How to take service appointments for plumbers, electricians and repairmen?
Field workers have two problems: being on site when the phone rings and wasted travel time. Online booking cuts both — but it's set up differently from desk work: here, duration is determined by work + travel, not work alone.
The right setup for field workers
1. Separate inspection from service.
- Inspection — short, fixed fee or free
- Service/repair — long, price varies by job
Define each as a separate service; let the customer choose which they need.
Details: Add a service
2. Factor travel time into the job. A 30-minute repair isn't a 30-minute appointment. Add average travel time within your service area; otherwise you'll run three jobs behind by end of day.
3. Define your service area. Write clearly which neighborhoods you serve. If you charge for distant travel, say it — that removes phone haggling.
4. Offer appointment windows. Promising exact times in the field is hard. "2–4 PM" windows are realistic and acceptable to customers.
Details: Set up appointments
How to write pricing
"Call for price" loses the most customers. While field pricing can't always be fixed, you can give ranges:
- Inspection: fixed fee
- Faucet replacement: $X–Y range
- Pipe opening: price after inspection
Ranges filter unsuitable calls and build confidence.
Advance payment and collection
- Inspection fee — send a payment link; stops wasted trips.
- After job — card, payment link, or cash.
- Business client (building management, offices): invoice + terms + reminder.
Details: Create a payment link · Get paid by card · Create an invoice · Send payment reminder
Customer records: gold in this business
The same building, same site, same apartment — work comes back. "Have I been to this address before, what did I do?" should be answerable from your records. Maintenance jobs (boilers, AC) mean yearly reminders = recurring revenue.
Details: Add a customer · Email your customers
What your site needs
- Service list and price ranges
- Service area (neighborhoods)
- Clickable phone — most used button on mobile
- Hours and emergency service note
- Before/after photos — the most convincing content in this business
- Reviews
Details: Update your business info · Show your location on a map
Being found locally
Customers search "plumber near me". Google Business Profile, correct service area, and review flow are the three basics.
Details: How to be found locally · Connect Google Business Profile
Common mistakes
Not accounting for travel. By end of day, you're late to everyone.
Offering free inspections with no limit. Calendar fills, revenue doesn't; a small fee filters.
Only working by phone. When you're on site, that call goes unanswered; online booking catches it.
Not invoicing after the job. Slow payment with business clients starts here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve without an office address? Yes — define your service area; address can stay private.
Can I charge different rates for emergency calls? Yes, define emergency service as a separate offering with its own price.
Can I manage bookings from my phone? Yes, the dashboard works in mobile browsers — use it on-site.
Can I send yearly maintenance reminders? Yes, as long as you keep customer records.