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Pocket Receptionist alternative

A receptionist for every missed call.
Without the receptionist bill.

Pocket Receptionist provides professional call handling at a monthly package cost. TextBack Pro gives you the same result — every missed caller gets an instant reply — for a flat £47 per month, with no per-call fees and no contract.

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No credit card required SMS reply in 30 seconds No contract

Why trades businesses look for a Pocket Receptionist alternative

Monthly packages add up

Pocket Receptionist uses tiered packages based on call volume. For a tradesperson with busy periods and quieter spells, you're either paying for capacity you don't use or upgrading when calls spike. TextBack Pro is one flat fee, every month.

No SMS to the caller

Pocket Receptionist takes a message and passes it to you by email or text. The caller gets no instant reply. TextBack Pro sends the caller an SMS within 30 seconds, keeping them engaged instead of letting them go quiet or ring elsewhere.

Limited outside business hours

Live receptionist services typically operate during office hours. TextBack Pro replies to missed calls at midnight, on bank holidays, and at weekends. Evening and weekend calls are often the highest-value enquiries for tradespeople.

TextBack Pro vs Pocket Receptionist

TextBack ProPocket Receptionist
Monthly costFrom £47 flatTiered packages
Per-call fees✓ None× Volume-based
Instant SMS reply (under 30s)✓× No SMS
Works 24/7 automatically✓Business hours
AI two-way conversation✓×
Google Calendar booking✓ Pro plan×
No contract✓×
14-day free trial✓×
Setup time10 minutes1 to 3 days

An honest take on Pocket Receptionist

What Pocket Receptionist does well
  • Professional UK receptionists who answer in your business name
  • Good for businesses that receive complex inbound calls
  • Well-regarded customer service reputation
Where it falls short for trades
  • Monthly package cost is often higher than needed for trades use
  • No instant SMS: caller waits and may ring a competitor
  • No after-hours automation: missed calls at night go unanswered

Common questions

How does TextBack Pro compare to Pocket Receptionist?
Pocket Receptionist provides live call answering at tiered monthly prices. TextBack Pro is automated: every missed call triggers an instant SMS to the caller within 30 seconds, and the AI handles the follow-up conversation. TextBack Pro starts at £47 per month flat with no per-call charges.
Does TextBack Pro work 24/7?
Yes. TextBack Pro works around the clock with no human involvement. Whether a customer calls at 11pm, on Christmas Day, or during your busiest hour on a job, they receive an automatic SMS reply within 30 seconds. Many tradespeople find their best leads come outside business hours.
Can I cancel TextBack Pro easily?
Yes. TextBack Pro has no contract and no minimum term. Cancel any time from your dashboard with no penalty or notice period required.

Every missed call replied to. 24/7. Automatically.

£47/month flat. No per-call fees. No contract. Start free for 14 days.

Start 14-day free trial →See pricing

No credit card required