When a customer calls your business and nobody answers, what happens next? In most cases, they hang up and call your competitor. New research reveals just how expensive this pattern is for Canadian service businesses.
The $127,000 Problem
According to a recent analysis of over 10,000 Canadian small businesses, the average service-based SMB loses $127,000 in annual revenue to missed calls. This figure accounts for both direct losses (customers who immediately call competitors) and indirect losses (damaged reputation, reduced referrals).
of callers who reach voicemail will not leave a message—they'll call the next business on their list instead.
Where the Money Goes
The breakdown of lost revenue varies by industry, but the pattern is consistent:
- Immediate loss: The customer calls a competitor and books with them instead.
- Lifetime value loss: A single missed call often represents years of future business.
- Referral loss: A frustrated caller won't recommend you to friends and family.
- Reputation damage: Negative reviews mentioning "couldn't reach anyone" deter future callers.
Industry-Specific Impact
Some industries feel the pain more acutely than others:
The After-Hours Problem
Perhaps most striking is when these calls are missed. Our research found that 34% of high-intent calls come outside traditional business hours—evenings, weekends, and holidays.
These aren't casual inquiries. After-hours callers are often dealing with emergencies or have finally found time in their busy schedules to make that call. They're highly motivated—and highly likely to go elsewhere if you don't answer.
of high-intent customer calls come outside of business hours, when most businesses can't answer.
The Solution: Never Miss Another Call
The businesses that have solved this problem share a common approach: they've made it impossible to miss a call. Whether through AI receptionists, after-hours answering services, or 24/7 staffing, they ensure every caller reaches someone who can help.
The ROI is compelling. Businesses using AI receptionists report recovering an average of $4,200 in monthly revenue that was previously lost to voicemail. For a solution that costs a fraction of that, the math is straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Missed calls cost the average Canadian service business $127,000 annually
- 62% of callers won't leave a voicemail—they'll call your competitor
- 34% of high-value calls come outside business hours
- Businesses using AI receptionists recover an average of $4,200/month
Stop losing revenue to missed calls
See how much Polaris Voice can recover for your business with our free ROI calculator.
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