All about SMSs

SMS messages are a reliable and professional way to keep your clients and team informed. You can use Bookem to send booking confirmations, reminders, follow-ups, and more - directly to your clients’ mobile phones.

Why SMS?

SMS works on every mobile phone, doesn’t require an internet connection, and cuts through the noise of crowded apps. Unlike WhatsApp or other messaging platforms, SMS is:

• Universally supported and doesn’t rely on data or app installation
• Delivered instantly, even in low-signal areas
• Widely trusted for important communication

That’s why major companies use SMS for:

• One-time passwords (OTPs)
• Delivery updates
• Appointment confirmations
• Security notifications

With Bookem, you can take advantage of that same channel to ensure your messages are seen and acted on - no app required.

SMS notifications for clients

Clients can receive SMS notifications for key booking events, including:

• Booking confirmations
• Booking cancellations
• Appointment reminders
• Follow-ups or custom messages
• Links to invoices, sick notes, and other documents

Manage these in Settings > Automated messages

• Bookem includes default notifications when you sign up
• You can edit, disable, or create new ones to suit your workflow
• Choose exactly when SMSs are sent - on confirmation, before appointments, after visits, or when a document is shared

💡 Tip: Include links in your messages to allow clients to:

• View, reschedule, or cancel their bookings
• Access invoices, documents, or online forms with a single tap

SMS notifications for team members

Team members can receive SMS (or email) notifications to help them stay organised and prepared for their day

They can be notified when:

• A booking is created, updated, or cancelled
• A form is submitted by a client
• A reminder for an upcoming appointment in their calendar

Each team member can set up their own notification preferences to choose:

• Which types of updates they want to receive
• Whether they prefer SMS or email notifications

Admins can also adjust notification settings for each team member if needed

This ensures every team member receives timely, relevant updates for their schedule

Using credits to send SMSs

Bookem uses credits as currency for SMS messages.

• 1 SMS message (up to 160 characters) = 0.94 credits
• Longer messages are split into segments, using more credits
• Special characters or emojis may reduce available space
• Token use is based on the recipient’s location, not yours
• The total cost is calculated based on location when purchasing from the top up page

Troubleshooting SMS issues

Message not delivered?

• Check your credit balance
• Confirm the client’s mobile number is correct
• Verify the destination country supports delivery
• If needed, contact Bookem Help

Can’t see the message?

• Go to the client’s Messages tab
• Wait 2 - 5 minutes for the message to send and logs to update
• Refresh the page
• Still missing? Reach out to Bookem Help with specific details

Learn more

• Low credit notifications
• Fallback email and SMS explained
• Sending bulk SMSs from Bookem
• Bookem team member notification preferences