Appointment reminder texts: 12 examples for small businesses

A good reminder text names the appointment, gives the day and time, and tells the person how to answer. Below are twelve examples you can adapt, followed by advice on asking for a short reply and choosing when to send.

What should an appointment reminder text include?

Include who is writing, the day, the time and one clear way to respond. Each of those answers a question the reader would otherwise have to ask.

Furcata adds an unsubscribe line to the end of every bulk message, so you do not need to write one. Make sure each person has agreed to receive your texts before you send. STOP and HELP keywords are handled automatically.

Why ask for a short reply?

Consider asking for one word, such as CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE. A single word is quick to write on a cell phone and quick for you to read.

Replies arrive in your inbox, where you read them and answer in context. The examples below use the reply words CONFIRM and RESCHEDULE. You can set up an auto-reply under Automation: choose the exact message that triggers it (for example CONFIRM) and the message Furcata sends back, such as a confirmation. Do the same for RESCHEDULE, with a message asking which time works. Avoid CANCEL as a reply word: Furcata treats it as an opt-out.

What are 12 reminder texts you can adapt?

Replace each bracketed placeholder with your own details. Furcata adds the account name and an unsubscribe footer to each bulk message, and both count toward its length. Plan for a short English message to use 2 segments.

Health and personal care

Furcata adds your account name at the start and a short unsubscribe line at the end of every bulk message, and both count toward the length. With them, the examples below use 2 segments each. In the US and Canada, one segment uses one credit, and every message also carries one flat messaging fee.

Hi {first_name}, your dental cleaning is [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE.

{first_name}, your hair appointment is [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM to keep it or RESCHEDULE to change it.

Hello {first_name}. Your massage is booked for [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE.

Hi {first_name}, your check-up is [day] at [time]. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Reply RESCHEDULE to pick a new time.

Home and repair services

Hi {first_name}, our plumber visits [day] between [time] and [time]. Reply CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE.

{first_name}, we clean your home [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE.

Hi {first_name}, your car service is [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE.

Lessons, classes and groups

{first_name}, [student name] has a tutoring session [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE.

Hi {first_name}, your first class is [day] at [time]. Bring a water bottle. Reply CONFIRM.

Hello {first_name}. Your fitting is [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM or RESCHEDULE.

Community and events

Hi {first_name}, we meet [day] at [time] at [place]. Reply CONFIRM if you are coming or RESCHEDULE if you cannot.

{first_name}, thank you for booking the free event on [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM to hold your spot.

When should you send the reminder?

Consider sending the first reminder a day or two before the appointment. That leaves time for the person to move it and for you to offer the slot to someone else.

If the appointment is early in the day, a second short text the evening before is worth trying. Send it only to people who have not answered the first one.

Send reminders at times when a text is welcome, and keep each person to a small number of messages. If plans change, send an update as soon as plans change so people are not left guessing.

What do reminders cost to send?

Cost depends on how messages are counted. Each message is counted in segments, and the header and footer count toward length. In the US and Canada, one segment uses one credit. Each message also carries one flat messaging fee, whatever its length or type.

Replies are billed too, at the same rate as outgoing texts. Credits you buy do not expire. Current prices are on the pricing page, and the billing guide explains what is included and what you are charged for.

How do you handle the replies?

Check your inbox on a routine, such as once in the morning and once in the afternoon. When someone writes RESCHEDULE, answer with two or three times they can choose from.

Keep your answers short too. A reply such as the one below confirms the change and closes the exchange.

Thanks, {first_name}. We moved you to [day] at [time]. Reply CONFIRM.

To set up reminders and handle reschedule requests from start to finish, read the appointment reminders guide.