When it comes to appointment confirmation, there are two main options: Email and SMS. Which is better? The answer is: both, but for different reasons.
Email Confirmation: Complete Information
Advantages
1. More Information
- You can include all appointment details
- Directions, maps, tips
- Professional appearance with branding
2. Easy Reference
- Customers can easily find the email
- They can save it or print it
- Ideal for long-term appointments
3. Cost
- Almost free (only the cost of email service)
- You can send to many customers simultaneously
Disadvantages
1. May Not Be Read Immediately
- Many people don't check email frequently
- May go to spam folder
2. Not Always Immediate
- Customers may not see the email for hours or days
SMS Confirmation: Immediate Communication
Advantages
1. Immediate Notification
- 98% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes
- Customers see it immediately
2. High Read Rate
- SMS doesn't go to spam
- People check SMS more often than email
3. Short and Clear
- Easy to read quickly
- Ideal for last-minute reminders
Disadvantages
1. Limited Space
- Only 160 characters
- Can't include many details
2. Cost
- Each SMS costs (though a small amount)
- Can become expensive for large numbers of customers
3. Not Professional
- Can't add branding or instructions
The Solution: Use Both
Rvoo offers both for maximum effectiveness:
1. Email for Confirmation
When a booking is made, send Email with:
- All appointment details
- Directions on how to get there
- What to bring
- Professional branding
2. SMS for Reminder
24 hours before the appointment, send SMS with:
- Brief reminder
- Date and time
- Link to cancel or change
Practical Examples
Medical Practice
- Email: Full confirmation with directions, what to bring, history
- SMS: Reminder 24 hours before: "Reminder: Appointment tomorrow at 10:00"
Salon
- Email: Confirmation with service details, prices, directions
- SMS: Reminder: "We're expecting you tomorrow at 2:00 PM for a haircut"
Physical Therapy
- Email: Full confirmation with directions, what to bring, safety
- SMS: Reminder: "Appointment tomorrow at 11:00. Please bring comfortable clothes"
Conclusion
Email is better for confirmation (complete information), while SMS is better for reminders (immediate notification).
Using both, you ensure that:
- Customers receive all information (Email)
- Customers remember the appointment (SMS)
- You reduce cancellations by 80%
Discover how Rvoo can help your business with automated Email and SMS confirmations.