Sometimes, leaving a voicemail is the only option remaining.

This action is crucial as it stops the clock with the manufacturer and is the only method they use to log phone calls.

Using a proper first Voicemail is critical to the response of a Toyota.com or a BuyaToyota.com leads. If you have a different lead type, skip to the additional voicemail examples.

Creating Your First Voicemail

To craft an effective first voicemail that meets the manufacturer’s criteria, follow these guidelines to compose a concise 20-second message:

• Introduce yourself and the dealership.

• State the reason for your call.

• Include a call to action.

• Provide your contact information.

Example of a First Voicemail

Using the points above, this is what is should sound like:

“Hey Jake, this is Brian from Toyota of Scranton. this is Brian from Toyota of Scranton. I’m sorry I missed you. I noticed on Toyota.com that you inquired about upgrading the flood lights. Good news—you can indeed upgrade them! I’d love to discuss your options, perhaps during a test drive. Are you available later today or first thing tomorrow? Please call me back at 570-207-8665 to set up a time or if you have any other questions. Thank you, and have a great day!”

-For something less specific-

“Hey Jake, this is Brian from Toyota of Scranton. this is Brian from Toyota of Scranton. Good news—the RAV4 you saw on Toyota.com is still available! I’d love to discuss your options, perhaps during a test drive. Are you available later today or first thing tomorrow? Please call me back at 570-207-8665 to set up a time or if you have any other questions. Thank you, and have a great day!

Additional Voicemail Examples

Following the initial, graded voicemail, we have the chance to leave a more practical message. Keep in mind, the first voicemail is specifically for leads from Toyota.com and BuyaToyota.com. For these, certain approaches tend to elicit a higher response rate. Below are some options and examples for you to consider:

“Hey Jake, this is Brian, give me a shout back”- No dealership name, no phone number. It’s the 21st century, they already got your text, and they probably are reading your voicemail.

“Hey Jake I was going over the information you sent me. You’re gonna want to give me a shout back. My cell is 570-207-8665”- This is an example of creating a call to action via intrigue.

Some additional options:

Day 1:

"Hey there, it’s ((Your Name)) from ((Dealership)). Just checking in to make sure you got the info I sent you yesterday. I want to make sure it's just right for your upcoming purchase. Give me a ring at ((Your Work Cell)) when you can. Hope you’re having an awesome day!"

Day 2:

"Hey ((Customer's First Name)), it's ((Your Name)) at ((Dealership)). I just shot you an email with a few quick questions about how you're thinking of buying your next car. Mind taking a look and giving me a shout back? You can reach me at ((Your Work Cell)). Thanks a ton!"

Day 3:

"Good ((Morning/Afternoon/Evening)) ((Customer's First Name)), it’s ((Your Name)) from ((Dealership)). Noticed it’s been a bit since you checked out the (Year/Make/Model) online. I’m here to help make things easier, so give me a call when you’ve got a few. My number’s ((Your Work Cell)). Catch you soon!"

Day 4:

"Hey ((Customer's First Name)), it’s ((Your Name)) again from ((Dealership)). As you’re looking around, I’d love to show you what we offer. Check out an email I sent about our customer reviews when you get a sec. Call me back at ((Your Work Cell)) whenever. Thanks!"

Day 5:

"Hi ((Customer's First Name)), it’s ((Your Name)) here at ((Dealership)). Just thought about your possible trade-in. We've got a great buyback deal this month. Ring me at ((Your Work Cell)) with your car details when you can. Talk soon!"

Day 6:

"Good ((Morning/Afternoon/Evening))! ((Your Name)) here at ((Dealership)). Our GM asked me to get in touch. We’re really keen to work with you! When you get a moment, please call me at ((Your Work Cell)). Cheers!"

Day 7:

"Hello ((Customer's First Name))! It’s ((Your Name)) at ((Dealership)). Wanted to make sure you’re up to speed on this month’s rebates and specials for the ((Year/Make/Model)). Some online deals might not fit your needs. Let’s chat soon - my number is ((Your Work Cell))."

Day 8:

"Hi, it’s ((Your Name)) here. Got some exciting news about the (Year/Make/Model) if you're still interested. Call me back ASAP at ((Your Work Cell))!"

Day 9:

"Hey ((Customer's First Name)), it’s ((Your Name)) from ((Dealership)). Haven’t heard back and just wanted to check in. Are you still looking? No pressure at all, but a quick call to update me would be great. My number’s ((Your Work Cell)). Talk soon!"

Day 10:

"Hi ((Customer's First Name)), a week’s flown by since you reached out about the (Make/Model). Sent some emails and tried calling to share more. Got some fresh info too. Call me back at ((Your Work Cell)). Still gathering info or made a choice?"