Free On-Hold Message Templates for Every Business

Updated April 2026 · 20+ templates · 6 categories · Copy & generate free

70% of business callers are put on hold. The average hold time is 13 minutes. And 60% of callers hang up after just 1 minute of silence. These templates turn that dead air into your best marketing channel. Copy any script, customize the brackets, and generate studio-quality audio in minutes.

70% of callers are put on hold
13 min average hold time
60% hang up after 1 min of silence
34% who hang up never call back

General Business Greeting Templates

These all-purpose templates work for any business type. Swap out the bracketed placeholders with your business details and you're ready to go.

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Standard Professional Greeting

GENERAL

Thank you for calling [Business Name]. Your call is very important to us and will be answered in the order it was received.

While you wait, did you know that [Business Name] has been serving [City/Region] for over [X] years? We're proud to offer [key service 1], [key service 2], and [key service 3] to help our customers succeed.

For faster service, visit us online at [website], where you can [online action: schedule appointments, browse products, request a quote] 24 hours a day.

Our business hours are [hours]. We look forward to assisting you. Please stay on the line and a team member will be with you shortly.

Tip: Replace the bracketed placeholders with your actual business details. Works for any industry.

Value Proposition Hold Message

GENERAL

Thanks for calling [Business Name] — where [tagline or value prop, e.g., "quality meets affordability"].

Here's why [X number] customers trust us: We offer [unique benefit 1, e.g., "same-day service"], [unique benefit 2, e.g., "no hidden fees"], and [unique benefit 3, e.g., "a 100% satisfaction guarantee"].

Don't forget — you can also reach us at [email] or chat with us live at [website]. We're here to help however works best for you.

A representative will be with you momentarily. Thank you for your patience.

🚀

Friendly & Modern Tone

GENERAL

Hey there! Thanks for calling [Business Name]. We're helping another customer right now, but you're next in line.

While you hang tight — have you checked out our [new product/service/feature]? It's been a game-changer for our customers, and we think you'll love it too.

You can also text us at [phone number] or drop us a message at [website] if that's easier. We'll get right back to you.

Thanks for being awesome and holding. We'll be right with you!

Tip: This casual tone works great for creative agencies, tech companies, and lifestyle brands.

Seasonal & Promotional Message Templates

Update your hold message to match the season, promote holiday specials, or announce time-limited offers. These templates are designed to be swapped in quickly — generate fresh audio in under 3 minutes with HoldCast.

🎄

Holiday Season Promotion

SEASONAL

Happy holidays from everyone at [Business Name]! We appreciate your call and your patience during our busy season.

This holiday, we're offering [holiday special, e.g., "20% off all gift packages through December 31st"]. It's our way of saying thank you for being a valued customer.

Looking for the perfect gift? Ask about our [gift cards / holiday bundles / seasonal packages] when you speak with a representative.

Our holiday hours are [holiday hours]. You can also shop online anytime at [website]. A team member will be with you soon — happy holidays!

☀️

Summer Sale / Seasonal Promo

SEASONAL

Thank you for calling [Business Name]! Summer is here, and so are our biggest savings of the year.

Right now, enjoy [summer deal, e.g., "buy one get one free on all services"] — available for a limited time only. Don't miss out!

Need to book an appointment? You can schedule online 24/7 at [website] or ask our team when they pick up. We're ready to help you make the most of the season.

Your call is important to us. Hang tight — we'll be with you shortly.

🎆

New Year / Fresh Start

SEASONAL

Happy New Year from [Business Name]! Thank you for calling — we're excited to serve you in [year].

Start the year right with [new year promo, e.g., "15% off your first service of the year"]. Whether you're a new customer or returning, we've got something special for you.

New this year: [new service, feature, or product]. Ask us about it when we connect!

Thank you for your patience. A team member will be with you in just a moment.

Service Announcement Templates

Use these templates to announce changes to your business — new hours, new locations, updated policies, or new services. Perfect for keeping callers informed without extra staff effort.

🕑

Updated Business Hours

ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you for calling [Business Name]. We wanted to let you know about our updated hours.

We're now open [new hours, e.g., "Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM"]. These extended hours mean more time to serve you!

You can also reach us anytime through our website at [website], where you can [submit a request, schedule an appointment, view our services].

Thank you for choosing [Business Name]. A representative will be with you shortly.

📍

New Location Announcement

ANNOUNCEMENT

Thanks for calling [Business Name]! We have exciting news — we've opened a brand new location at [new address or area].

Our new [City/Neighborhood] location offers the same great service you know and love, now even closer to you. Grand opening specials include [opening special, e.g., "a free consultation for first-time visitors"].

Find directions and hours for all our locations at [website].

Your call is in our queue. Thank you for your patience — we'll be right with you.

🔔

New Service or Product Launch

ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you for holding with [Business Name]. We're thrilled to announce our newest offering: [new service/product name].

[Brief description, e.g., "Our new express service gets you in and out in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy schedules."] Ask about it when you speak with our team.

As always, we're committed to [core value, e.g., "providing the highest quality care at fair prices"]. That's why [X] customers choose us every year.

Your call matters to us. We'll connect you with a team member momentarily.

Professional Services Templates

Industry-specific templates for dental offices, medical practices, law firms, and other professional services. These address common patient/client questions and promote your specialized offerings.

🦷

Dental Office

DENTAL

Thank you for calling [Dental Practice Name]. Your smile is our priority, and a team member will be with you shortly.

Did you know that regular dental checkups can prevent up to 90% of serious dental issues? If it's been more than 6 months since your last visit, now is the perfect time to schedule your cleaning and exam.

We offer a full range of services including [services, e.g., "teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental implants, and same-day crowns"]. We also welcome [insurance types, e.g., "most major dental insurance plans"] and offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.

New patients: ask about our [new patient special, e.g., "$99 exam, cleaning, and X-ray package"]. You can also book your appointment online at [website].

Thank you for choosing [Practice Name]. We look forward to seeing your smile!

Tip: Dental offices are the #1 user of on-hold messages. Promoting preventive care and new-patient specials on hold is proven to increase bookings.

🏥

Medical Practice / Clinic

MEDICAL

Thank you for calling [Practice Name]. Your health is our top concern and we'll be with you as soon as possible.

If this is a medical emergency, please hang up and dial 911.

For your convenience, we offer [services, e.g., "same-day appointments, telehealth visits, and walk-in hours"]. Our patient portal at [website] lets you request prescription refills, view test results, and message your provider directly.

We're currently accepting new patients and accept [insurance, e.g., "most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid"]. Don't forget to schedule your [annual wellness exam / flu shot / routine screening] — preventive care is the best care.

Thank you for your patience. A member of our care team will be with you shortly.

Tip: Always include the 911 emergency notice for medical practices. It's an industry best practice and avoids liability.

⚖️

Law Firm / Legal Office

LEGAL
🛡️

Insurance Agency

INSURANCE

Thank you for calling [Agency Name], your local [insurance type, e.g., "auto, home, and life"] insurance experts.

Did you know you could be saving [amount, e.g., "up to $500 a year"] by bundling your policies? Ask us about our multi-policy discount when we connect.

Need to file a claim? You can start the process online at [website] or let us walk you through it on this call. We're here to make insurance simple.

We represent [number] top-rated carriers, which means we shop for the best rate so you don't have to. A licensed agent will be with you in just a moment.

Restaurant & Retail Templates

Keep your customers engaged while they wait. Promote your menu specials, loyalty programs, online ordering, and seasonal offerings.

🍽

Restaurant / Food Service

RESTAURANT

Thanks for calling [Restaurant Name]! We're busy making something delicious and will be right with you.

While you wait — have you tried our [featured dish or special, e.g., "new wood-fired margherita pizza"]? It's quickly becoming a customer favorite.

Order online for pickup or delivery at [website or app name]. We also offer [catering / private dining / event packages] for groups of all sizes — ask us for details!

Join our rewards program and earn [reward, e.g., "a free appetizer after your 5th visit"]. Sign up at the register or on our app.

We appreciate your call and your appetite. Someone will be right with you!

🛍

Retail Store

RETAIL

Thank you for calling [Store Name]! We're helping a customer in-store and will be with you shortly.

This week's special: [current promo, e.g., "20% off all new arrivals through Sunday"]. Shop the sale in-store or online at [website].

Looking for something specific? Check our real-time inventory at [website] to make sure it's in stock before you visit. We also offer [curbside pickup / same-day local delivery / free shipping over $X].

Become a [loyalty program name] member and get exclusive deals, early access to sales, and [reward, e.g., "$10 off your next purchase"] just for signing up.

Thank you for shopping with us. A team member will be right with you!

🚗

Auto Dealership / Service Center

AUTO

Thank you for calling [Dealership/Service Center Name]. Whether you're looking to buy, lease, or service your vehicle, you've called the right place.

Now through [end date], take advantage of [current offer, e.g., "0% APR financing on select new models"]. Our sales team can walk you through all available incentives.

For our service customers: schedule your next oil change, tire rotation, or inspection online at [website]. We offer [service perks, e.g., "complimentary shuttle service and loaner vehicles"] while your car is in the shop.

A member of our team will be with you in just a moment. We appreciate your business!

Multi-Language Templates (English + Spanish)

Serve your bilingual customers with hold messages in both English and Spanish. These templates include both versions — generate each as a separate audio file and combine them, or use HoldCast to generate natively in Spanish.

🌎

Bilingual Business Greeting

ENGLISH + SPANISH

English:

Thank you for calling [Business Name]. Your call is important to us. Please hold and a representative will be with you shortly. While you wait, visit us online at [website] for [online services].

Español:

Gracias por llamar a [Business Name]. Su llamada es importante para nosotros. Por favor espere en línea y un representante estará con usted en breve. Mientras espera, visítenos en línea en [website] para [online services].

Tip: Generate the English and Spanish versions as separate audio files, then combine them. Or use HoldCast's native multilingual support to generate each language in one click.

🏥

Bilingual Medical Office

ENGLISH + SPANISH

English:

Thank you for calling [Practice Name]. If this is a medical emergency, please hang up and call 911. For all other inquiries, please stay on the line. We accept most major insurance plans and are currently welcoming new patients. Book your appointment online at [website].

Español:

Gracias por llamar a [Practice Name]. Si se trata de una emergencia médica, por favor cuelgue y llame al 911. Para otras consultas, permanezca en línea. Aceptamos la mayoría de los planes de seguros principales y actualmente estamos aceptando nuevos pacientes. Reserve su cita en línea en [website].

Skip the Templates — Let AI Write Your Message

Describe your business and let HoldCast generate a custom on-hold script, choose the perfect voice, and add background music. Done in 3 minutes.

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Free tier available · No credit card · AI writes the script for you

Tips for Writing Great On-Hold Messages

Whether you use a template or write from scratch, these principles will make your hold message sound professional and actually convert.

Keep Segments Short

Each segment should be 15–30 seconds. Callers zone out after 30 seconds of the same topic. Alternate between marketing and informational content.

💬

Be Conversational

Write like you talk. Avoid corporate jargon and overly formal language. "Did you know?" beats "We are pleased to inform you that..."

🎯

Include a Call to Action

Every segment should guide the caller to do something: visit your website, ask about a promo, book an appointment, or try a new service.

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Update Regularly

Stale messages hurt your brand. Update at least quarterly — or whenever promotions, hours, or services change. With AI, it takes 3 minutes.

🎵

Match the Music

Background music sets the tone. Upbeat for retail, calm for medical, professional for law firms. HoldCast's library has tracks for every mood.

👥

Know Your Audience

A dental office and a nightclub need very different tones. Write for your caller — not for yourself. When in doubt, friendly and professional wins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should an on-hold message say? +
A good on-hold message should include: a greeting thanking the caller, your business name, a brief mention of services or current promotions, useful information (hours, website, location), and a reassurance that their call will be answered soon. Keep each segment 15–30 seconds and aim for 2–4 minutes total in a loop.
How do I write an on-hold message script? +
Start with a warm greeting and business name. Then alternate between marketing segments (promotions, services, testimonials) and informational segments (hours, location, website). End each loop with a reassurance line. Keep the tone conversational and professional. Use short sentences — callers are listening, not reading. Or skip the writing entirely and let HoldCast's AI generate a script based on your business description.
Can I use these on-hold message templates for free? +
Yes, all templates on this page are free to copy and customize for your business. You can also generate them as professional audio files using HoldCast's free tier — no credit card required. Just click "Generate This with AI" on any template to turn it into a studio-quality audio file with voice and background music.
How long should an on-hold message script be? +
Most on-hold message scripts should be 300–600 words, which translates to roughly 2–4 minutes of audio. This provides enough variety that callers on hold for several minutes won't hear the same content repeating quickly. If your average hold time is under 1 minute, a shorter 150-word script works fine.
What makes a bad on-hold message? +
The worst on-hold experiences are: complete silence (60% of callers hang up), a repeating "Your call is important to us" with no other content, outdated promotions or information, poor audio quality, and messages that are too short and loop noticeably. Avoid generic filler — every segment should either inform, promote, or reassure.
Should on-hold messages be in multiple languages? +
If your business serves multilingual customers, absolutely. A bilingual on-hold message (like English and Spanish) shows customers you value their experience and reduces hang-up rates in diverse markets. HoldCast can generate the same message in 40+ languages instantly — no translation service needed.
How often should I update my on-hold message? +
Update your on-hold message at least quarterly to keep it fresh. Update immediately when promotions change, hours shift, or you add new services. With AI tools like HoldCast, updating takes 3 minutes instead of days — so there's no reason to let your message go stale.

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