers leave no voicemail. The sources are on the 3 mistakes.
03 · The customer who never hears from you
The tune-up reminder.
To paid customers whose last service is over a year old. Send it in the shoulder weeks, when your techs have room, so the quiet days fill first.
A purchase gives two years of implied consent from the date of the job. Most shops never use it.The Act, section 10
The text
Tune-up due, day 1Hi Sam, it's Larkfield Heating. It has been a while since we looked at your furnace. We have tune-up times open in October. Want us to hold one for you? Reply STOP to opt out.
The replacement reminder, around year twelve to fifteenHi Sam, it's Larkfield Heating. The furnace we put in for you in 2011 is coming up on its later years. No rush, but if you'd like to know what it has left and what a replacement would run, we can look at it on your next tune-up. Reply STOP to opt out.
04 · The job you finished Tuesday
The review request.
The same day, while they're still pleased. The tech asks in person, then the office sends the link. Never an incentive for the review, and never only to the happy ones.
Reply to every review in a sentence or two. The next homeowner on Google reads the reply as closely as the review.
The text
Same day as the jobHi Sam, it's Larkfield Heating. Thanks for having us out today. If you've got a minute, a Google review helps the next homeowner find us: g.page/r/your-review-link. Reply STOP to opt out.
Swap in your own review link, the one your Google Business Profile shows under "Ask for reviews". More on review requests.
The rules every text follows
Name the business. Ask one question. Give a way out.
Every text names your company, so the homeowner knows who it's from. Every text carries a way to reach you and a way to opt out, and a STOP is honoured the same day. Only people you're allowed to text get one: an estimate inside six months, or a paid customer inside two years. Drop the landlines before you send. One follow-up, then stop.
The print edition
One page for the office wall, by email.
All six texts on one Letter page with the rules under them, so whoever runs your office has the words in front of them. Dan sends it himself, usually the same day. No sequence, no sales call: the page, and one note a week later asking whether it got used.
Dan sends it himself. Privacy
Or we send them for you, free.
The free Estimate Sweep sends the first three texts to your unsold estimates and the customers due for a tune-up, in your company's name, for 14 days. Your office books the replies. Free, no contract, no card.
Next Truck by Tekton Digital · tektondigital.ca/go/guides · 905-517-1517 · dan@tektondigital.ca