Phone call scripts for everyday calls

How each script works

Each script has four parts, and you fill in the brackets.

• Opener: your name and why you're calling, in one sentence.
• The ask: the one thing you need.
• Details to have ready: what they'll ask you back.
• Close: one line that repeats the result and ends the call.

Book an appointment

Give your name, the type of appointment and two times that work.

"Hi, my name is [name]. I'd like to book a [cleaning]. Do you have anything [Tuesday or Thursday morning]?"

They may ask: your phone number and the reason for the visit. Clinics may also ask for your date of birth or insurance.

Close: "So that's [day] at [time]. Thanks, bye."

More on booking appointments by phone.

Reschedule or cancel

Have two other times ready, and ask about fees before you agree.

"Hi, this is [name]. I have a [cleaning] on [Thursday at 2]. Could I move it to [Tuesday or Wednesday morning]? Is there a fee for changing it?"

To cancel instead: "I need to cancel my [appointment] on [date]. Is there a cancellation fee?"

They may ask: your date of birth or the phone number on file.

Close: "So I'm now booked for [day] at [time]. Thanks."

More on cancelling or rescheduling.

Ask for a price

Describe the item or job exactly, because a vague ask gets a vague price.

"Hi, I'm looking for a price on [four all-season tires, size 225/65R17], installed. What would that cost, and when could you do it?"

They may ask: the size or model, your area, and when you need it.

Close: "Thanks. How long is that price good for?"

See questions to ask for a quote, or have Phone Bud collect quotes for you.

Check if something is in stock

Give the model number or UPC so they can look it up exactly.

"Hi, do you have [the 20-volt drill battery, model number] in stock at this location? If so, could you hold one under [name] until [5 PM]?"

They may ask: your name and phone number for the hold.

Close: "Thanks, I'll be in by [time]."

More on checking stock by phone.

Reserve a table

Lead with party size, date and time, and have one backup time.

"Hi, I'd like a table for [4] on [Friday] at [7]. If 7 is full, is [8] open?"

They may ask: your name, your phone number, and any allergies or seating needs.

Close: "Great, [4] at [7] under [name]. Thanks."

More on booking a restaurant by phone.

Follow up on a job application

Name the role and the date you applied, then ask one question about the timeline.

"Hi, my name is [name]. I applied for the [role] position on [date], and I'm calling to ask about the timeline. Is there someone I should follow up with?"

They may ask: your email or how you applied.

Close: "Thanks for your time. I'll watch for an email."

If nobody answers

Leave your name, the reason for the call and your number, said slowly. See how to leave a voicemail.

Let Phone Bud make the call

Paste the script into Purpose, put the number in To, and press Start call. Phone Bud treats the script as the goal and talks in its own words. When the call ends, it sends you a summary and the transcript. If calls make you anxious, see Phone Bud for phone anxiety.

Here's a made-up example.

Limits

• It calls US and Canada numbers only.
• It introduces itself as your assistant, says it's an AI if asked, and never claims to be you or a person.
• It can't pay for anything or give card numbers.
• It can't transfer the call to you.
• Calls come from a Phone Bud number, so include your own number if you want a callback.

Related

See how to call in sick, or browse all guides.

FAQ

What should I say first when I call a business?

Your name, then the one thing you need, in one sentence.

What if they ask something I don't have ready?

Say you'll check and call back, and ask for the best time or a direct line.

Can I give a script to an AI to make the call?

Yes. Paste it into Phone Bud with the number, and it makes the call and sends you the answer.

Will the AI read my script word for word?

No. It treats the script as the goal and answers their questions in its own words.