Set up customer reminders
Send automatic reminders before appointments so fewer customers forget. Pick the timing and the channel once, and TradeBooked sends them for you.
What it does
Customer reminders go out automatically before an appointment, so people turn up and you waste fewer slots. You set the timing and channel once and it runs in the background.
There are two reminders you can switch on:
- 24 hours before: a day-before nudge so the appointment is not forgotten
- 1 hour before: a real-time arrival reminder as you are on the way
What each plan includes
| Plan | Reminders |
|---|---|
| Pro | 24 hours before, via email, SMS or assisted WhatsApp |
| Autopilot | Adds the 1 hour before arrival reminder |
Before you start
You will need:
- A TradeBooked account on the Pro or Autopilot plan (the 1 hour reminder is Autopilot)
- For SMS reminders, you are on Pro or above (SMS is not on Solo)
Setup steps are in your dashboard
This is a Pro feature. Sign in on a Pro plan to see the step-by-step setup for your number.
Common questions
What is the difference between the 24 hour and 1 hour reminders?
The 24 hour reminder is a day-before nudge so the appointment is not forgotten. The 1 hour reminder is a real-time arrival heads-up as you are on the way. The 1 hour reminder is an Autopilot feature.
Which channels can I use?
Email, SMS, or assisted WhatsApp. Email and SMS send automatically. SMS needs Pro or above. WhatsApp is assisted: we email you a tap-to-send button at the right time.
Do I have to set a reminder for each booking?
No. You set the timing and channel once and reminders send automatically for every booking.
Why do customers no-show on tradespeople?
Same reasons NHS GP appointments get missed (around 16 million a year, roughly 1 in 23): forgotten dates, lost track of the week, plans changed and no one cancelled. A 24h reminder shifts cancellations into rescheduled slots instead of empty half-days.
What is the best time to send a reminder?
A day-before reminder (24 hours) is the sweet spot for "did I forget anything tomorrow?" On Autopilot, layer a 1 hour arrival reminder on top so the customer knows you are about to set off, which cuts the "I am not in" no-shows.
Can I customise the wording?
Yes. Reminder text uses your business name and supports placeholders (such as the customer's name and your booking link). Keep it short and human.
Do reminders send by SMS or email?
Email, SMS or assisted WhatsApp. Email and SMS send automatically. SMS reminders are live and require Pro or above. WhatsApp is assisted: TradeBooked emails you a tap-to-send button at the right moment.
Do customers reply to reminders?
Some do. Email replies land in your normal inbox. For SMS, replies behave per your carrier and the inbound SMS handling we already provide for missed-call STOP / START. Reply handling on WhatsApp depends on your own WhatsApp app, since the channel is assisted.
What plan do I need?
Reminders are on Pro and Autopilot. The day-before reminder is on Pro, and the 1 hour arrival reminder is on Autopilot.
Related guides
Related searches
- stop customer no shows
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References
This is general guidance, not legal, tax or financial advice. For your own circumstances, speak to a qualified professional.
Still stuck? Email support@tradebooked.co.uk.