Streamline Quote Requests from Client to Contractor Using SMS Text

The Recommended Contractors feature from Spectora allows inspectors to display a list of contractors within their reports that can service specific defects uncovered during inspections. This can be a major value add to home buyers in need of finding trusted contractors to fix their issues or complete repairs before closing. 

We have found this to be a highly valuable feature for inspectors as well, as being able to connect clients to qualified contractors at the ready helps to create trust and long-term loyal customers.

Clients can request quotes from contractors directly from the Spectora platform or make use of the contact information displayed in the report which eliminates the stress and uncertainty of finding someone to fix remaining issues, quickly.

But what if the best contractor for the job doesn’t have, or isn’t regularly checking their email? 

The truth is that many busy professionals in the field are not able to track and reply to email requests quickly. We know that home buyers are often in a rush, needing to get these issues addressed immediately. Their very home closing date could depend on it! Now, with the SMS text functionality, you can add email-averse contractors to your list and facilitate faster quotes for your clients.

Contractors in your network can opt in to use SMS text, email, or both methods for the quote request process. 

There are two methods available to facilitate the quote request process. Contractors can choose their method of preference, or can utilize both to receive quotes: 

1. Email: If your contractor prefers to receive client quote requests by email, you can select this option.
2. SMS Text: for contractors who either do not have an email address or aren't able to respond to emails in a timely manner, you can ask them to opt into receiving client quote requests via SMS text.

Contractors will need to complete a few simple steps to set this up as there are rules and regulations around SMS Text messages from the carriers which must be followed. This mainly deals with the contractor providing consent before any texts can be sent.

This “Opt-In Form” link will open a new window.  This is where the contractor will submit their consent. This form is already pre-populated with the mobile phone provided by the inspector.  The contractor will click the box to agree to receive the text messages before the submit button becomes active.

Inspector Steps:

1. Add contractor mobile phone to their contact card 
2. Share the Opt-In Form with the contractor. You can simply click on the link, copy the URL, and provide it to your contractor.  

Contractor Steps:

1. The contractor will click the box in the Opt-in Form to agree to receive text messages before the submit button becomes active.
2. The contractor will reply “YES” to confirm upon receiving a confirmation text from Spectora. This will automatically enable the SMS quote request feature! ​

Ready to give it a try? Anyone with a Spectora subscription can easily enable Recommended Contractors in their account and get started right away.