# Voicemail Drop - User Guide

> Drop pre-recorded voicemails with one tap. No more awkward live messages.

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## Quick Start

### During a Call

1. **Call a lead** from the Call List
2. Lead doesn't answer → you hear their voicemail greeting
3. **Wait for the beep**
4. Tap the **amber Voicemail button** (next to Hang Up)
5. Select a recording from the picker
6. Done! Recording plays automatically, call ends

**Result:** Perfect voicemail in 2 seconds instead of 30.

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## Setup (One Time)

### Step 1: Create Storage Bucket

Before uploading recordings, an admin needs to create the storage bucket:

1. Go to [Supabase Dashboard](https://supabase.com/dashboard)
2. Select your project → **Storage**
3. Click **New bucket**
4. Name: `voicemail-recordings`
5. Toggle **Public bucket** = ON
6. Click **Create bucket**

### Step 2: Upload Your Recordings

1. Open the app → **More** (bottom nav)
2. Scroll to **Settings** section
3. Tap **Voicemail Recordings**
4. Tap **+ Add Recording**
5. Enter a name (e.g., "Standard Intro")
6. Either:
   - **Upload a file** - tap to select MP3/WAV from your device
   - **Paste a URL** - if you have audio hosted elsewhere
7. Tap **Add Recording**

### Step 3: Set a Default (Optional)

1. In the recordings list, find your preferred VM
2. Tap the **star icon** to set as default
3. Default shows first in the picker during calls

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## Recording Tips

### What to Say

**Standard Introduction (First Contact):**
> "G'day, this is [Name] from the RateRight team. Just giving you a quick call about finding workers for your projects. If you've got a minute, give us a ring back on this number or shoot us a text. Cheers!"

**Follow-up Message:**
> "Hey, it's [Name] from RateRight again. Just following up on my earlier message. When you get a chance, give me a call back or flick me a text. Talk soon!"

**Hot Lead Re-engagement:**
> "G'day, [Name] from RateRight here. I noticed you were looking at our platform recently. We've actually got some great workers available in your area right now. Call me back when you can - I'd love to help you out. Cheers!"

### Recording Quality

- **Keep it under 30 seconds** - respect their time
- **Speak clearly** - avoid background noise
- **Sound natural** - not robotic or scripted
- **End with action** - "call back" or "text me"
- **Use MP3 format** - smaller files, faster playback

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## How It Works (Technical)

1. You tap "Drop VM" during an active call
2. App sends request to backend with the call ID and recording ID
3. Backend tells Twilio to:
   - Play the audio file to the call
   - Hang up when audio finishes
4. Drop is logged for analytics

The lead hears your pre-recorded message as if you left it live.

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## Troubleshooting

### "No voicemail recordings yet"
- Go to More → Voicemail Recordings and upload at least one

### Upload fails
- Check that the storage bucket `voicemail-recordings` exists in Supabase
- Make sure the bucket is set to **Public**
- Try a smaller file (under 5MB)

### VM doesn't play on call
- Make sure you waited for the voicemail beep
- Check the recording URL is valid (try playing it in Voicemail Settings)
- The call must still be active when you tap Drop

### Button is grayed out
- Button is disabled during "Connecting..." phase
- Wait until call shows "Ringing" or timer is running

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## Best Practices

1. **Record 3-4 different VMs** - Standard intro, follow-up, re-engagement
2. **Set your best one as default** - fastest access during calls
3. **Wait for the beep** - don't drop too early or it cuts off
4. **Track what works** - usage stats show which VMs get callbacks
5. **Update seasonally** - "Happy New Year" or "Hope the weather's treating you well"

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## FAQ

**Q: Can leads tell it's pre-recorded?**
A: If recorded well, no. It sounds just like you leaving a live message.

**Q: What happens to the call after I drop?**
A: Twilio plays your recording then automatically hangs up.

**Q: Can I cancel mid-drop?**
A: No, once dropped it plays to completion. Be sure before tapping.

**Q: Do drops count toward call stats?**
A: Yes, the call is logged normally. Drop activity is tracked separately.

**Q: Can I share recordings with the team?**
A: Yes, all recordings are shared by default. Everyone can use them.

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*Feature added: Jan 18, 2026*