I would think that if you work as an indy garage owner then it is up to you how badly you want the business. If you reply right away you will likely get the business if you want it. If you are too busy with other jobs then you get back when you can.
545 pm I think is too late for most people to respond to a call for service.
My now ex tenants sent me an email a couple years ago saying service here. I missed the email and they got more irate on the second email. I caught the second email and addressed their problem.
Nowadays most of everybody wants service right now just like Mickey D's.
My favorite indy shop has no secretary but the boss usually gets back to me within a couple of hours after I leave a message on the answering machine.
