Call Forwarding for Tradies: The Complete Setup Guide (Telstra, Vodafone, Optus)

Never Miss Another Job Again Call forwarding is the simplest way to ensure every customer call reaches you or your answering service. In just 5 minutes, you can set up automatic forwarding that captures every lead, even when you’re on-site, in meetings, or after hours.

Why Call Forwarding is Essential for Australian Tradies

Every missed call represents lost revenue. Studies show that 62% of customers won’t call back if you don’t answer the first time. For tradies, this translates to:

• Emergency jobs: $500-$2,000 lost per missed call
• Routine bookings: $300-$800 average job value
• Large projects: $5,000-$50,000 renovation opportunities

The Solution: Call forwarding ensures every call reaches either you or a professional answering service like TradieDesk, even when your phone is off, out of range, or you’re unable to answer.

How Call Forwarding Works

Call forwarding automatically redirects incoming calls from your business number to another phone number or service. Here’s how it benefits tradies:

1. Conditional Forwarding (Recommended)

• Forwards calls when your phone is busy, unreachable, or unanswered
• You still receive calls when available
• Backup ensures no calls are missed

2. Unconditional Forwarding

• All calls immediately forward to another number
• Useful when you want all calls handled by an answering service
• Perfect for after-hours or vacation coverage

3. Selective Forwarding

• Forward specific numbers or call types
• Route emergency calls differently than quotes
• Customise based on time of day or caller

Complete Setup Guide by Carrier

Method 1: Telstra My Account App

1. Download the My Telstra app from App Store/Google Play
2. Log in with your Telstra ID
3. Navigate to “Manage Services” → “Call Forwarding”
4. Select forwarding type:
   • When busy: Forwards when you’re on another call
   • When unanswered: Forwards after set number of rings (recommend 4-6 rings)
   • When unreachable: Forwards when phone is off or out of range
5. Enter your TradieDesk number or backup phone
6. Save settings

Method 2: Telstra Phone Codes

To Activate:

• All calls: Dial *21*[forwarding number]# then press call
• When busy: Dial *67*[forwarding number]# then press call
• When unanswered: Dial *61*[forwarding number]# then press call
• When unreachable: Dial *62*[forwarding number]# then press call

To Deactivate:

• All forwarding: Dial #21# then press call
• Busy forwarding: Dial #67# then press call
• Unanswered forwarding: Dial #61# then press call
• Unreachable forwarding: Dial #62# then press call

Method 3: Call Telstra

• Call: 132 200 from your Telstra mobile
• Request: Call forwarding activation
• Provide: Your TradieDesk number or forwarding destination

---

Method 1: My Vodafone App

1. Open My Vodafone app on your phone
2. Log in with your Vodafone account
3. Go to “Account” → “Manage Plan” → “Call Settings”
4. Select “Call Forwarding”
5. Choose forwarding conditions:
   • Always: All calls forward immediately
   • When busy: Forwards during active calls
   • No answer: Forwards after specified rings
   • Unreachable: Forwards when phone is off/no signal
6. Enter your TradieDesk number
7. Confirm activation

Method 2: Vodafone USSD Codes

To Activate:

• All calls: Dial *21*[forwarding number]#
• When busy: Dial *67*[forwarding number]#
• When unanswered: Dial *61*[forwarding number]#
• When unreachable: Dial *62*[forwarding number]#

To Check Status:

• All forwarding: Dial *#21#
• Busy forwarding: Dial *#67#
• Unanswered: Dial *#61#
• Unreachable: Dial *#62#

To Deactivate:

• All forwarding: Dial ##21#
• Busy: Dial ##67#
• Unanswered: Dial ##61#
• Unreachable: Dial ##62#

Method 3: Vodafone Customer Service

• Call: 1555 from your Vodafone mobile (free)
• Say: “Call forwarding setup”
• Provide: Your TradieDesk forwarding number

---

Method 1: My Optus App

1. Download My Optus app from your app store
2. Sign in with your Optus account details
3. Navigate to “Services” → “Call Management”
4. Select “Call Forwarding”
5. Configure forwarding rules:
   • Unconditional: All calls forward
   • On busy: Forward during active calls
   • No reply: Forward after ring timeout
   • Not reachable: Forward when phone is off/no coverage
6. Add your TradieDesk number as destination
7. Activate selected forwarding types

Method 2: Optus Dial Codes

To Activate:

• All calls: Dial *21*[forwarding number]#
• When busy: Dial *67*[forwarding number]#
• No answer: Dial *61*[forwarding number]#
• Unreachable: Dial *62*[forwarding number]#

To Deactivate:

• All calls: Dial #21#
• When busy: Dial #67#
• No answer: Dial #61#
• Unreachable: Dial #62#

Method 3: Optus Support

• Call: 133 937 from your Optus mobile
• Select: Technical support
• Request: Call forwarding setup assistance

Recommended Call Forwarding Setup for Tradies

The “Smart Forward” Configuration

Step 1: Set Ring Duration

• Configure 4-6 rings before forwarding
• Gives you time to safely answer on-site
• Prevents immediate forwarding during normal availability

Step 2: Enable Conditional Forwarding

• ✅ When busy: Forward to TradieDesk when on another call
• ✅ When unanswered: Forward after ring timeout
• ✅ When unreachable: Forward when phone is off or no signal
• ❌ Unconditional: Keep this OFF during work hours

Step 3: Test Your Setup

1. Call your number from another phone
2. Don’t answer - verify it forwards to TradieDesk
3. Answer a call, then have someone else call
4. Verify the second call forwards when you’re busy
5. Turn off your phone and test unreachable forwarding

Advanced Call Forwarding Strategies

Time-Based Forwarding

Many carriers support different forwarding rules by time:

Business Hours (7 AM - 6 PM)

• Forward when busy/unanswered only
• You handle routine calls personally

After Hours (6 PM - 7 AM)

• Forward all calls to answering service
• Ensures emergency coverage

Weekends

• Forward all calls for work-life balance
• TradieDesk captures weekend emergency jobs

Priority Call Handling

Set up different forwarding for different caller types:

Existing Customers

• Longer ring time (6-8 rings)
• Forward to your mobile if possible

New Prospects

• Standard forwarding to TradieDesk
• Professional first impression guaranteed

Emergency Keywords

• Some services can detect “emergency,” “urgent,” “flooding”
• Route these calls with priority handling

How TradieDesk Simplifies Call Forwarding

We Handle the Complete Setup

When you sign up with TradieDesk, our team:

1. Determines your current carrier and plan
2. Configures optimal forwarding settings
3. Tests the complete call flow
4. Provides backup options and failsafes
5. Monitors forwarding performance ongoing

What We Set Up For You

✅ Carrier Configuration

• Work directly with Telstra, Vodafone, or Optus
• Ensure forwarding codes are correctly applied
• Verify forwarding works across all scenarios

✅ Smart Routing Rules

• Route emergency calls with priority
• Handle quote requests with detailed capture
• Manage after-hours calls appropriately

✅ Backup Systems

• Secondary forwarding if primary fails
• Multiple routing paths for reliability
• Real-time monitoring and alerts

✅ Testing & Optimization

• Complete end-to-end call flow testing
• Performance monitoring and optimization
• Regular checks to ensure reliability

No Technical Knowledge Required

Before TradieDesk:

• Research carrier-specific codes
• Test complex forwarding scenarios
• Troubleshoot when calls don’t forward
• Manage multiple forwarding numbers

With TradieDesk:

• We handle 100% of technical setup
• Provide simple on/off controls
• Monitor and maintain automatically
• Offer 24/7 technical support

Common Call Forwarding Issues & Solutions

Issue: Calls Not Forwarding

Symptoms: Calls go to voicemail instead of forwarding Solutions:

• Verify forwarding codes were entered correctly
• Check that forwarding number includes area code
• Ensure your plan includes call forwarding
• Test from different phone numbers

Issue: Delayed Forwarding

Symptoms: Too many rings before forwarding activates Solutions:

• Reduce ring count in carrier settings
• Check network congestion in your area
• Verify forwarding destination answers quickly

Issue: Forwarding Stops Working

Symptoms: Previously working forwarding suddenly fails Solutions:

• Carrier may have reset settings during maintenance
• Re-activate forwarding using dial codes
• Contact carrier to verify account status

Issue: High Forwarding Costs

Symptoms: Unexpected charges for forwarded calls Solutions:

• Review your plan’s forwarding inclusions
• Consider unlimited forwarding plan upgrade
• Use local forwarding numbers when possible

Cost Considerations

Carrier Forwarding Charges

Telstra

• Included in most business plans
• $0.35-$0.75 per forwarded call on basic plans
• Unlimited forwarding available on premium plans

Vodafone

• Free forwarding to Australian numbers on most plans
• Charges apply for international forwarding
• Check plan details for specific inclusions

Optus

• Included forwarding on business plans
• Per-call charges on basic consumer plans
• Volume discounts available for high-usage

TradieDesk Call Forwarding Value

Monthly Investment: $200-400 Calls Captured: 50-100+ per month Average Job Value: $800-1,200 ROI: 1,000-3,000%

Example: Plumber Sarah forwards 75 calls/month to TradieDesk

• Cost: $240/month for TradieDesk service
• Jobs Booked: 25 from forwarded calls
• Average Value: $950 per job
• Revenue: $23,750/month
• ROI: 9,800%

Getting Started Today

Immediate Action Steps

1. Test Your Current Setup

   • Call your business number and let it ring
   • Check if it goes to voicemail or forwards somewhere
   • Note how many rings before voicemail activates

2. Choose Your Forwarding Strategy

   • Conditional forwarding (recommended for most tradies)
   • Time-based forwarding for work-life balance
   • Priority forwarding for different customer types

3. Implement Basic Forwarding

   • Use the carrier-specific instructions above
   • Start with “when unanswered” forwarding
   • Test thoroughly from multiple phones

4. Upgrade to Professional Service

   • Contact TradieDesk for complete setup
   • We handle all technical configuration
   • Provides answering service + forwarding management

Success Metrics to Track

Before Call Forwarding:

• Count missed calls for one week
• Calculate potential lost revenue
• Note peak times for missed calls

After Implementation:

• Track answered call percentage (should reach 95%+)
• Monitor lead conversion from forwarded calls
• Measure customer satisfaction improvements
• Calculate additional revenue generated

Why Professional Setup Matters

DIY vs. Professional Configuration

DIY Forwarding:

• Basic carrier forwarding only
• No intelligent call routing
• No lead capture or qualification
• Limited to simple forward/don’t forward rules

TradieDesk Professional Setup:

• Complete carrier configuration
• Intelligent call routing based on urgency
• Professional answering with lead qualification
• Advanced scheduling and booking integration
• 24/7 monitoring and support

The TradieDesk Advantage

🔧 Trade-Specific Training Our AI is trained specifically for Australian tradies, understanding:

• Common job types and terminology
• Pricing ranges for different trades
• Emergency vs. routine call identification
• Local regulations and requirements

📅 Intelligent Scheduling

• Real-time calendar integration
• Optimal route planning for appointments
• Weather and availability considerations
• Automatic confirmation and reminders

💰 Lead Qualification

• Budget verification before booking
• Project scope and timeline capture
• Priority ranking for follow-up
• Hot lead immediate notifications

Conclusion: Never Miss Another Opportunity

Call forwarding is the foundation of professional customer service for tradies. Whether you set it up yourself or use TradieDesk’s complete service, the key is ensuring every customer call is answered professionally and every lead is captured.

Remember:

• 62% of customers won’t call back if you don’t answer
• Emergency calls are worth $500-$2,000 each
• Professional answering increases conversion by 67%
• Simple setup can be completed in under 10 minutes

The tradies already using call forwarding report:

• Zero missed calls during business hours
• 45% increase in job bookings
• $15,000-25,000 additional annual revenue
• Improved work-life balance with after-hours coverage

Don’t let another profitable job slip away because your phone went unanswered.

Ready to capture every call and every opportunity? Start your TradieDesk setup today - we’ll handle the complete call forwarding configuration for you, plus provide professional answering service that books jobs while you focus on the work.

---

Need help with call forwarding setup for your specific carrier or situation? Contact our technical team at hello@tradiedesk.com for personalized assistance.