32 Business Greetings
Professional and Business Voicemail Greeting Examples
A good professional voicemail greeting names your company, confirms the caller reached the right place, and tells them exactly what to do next, all in under 30 seconds. A simple template: "Thank you for calling [Company Name]. We can't take your call right now. Please leave your name, number, and a short message, and we'll call you back within one business day." Pick any script below, swap in your details, and generate it as an MP3 or 8kHz WAV.
General Business Greetings
Safe, all-purpose scripts for a main line or a department. Use these as your default greeting.
Standard professional
Thank you for calling [Company Name]. We can't take your call right now. Please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message after the tone, and we'll return your call within one business day.
Friendly and warm
Hi, you've reached [Company Name]. Sorry we missed you! Leave your name, number, and what you're calling about, and someone from our team will get back to you today or first thing tomorrow.
With business hours
Thank you for calling [Company Name]. Our office is open [days] from [hours]. Please leave a message with your name and number, and we'll return your call during our next business hours.
Points callers to the website
You've reached [Company Name]. We're unable to answer right now. For faster help, visit [website], where you can [book an appointment / check order status]. Otherwise, leave a message and we'll call you back.
Offers email as an alternative
Thanks for calling [Company Name]. Please leave your name, number, and the reason for your call. If you'd prefer, you can also email us at [email address]. We respond to all messages within [time frame].
Department line
You've reached the [Department Name] team at [Company Name]. We're either on another call or away from our desks. Leave your name, number, and account or order number if you have one, and we'll call you back shortly.
Small Business Greetings
For owner-operated businesses and small teams where callers often expect to reach a specific person.
Owner answering personally
Hi, this is [Your Name] with [Business Name]. I'm with a customer right now. Leave your name, number, and what you need, and I'll call you back as soon as I'm free, usually within a couple of hours.
Local shop
Thanks for calling [Business Name] on [Street Name]. We're open [days] from [hours]. If you're calling about [common question, e.g. an order pickup], leave your name and order number and we'll call you right back.
Quote or estimate requests
You've reached [Business Name]. If you're calling for a quote, please leave your name, number, address, and a quick description of the job. We return every call within one business day.
Online store
Thank you for calling [Store Name]. For order tracking, returns, and shipping questions, the quickest answer is at [website]. If you still need help, leave your name, order number, and phone number, and we'll get back to you.
Family-owned business
Hello, and thanks for calling [Business Name], family owned and serving [City] since [year]. We're sorry we missed your call. Please leave a message and one of us will call you back today.
Greetings by Industry
Industry-specific scripts that answer the question callers usually have before they ask it. Dental offices and real estate agents have full pages of their own.
Medical office
You've reached [Practice Name]. If this is a medical emergency, hang up and dial 911. For prescription refills, appointments, or billing, leave your name, date of birth, and callback number, and our staff will return your call.
Law firm
Thank you for calling [Firm Name]. All of our attorneys and staff are currently assisting other clients. Please leave your name, phone number, and a brief description of your legal matter, and we'll contact you within one business day.
Restaurant
Thanks for calling [Restaurant Name]. We're open [days] from [hours]. You can view our menu and order online at [website]. For reservations or large parties, leave your name, number, party size, and preferred time, and we'll confirm.
Contractor or trades
You've reached [Company Name]. We're probably on a job site right now. Leave your name, number, address, and a short description of the work you need, and we'll call you back to set up an estimate.
Salon or spa
Hi, thanks for calling [Salon Name]! We're with clients right now. To book, visit [website] or leave your name, number, the service you'd like, and a preferred day, and we'll call to confirm your appointment.
Auto repair shop
Thank you for calling [Shop Name]. Our technicians are in the shop and can't pick up. Leave your name, number, vehicle year, make, and model, and a quick description of the problem, and we'll call you back with availability.
After-Hours Greetings
Set these to play outside business hours so callers know when you'll respond and where to go if it can't wait.
Standard after-hours
Thank you for calling [Company Name]. Our office is now closed. Our regular hours are [days] from [hours]. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and we'll return your call on the next business day.
With an emergency line
You've reached [Company Name] after hours. If this is an emergency, please call our on-call line at [phone number]. For anything else, leave a message and we'll get back to you when we open at [opening time].
Weekend closure
Thanks for calling [Company Name]. We're closed for the weekend and will reopen [Monday] at [opening time]. Leave your name and number and we'll call you back first thing. You can also reach us anytime at [email or website].
Customer support after hours
You've reached [Company Name] support. Our team is available [days] from [hours, time zone]. Many answers are available now at [help center URL]. Otherwise, leave your name, account number, and issue, and we'll respond next business day.
Short and simple
Hi, you've reached [Company Name]. We're closed right now, but we'll be back at [opening time]. Leave a message and we'll call you back.
Professional Greetings for Your Personal Cell
For freelancers, job seekers, and anyone who gets work calls on their own phone.
Simple professional
Hi, you've reached [Your Name]. I can't take your call right now. Please leave your name, number, and a short message, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Job seeker
Hello, you've reached [Your Full Name]. I'm sorry I missed your call. Please leave your name, company, and the best number to reach you, and I'll return your call within the day. Thank you.
Freelancer or consultant
Hi, this is [Your Name], [your role, e.g. freelance photographer]. I'm probably with a client. Leave your name, number, and a little about your project, or email me at [email address]. I reply within one business day.
Prefers text
Hi, you've reached [Your Name]. I'm not available right now. The fastest way to reach me is a text to this number, but you're also welcome to leave a voicemail and I'll call you back.
Sales professional
You've reached [Your Name] at [Company Name]. I'm on another call or with a client. Leave your name, number, and how I can help, and I'll call you back today. If it's urgent, call our main line at [phone number].
Out-of-Office Greetings
For vacations, conferences, and leave. Always include your return date and a backup contact.
Vacation
Hi, you've reached [Your Name]. I'm out of the office until [return date] with limited access to voicemail. For immediate help, please contact [Colleague Name] at [phone number or email]. Otherwise, I'll return your call when I'm back.
Conference or business trip
You've reached [Your Name] at [Company Name]. I'm traveling for business through [date] and checking messages once a day. Leave your name and number and I'll return your call as soon as I can.
Extended leave
Hello, you've reached [Your Name]. I'm on leave until [return date] and won't be checking messages. Please contact [Colleague Name] at [phone number], who is handling my work while I'm away. Thank you.
Out sick
Hi, this is [Your Name]. I'm out of the office today and will return your call when I'm back. If your matter is time-sensitive, please call [Colleague Name] at [phone number].
Whole office closed
Thank you for calling [Company Name]. Our office is closed from [date] to [date] for [reason, e.g. a company event]. We'll return all messages when we reopen on [date]. For urgent matters, email [email address].
Writing
Tips for writing a voicemail greeting
- 01
Lead with your name or company
Callers decide in the first two seconds whether they dialed the right number. Put your company or your name in the first sentence, not after a long "thank you for calling."
- 02
Tell callers exactly what to leave
Ask for the specific details you need to call back: name, number, and one useful item such as an order number, address, or date of birth. It saves a round of phone tag.
- 03
Keep it under 30 seconds
That works out to roughly 40–75 words. Cut anything the caller can't act on, such as your full mission statement or a list of every service you offer.
- 04
Set a response time you can keep
"Within one business day" is better than "as soon as possible" because it sets an expectation. Only promise "today" if you really check messages daily.
- 05
Use separate greetings for after hours and holidays
Most business phone systems let you schedule different greetings by time of day. Use them, and set a calendar reminder to swap holiday greetings back afterward. Our holiday voicemail greetings cover Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving closures.
- 06
Write numbers the way they should sound
For AI voices, write phone numbers with spaces or dashes ("555-012-3456") and spell unusual names phonetically if the preview mispronounces them.
Ready
Create your voicemail greeting
Replace anything in [brackets] with your details before generating.
Premium voices and background music use credits, 1 per greeting.
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Frequently asked questions
What should a business voicemail greeting say?
Your company name, a short reason you can't answer, what details to leave, and when you'll call back. Optional extras include business hours, a website, or an emergency number.
What is a professional voicemail greeting for a personal phone?
Your full name, a plain line saying you can't take the call, and a request for the caller's name, number, and reason for calling. Leave out jokes and background music. It suits job seekers, freelancers, and anyone who gets work calls on their own cell. See the Professional Greetings for Your Personal Cell section above for ready-made scripts.
How long should a business voicemail greeting be?
Aim for 15–30 seconds, about 40–75 words. Longer greetings make callers hang up before the tone.
Should I include my business hours in the voicemail?
Yes, if callers often reach you outside those hours. It answers their question without a callback. If your hours change often, point to your website instead so the greeting doesn't go out of date.
Do I need a separate after-hours greeting?
It helps. An after-hours greeting can say when you reopen and give an emergency contact, which a daytime greeting shouldn't. Most business VoIP systems can switch greetings automatically on a schedule.
Is it OK to use an AI voice for a business voicemail?
Yes. Callers mainly care that the message is clear and tells them what to do. An AI voice gives you consistent, clean audio without re-recording every time your hours or staff change.
How do I put a generated greeting on my phone line?
Download it as MP3, or as 8kHz WAV if your phone system requires it, then upload it in your provider's greeting settings. See our guide on how to change your voicemail greeting for iPhone, Android, carriers, and VoIP systems.