What are some examples of messages to put on your answering machine?

An answering machine message typically asks the caller to leave their name, telephone number, and the reason for their call. Depending on if the answering machine is for a personal or business telephone line, the content and tone of the answering machine message might differ.

An example of a standard answering machine message for a personal line is, "Hi, this is (name). I’m sorry I cannot take your call right now. Please leave a detailed message at the tone along with your name and telephone number. I‘ll return your call as soon as I return. Thank you." For a business line, the answering machine typically states the name of the owner of the line, the name of the business, a brief message to leave the owner of the line and a contact number to reach the caller.

Many owners of answering machines use humorous greetings also. A popular greeting is: "Hello. I’m available right now but cannot find the phone. Please leave a message and I will call you up as soon as I find it." Another popular one is: "Hi, this is [your name]. I’m sorry, I can’t answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back."