Running a business is a balancing act. As a professional, whether you're a plumber, a hairdresser, or an arborist, your day is jam-packed with hands-on work. Between fixing pipes, styling hair, or scaling trees, managing incoming calls often feels like an additional full-time job. Missed calls mean missed opportunities, and juggling phone calls while working can disrupt your flow and reduce productivity.

That’s where Doris comes in—a virtual assistant designed to revolutionise how you manage calls and bookings, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

This article explores how Doris saves time and reduces costs while improving customer satisfaction, offering specific examples of how she can benefit plumbers, hairdressers, and arborists.

Why Doris Is a Game-Changer for Your Business

Doris provides call-answering services that act as a lifeline for busy professionals. By handling calls, scheduling appointments, and answering inquiries, Doris ensures your business stays on track without interruptions. Here’s how Doris can transform your business:

1. Cost Savings: Reduce Overhead While Maintaining Quality

Hiring a full-time receptionist or admin assistant can be expensive, especially for small or solo businesses. Salaries, benefits, and training costs add up quickly. Doris offers a cost-effective alternative that provides the same professional service without the overhead.

• Eliminates Staffing Costs: Doris eliminates the need for a dedicated receptionist. For example, a hairdresser running a small salon can save thousands annually by using Doris instead of hiring front-desk staff.
• 24/7 Availability: Unlike human employees, Doris works around the clock, ensuring that no call is missed—even after hours. Imagine an arborist getting calls for emergency tree services at midnight. Doris ensures those leads are captured.
• No Training Required: Doris is ready to go, eliminating the time and expense of onboarding and training new staff. A plumber doesn’t have to waste valuable time explaining how to answer industry-specific questions—Doris does it seamlessly.

With Doris, businesses can redirect these savings toward equipment, marketing, or other growth initiatives.

2. Time Savings: Focus on Your Core Work

Time is one of the most valuable resources for any business owner. Every moment spent answering calls is time taken away from performing billable tasks or delivering excellent service. Doris ensures you stay focused on your craft by handling the administrative side of your business.

• Stay in the Zone: Imagine a plumber working under a sink when their phone starts ringing. Instead of stopping mid-repair to answer, Doris handles the call, schedules the appointment, and even provides the customer with answers to basic questions.
• Increase Productivity: Hairdressers can work through their busy schedules without pausing to book the next appointment. Doris keeps the salon running smoothly, so stylists can focus on delivering top-notch cuts and styles.
• Streamline Appointments: Arborists, often working in challenging environments like tall trees, benefit significantly from Doris managing their schedules. Doris ensures appointments are booked efficiently and that clients receive confirmation without interrupting the arborist mid-task.

By taking over these time-consuming tasks, Doris lets you focus on what matters most: your business and your customers.

3. Improved Customer Satisfaction

Today’s customers expect quick responses and professional service. When calls go unanswered or customers are put on hold, it can damage your reputation. Doris ensures every inquiry is handled promptly and professionally, creating a positive impression for your business.

• Never Miss a Call: Doris ensures no call slips through the cracks, even during peak hours. For instance, a hairdresser experiencing a weekend rush doesn’t have to worry about missing calls for last-minute appointments. Doris handles it all.
• Professionalism Guaranteed: Customers calling a plumber to report a broken pipe at 8 PM don’t want to leave a voicemail. Doris answers promptly, ensuring the customer feels valued and taken care of.
• Better First Impressions: For arborists, Doris ensures that potential clients calling to inquire about tree services are greeted with a friendly, professional response rather than a voicemail or unanswered call.

A responsive business is a trustworthy business. Doris helps build loyalty and trust by ensuring your customers feel heard and valued.

Specific Examples: How Doris Helps Professionals

For the Hairdresser:

Hair salons are vibrant and busy places, often with stylists juggling multiple clients. In such an environment, answering phone calls or booking appointments is nearly impossible without disrupting the flow. This is where Doris shines.

• Time Saved: With Doris managing calls, hairdressers can focus on styling hair instead of juggling phone calls and scissors. Doris also ensures appointment slots are filled efficiently, reducing downtime.
• Customer Convenience: Doris can help clients book online, confirm appointments, or reschedule with ease, ensuring no client feels neglected.
• Example Scenario: A hairdresser managing a wedding party doesn’t need to answer calls from potential customers looking for last-minute services. Doris steps in, takes the calls, and schedules them for the next available time.

By improving operational efficiency, Doris enables hairdressers to focus on their art while maintaining stellar customer service.

For the Plumber:

Plumbers often work in challenging, hands-on environments, whether it’s fixing pipes under a sink or installing new systems. Interrupting work to answer a phone call can lead to delays and frustration.

• Emergency Services: Doris ensures calls for emergency repairs are answered immediately, even outside regular business hours.
• Streamlined Scheduling: Doris organises appointments and prioritises urgent jobs, ensuring a plumber’s day is optimised for efficiency.
• Example Scenario: While a plumber is knee-deep in fixing a burst pipe, Doris answers a call from a new customer with a leaking faucet. Doris books the appointment, ensuring no opportunity is missed.

Doris keeps a plumber’s schedule full without sacrificing time on the job.

For the Arborist:

Arborists often work high above the ground or in remote locations, making it impractical to answer calls. Doris bridges this gap, ensuring arborists stay connected with clients while focusing on their work.

• Safety First: With Doris answering calls, arborists don’t need to risk answering a phone mid-climb.
• Lead Capture: Doris ensures every potential customer is engaged, turning inquiries into bookings.
• Example Scenario: An arborist trimming branches high up a tree doesn’t hear their phone ring. Doris answers, informs the caller about services, and schedules an assessment visit for the next available time.

With Doris, arborists can focus on staying safe and completing their work without missing out on new business opportunities.

4. Scalable Solutions for Growth

As businesses grow, so do their operational demands. Doris is designed to scale with your business, ensuring that your call-handling needs are met, no matter how busy you get.

• Handle Increased Volume: As your client base grows, Doris manages higher call volumes effortlessly, ensuring seamless communication.
• Support for Multiple Locations: If a hairdresser opens a second salon or a plumber expands their service area, Doris ensures consistent service across locations.
• Customised Services: Doris tailors responses to fit your unique needs, whether it’s answering FAQs, booking specific services, or following up with clients.

For businesses looking to expand, Doris provides the infrastructure to grow without adding stress.

Why Doris is the Smart Choice

Investing in Doris isn’t just about convenience—it’s about transforming your business. Doris helps you reclaim your time, save on staffing costs, and improve customer satisfaction, all while ensuring your business operates smoothly.

• Cost Savings: Doris is far more affordable than hiring and maintaining a full-time receptionist.
• Time Savings: With Doris managing calls, you can focus entirely on your work.
• Customer Loyalty: Doris ensures a seamless, professional experience for every customer interaction.

Get Started with Doris Today

Whether you're a hairdresser, plumber, or arborist, Doris is the partner you’ve been looking for to streamline operations, save money, and elevate customer service. Imagine the peace of mind knowing every call is answered and every lead captured—all without lifting a finger.

Reclaim your time, cut costs, and grow your business with Doris. Start today: getdoris.ai.