Outfitter Learn · Front Desk · Question

How does Front Desk pre-schedule a job?

The short answer

Front Desk pre-schedules: it takes what the caller needs, offers a time, and tells them you’ll confirm. Then it texts you the details to confirm. It never states a time as confirmed on your behalf, because a receptionist who double-books you is worse than one who takes a message.

From Outfitter AI · Updated October 11, 2026

Who it’s for: Contractors who want visits lined up while they work, but want the last word on their own schedule.

What happens when a caller wants a visit

The caller explains the job. Front Desk collects the details you told it to collect.
It asks when works for them and offers a time.
It tells the caller plainly that you’ll confirm the time.
You get a text with the job, the address and the proposed time. You confirm it, or call to set another.

Why pre-schedule instead of book?

You know things about your week that no receptionist does. The last job ran long. The part hasn’t come in. A crew member is out. Pre-scheduling gets the homeowner a time while they’re still on the phone and interested. Confirming keeps the schedule yours. The homeowner hears a clear next step instead of voicemail. And you never show up to a slot you didn’t agree to.

What it costs

Pre-scheduling is part of the call, billed at 35¢ a minute from your tokens. There’s no separate charge for it.

What it won’t do

Front Desk never tells a caller a time is confirmed. Only you confirm.
It doesn’t promise a same-day visit or a start date unless you told it to.
Every pre-scheduled job comes to you as a text and an email first.

An example

A homeowner calls a plumber about a leaking water heater while he’s on another job. Front Desk takes the details and pre-schedules Thursday at 8 a.m. The plumber gets a text with the address and the proposed time, checks his week, and confirms it with the customer.

Common questions

Does Front Desk put jobs on my calendar?

No. It pre-schedules a time and texts it to you. You confirm the time with the customer.

What does the caller hear?

That the company will confirm the time. Front Desk never tells them a visit is locked in.

What if the time doesn't work for me?

Call or text the customer and set another. The text from Front Desk has their name, number and what they need.

Is a pre-scheduled job the same as a booked job?

No. A pre-scheduled job is a proposed time waiting for your OK. It becomes a booked job when you confirm it.

See it for your business

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Keep reading

GlossaryWhat is a pre-scheduled job?Front DeskWhat happens when Front Desk answers a call?Front DeskWhat won’t Front Desk say to a caller?GuideHow to book more jobs from phone calls

Last updated October 11, 2026. Prices and features change; if something here is out of date, call or text (507) 628-0400 and we’ll fix it.