LocalePulse / Pest control / Termite inspection reminder
Guide for Australian pest control businessesLast year's termite customers are the easiest bookings you'll get, if someone reminds them. Here's a simple reminder routine and the words to use.
Send a termite inspection reminder about 11 months after the last inspection, so it can be booked before the 12-month mark. AEPMA's notes on AS 3660.2-2017 say regular termite inspections should be no more than 12 months apart, and more often where termite pressure is high. Keep the reminder short: your business name, the property, when the last inspection was, a way to book, and an opt-out, because a reminder that promotes a paid service is a commercial message under the Spam Act.
When to send
| When | Send | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Right after the inspection | Ask permission: "Can we remind you next year?" | Record the answer with the job |
| About 11 months later | SMS reminder | Gives a month to book before 12 months |
| 1 to 2 weeks later, no reply | One email, or one more SMS | Then stop |
| Opt-out received | Nothing more | Remove them within 5 business days at most |
Set up the routine
- Ask at the job. When you hand over the report, ask if they'd like a reminder when the next inspection is due, and note it. Clear permission keeps the Spam Act side simple.
- Keep a due list. A spreadsheet with name, address, mobile, email, last inspection date and "reminder OK" works. Many job management systems can schedule recurring reminders too.
- Check the list once a month. Pull everyone whose last inspection was about 11 months ago and send the reminder.
- Follow up once. If there's no reply after a week or two, send one follow-up, then stop.
- Honour opt-outs fast. The Spam Act requires a working unsubscribe, and the ACMA says unsubscribe requests must be actioned within 5 working days.
Free reminders you can paste
SMS reminder (about 11 months after)
Hi [First name], it's [Business]. Your last termite inspection at [street] was in [month year]. Regular inspections are recommended at least every 12 months. Reply YES and we'll call to book, or call [phone]. Reply STOP to opt out.
SMS follow-up (one only)
Hi [First name], [Business] here. Just a quick follow-up on your termite inspection for [street], due [month]. Reply YES to book or STOP to opt out.
Email reminder
Subject: Your termite inspection at [street] is due in [month] Hi [First name], We inspected [street address] for termites in [month year]. The Australian Standard for termite management in existing buildings recommends regular inspections no more than 12 months apart, and more often in high-risk areas, so yours is due in [month]. To book, reply with a couple of days and times that suit, or call [phone]. Thanks, [Name] [Business] · [phone] · [licence number, if you show it] Don't want these reminders? Reply "unsubscribe" and we'll take you off the list.
Ask for permission at the job (say or text)
Thanks for having us out today. Would you like a reminder from [Business] when your next termite inspection is due in about 12 months? Reply YES and we'll send one.
Replace everything in square brackets. Only mention a termite warranty or treatment conditions if they apply to that customer and match your paperwork. Check your own records for consent before sending. This page is general information, not legal advice.
FAQ
- How often should a termite inspection be done?
- AEPMA's notes on AS 3660.2-2017 say regular termite inspections should be no more than 12 months apart, and special inspections during termite control should be no more than 6 months apart. The QBCC recommends at least every 12 months, or more often in high-risk areas.
- When should I send the reminder?
- About 11 months after the last inspection. That leaves time to book before the 12-month mark.
- Does a termite reminder need an opt-out?
- A reminder that promotes a paid inspection is a commercial electronic message. The ACMA says commercial messages need consent, must identify the sender and must include a working unsubscribe option. Asking at the job and recording the answer is the simplest way to have clear consent. This is general information, not legal advice.
- Should I send reminders by SMS or email?
- SMS is short and usually read quickly; email lets you include the address and last inspection details. Many businesses send an SMS first and one email follow-up.
- How many reminders should I send?
- One reminder and one follow-up is enough. Then stop until next year, and stop straight away if they opt out.
Sources
- AEPMA: Notes on updates to AS 3660.2-2017 (regular inspections no more than 12 months apart)
- QBCC: Termite management systems (PDF, inspections at least every 12 months)
- ACMA: Avoid sending spam and common issues and mistakes