Getting Started

Go from sign-up to live system in under 24 hours.

Starter

Welcome to TradieToolBox. This guide walks you through everything you need to do to get your AI receptionist live and answering calls. Most plumbers are up and running within a few hours.

What you'll need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

A mobile number you want to use as your business line
An active TradieToolBox account (sign up or book a demo first)
5–10 minutes to complete the setup steps below

Tip

You don't need to be technical to set this up. If you get stuck at any point, email us at support@tradietoolbox.co.uk and we'll sort it for you.

Step 1 — Choose your setup path

There are two ways to connect TradieToolBox to your phone. Choose whichever suits you.

Option A — Use your existing number (most common)

Keep your current business number. When you don't answer, calls automatically forward to TradieToolBox. Your customers dial the same number as always — nothing changes for them.

Works with any UK mobile or landline
Takes about 2 minutes to set up via call forwarding
You can turn it off instantly if needed

Option B — Use a TradieToolBox number

We provide you with a dedicated UK business number. You advertise this number on your van, website, and Google listing. All calls to this number are handled by TradieToolBox first — if you want to answer, calls can be forwarded through to your mobile.

Best for new businesses or those rebranding
Gives you full control over call routing
No call forwarding setup needed on your personal phone

Note

Not sure which to choose? Most sole traders start with Option A (keep your existing number). It's the quickest way to go live.

Step 2 — Set up call forwarding (Option A only)

If you chose Option A, follow the call forwarding guide to route unanswered calls to TradieToolBox. This takes about 2 minutes.

Tip

Jump to the Call Forwarding guide for step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Android, and UK carrier codes.

Step 3 — Confirm your business details

Business name

This is what TradieToolBox will say when it answers — e.g. "Thanks for calling Smith Plumbing".

Trading hours

Set your working hours so TradieToolBox can set the right callback expectations. Out-of-hours callers are handled differently to in-hours callers.

Service area

Enter your postcode and how far you travel. TradieToolBox will politely decline jobs outside your area so you only get relevant leads.

Alert number

This is the mobile number that receives your SMS job summaries. Make sure it's correct.

Step 4 — Do a test call

Call your business number from another phone and don't answer. Let TradieToolBox pick up. Go through the conversation as if you were a customer — give it a name, postcode, and problem.

Within 30 seconds of the call ending, you should receive an SMS on your alert number with a summary of the job. If you don't receive it, check the troubleshooting guide.

Tip

Try calling with urgency — say something like "there's water pouring through my ceiling" and check that the SMS marks it as an Emergency. This confirms your urgency triage is working.

You're live

That's it. TradieToolBox is now answering your missed calls around the clock. Every missed call will generate an SMS alert with the full job details.

From here, you can read about what your callers experience, how to understand your alerts, or — if you're on Pro — how to set up live appointment booking.

Call Forwarding

Step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Android, and carrier codes