Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on setup, calls, booking, billing, and integrations.
Getting started
How long does setup take?
Usually less than 24 hours. We set the assistant up, test it, and get it ready to activate. If you're keeping your current number, you'll also need to turn on call forwarding. We've got step-by-step docs for that.
Do I need to change my existing phone number?
No. Most plumbers keep their current number and forward missed calls to CallHandlr. If you'd rather use a separate number, we can also provide a dedicated CallHandlr business number.
What information do you need from me to set up?
Your business name, working hours, service area, and any rules you want us to follow. For example, whether you cover gas work or plumbing only. You can keep all of that updated in the portal.
Can I try it before committing?
Yes. Request a callback and we'll get you booked in to show you how it sounds on a real call so you can decide if it's right for your business.
How it works
What happens when I do answer the phone?
Nothing. CallHandlr only activates when you don't answer. If you pick up the call yourself, it's a completely normal phone call. CallHandlr never interrupts a live conversation.
How many rings before CallHandlr picks up?
You choose. We usually recommend about 10 seconds so you've got a fair chance to answer first. If you're using a CallHandlr number instead, we can set that up for you and change it later if needed.
What does CallHandlr say when it answers?
It introduces itself as your team assistant, explains the team are out on jobs, and gets the details needed for a callback or booking. It does not mention AI or automation.
What happens if a caller refuses to leave details?
It handles it politely, thanks them for calling, and ends the call cleanly. It does not badger people or keep repeating itself.
What happens if someone calls about a gas leak?
Gas smell calls are treated as emergencies straight away. The caller is told to contact the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999 and leave the property first.
Calls & quality
Will it sound robotic?
No. It sounds like a calm member of staff, not a stiff phone tree. Most callers assume they're talking to someone on your team.
What if the caller has a strong accent or speaks unclearly?
It asks them to repeat anything it did not catch and confirms key details back before the call ends. That keeps the record clean even when the line is poor or the caller is stressed.
Can it handle callers who go off-script or ramble?
Yes. It can let someone explain the problem, then bring the call back to the bits that matter: name, number, postcode, issue, and urgency.
Are calls recorded?
Yes, with caller consent announced at the start of the call. Transcripts are stored against the job record, and recordings are available if you ever need to check what was said.
Billing & plans
Is there a setup fee?
There can be a one-off setup fee of £49 for Starter plan customers and £99 for Pro plan customers.
Is there a limit on how many calls CallHandlr handles?
Yes. Each plan includes a monthly call allowance. Starter includes 100 minutes a month. Pro includes 100 minutes per engineer, with up to 3 engineers included. If you go over, extra usage is charged and we let you know before overage charges are applied.
What counts as a 'call' for billing purposes?
Any call that CallHandlr answers counts. Calls you answer yourself before CallHandlr picks up are not counted.
Am I locked into a contract?
No. All plans are monthly and you can cancel at any time with no penalty.
Can I change plan?
Yes. You can change plan from the customer portal. Upgrades apply immediately with proration. If you move from Pro to Starter, the Starter plan begins from your next billing cycle.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel from the billing section of the customer portal. If you cancel mid-cycle, you'll keep access until the end of your current billing period. There are no cancellation fees.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Your job records and call history stay available for 30 days after cancellation so you can export what you need. After that, the data is permanently deleted. If you want it deleted sooner, tell us in your cancellation email.
Scheduling & integrations
Which calendar does it integrate with?
Google Calendar on Pro and Enterprise. That's the live booking setup we support today.
What CRM systems does it work with?
Right now we support HubSpot, Jobber, Zoho, and Housecall Pro. Current CRM depth is contact sync, not full job workflow sync.
Does it work for multi-engineer businesses?
Pro supports up to 3 engineers. For larger teams, Enterprise is the right plan. Contact us to discuss your setup.
Hear it for yourself
Hear exactly what your customers will hear, or request a callback and we will walk you through it.