As a small trades business owner—whether in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or general contracting—you’re used to wearing many hats. One moment you’re on-site with tools in hand, the next you’re handling invoices, scheduling jobs, and yes, even answering the phone. While you’ll do whatever it takes to keep your business running, all those extra hats can pull you away from the work that you do best—and actually drives business growth.

Having served trades businesses across Canada for over 50 years, we understand the struggle. And that’s why we offer answering service options that fit your business needs.

People in the trades business know that one missed call could represent a number of missed opportunities, like the following:

• A homeowner with an emergency leak
• A property manager calling about a maintenance contract
• A referral from one of your best customers

Not all clients will be relentless in calling you once you miss their call. If you’re unavailable, most won’t leave a message. They move on to a company that picks up the phone. That lost opportunity can equate to hundreds (or thousands) in missed revenue. Even worse, unanswered calls can give the impression that your company isn’t reliable.

Partnering with an answering service changes that. No matter when a customer calls, they’re greeted by a live, professional agent who represents your business. They can schedule appointments, dispatch urgent help, and take accurate messages—helping you stay focused on the job at hand.

Flexible call plans without long contracts

Wondering if an answering service is right for your business? The answer is almost always yes. For owner-led teams, whether you’re running one truck or a lean crew, the biggest advantage is flexibility. You’re not locked into long-term contracts or paying for coverage you don’t need.

At On Call Centre, we tailor plans to your call volume and working hours. You can have after-hours coverage only during the winter, for example, or weekend support while you’re on jobs. Some contractors choose overflow call handling, so they never miss a call when they’re already with a customer.

Think of it as having a receptionist on demand, delivering professional support only when you need it, without the overhead of full-time staff.

24/7 and bilingual—Even on a budget

In the trades business, clients expect you to be available around the clock. And in Canada, many expect service in both English and French. That can feel overwhelming for small trade businesses.

But with the right partner, 24/7 bilingual support is possible, even for your growing business. At On Call Centre, our agents can handle calls in either language fluently. With us, you’ll never have to worry about concerns getting lost in translation, missing opportunities, or looking unprepared.

How the right partner pays for itself

The real measure of value isn’t the monthly fee—it’s the business you win (and keep) because of it.

• One emergency job captured after hours can easily cover the cost of your answering service plan.
• Organized digital call reports make quoting and scheduling easier, saving you time.
• Your technicians only get notified for urgent calls, while routine inquiries can be managed during office hours.

Instead of draining your resources, the service works like a force multiplier. It keeps your pipeline full, your customers satisfied, and your team focused.

For small trades businesses, professionalism starts before you even set foot on a job site. The way you handle calls shapes customer perception.

A cost-effective answering service for small businesses delivers professional, bilingual, 24/7 coverage without the expense of extra staff. With flexible plans that grow with you, it’s an investment that pays for itself through time saved, jobs won, and reputations protected.

At On Call Centre, we help small contractors across Canada expand their reach, improve responsiveness, and reduce stress. If you’re ready to capture more calls and free up your time, explore our solutions or request a consultation today.