Reduce appointment no-shows with automated reminders and easy rescheduling
You can reduce no-shows by sending automated reminders at the right times on the channel your customers read (often WhatsApp or SMS), making it one tap to confirm or reschedule, and automatically offering cancelled slots to a waitlist. Staff then only call the few unconfirmed appointments.
Signs you have this problem
- Empty slots from people who simply forgot.
- Staff spend time calling to confirm every appointment.
- Cancellations come too late to refill the slot.
- Rescheduling requires a phone call during office hours.
The reminder system
- At booking. Confirmation with date, time, location or video link, and how to reschedule.
- Two to three days before. A reminder with Confirm, Reschedule and Cancel buttons.
- Day before or morning of. A short final reminder to people who confirmed, and a personal call list for those who didn’t.
- On cancellation. The slot is offered automatically to the waitlist.
- After a no-show. A friendly rebooking message instead of silence.
Measure before and after
Record your no-show rate for a month before you start, then compare. It’s the only number that matters, and we include it in your monthly report.
Frequently asked questions
When should appointment reminders be sent?
A common pattern is a confirmation at booking, a reminder two to three days before (with time to reschedule), and a final reminder the day before or the morning of. Test what works for your customers.
Are WhatsApp reminders better than email?
In many markets, including Nigeria and much of Africa, the UK and Canada, people read WhatsApp messages much faster than email. Use the channel your customers actually check, with their consent.
What about people who still don't show up?
Reminders reduce forgetting, not every cause. Deposits, clear cancellation policies and an automatic "we missed you, rebook here" message help with the rest.
Find out what you could automate, in about 4 minutes
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