How SMS Reminders Can Cut Your No-Shows by 50%
No-shows cost the average groomer hundreds per month. Automated SMS reminders are the simplest fix — here's how to set them up.
Automated texts that reduce no-shows, bring clients back, and keep pets healthy — included free on every plan
GroomBoard doesn't just send appointment reminders — it runs a full SMS automation system that works around the clock so you don't have to. When a client books, they get an instant confirmation text. The day before, they get a reminder. After their appointment, they get a follow-up with a link to rebook. If their pet is overdue for a groom, they get a gentle nudge. You can even send automatic Google review requests and vaccination expiry alerts. Every message uses your business name, sends at the right time, and handles opt-outs automatically. You're in full control: toggle each SMS feature on or off from your settings whenever you want. And all of it is included in every plan — no add-on fees, no per-message charges, no surprises on your bill.
Step by step
When a client books online or you add one manually, GroomBoard instantly sends them a confirmation text with the date, time, service, and your business name. They know it's booked.
24 hours before the appointment, GroomBoard sends a reminder text. For mobile groomers, the message includes the client's address. Clients see it on their lock screen and show up.
After a completed appointment, GroomBoard sends a follow-up text with a link to your booking page so clients can rebook their next visit in one tap. You can also send a Google review request automatically.
If a pet is overdue for a groom based on their regular schedule, GroomBoard sends the owner a rebooking reminder. Vaccination expiry alerts let clients know when their pet's vaccines are due — they'll appreciate the heads-up.
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Why groomers love it
Reduce no-shows by 50% or more with automatic day-before appointment reminders
Instant booking confirmation texts so clients know their appointment is locked in
Post-appointment follow-ups with a rebooking link — clients tap once to book their next visit
Rebooking reminders for overdue pets based on their regular grooming schedule
Automatic Google review requests sent a few hours after a completed groom
Vaccination expiry alerts sent to clients when their pet's vaccines are coming due
Two-way texting with built-in STOP/START opt-out compliance — required by law, handled for you
Toggle every SMS feature on or off from your settings at any time — no commitments, no penalties
All SMS features included on every plan at no extra cost. No per-message fees. Ever.
Messages use your business name so clients know exactly who's texting them
The difference
| Feature | GroomBoard | Other Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| SMS included in plan | Yes — every plan, every feature | Gingr: paid add-on. MoeGo: $100+/mo add-on |
| Booking confirmations | Automatic, instant | Usually included |
| Day-before reminders | Automatic, included | Often a paid add-on |
| Post-groom follow-ups | Automatic with rebooking link | Rarely included |
| Rebooking reminders | Automatic for overdue pets | Not available or manual only |
| Google review requests | Automatic after appointments | Separate tool or not available |
| Vaccination alerts | Automatic expiry notifications | Not available |
| Per-message fees | None | Some charge per SMS sent |
| On/off toggle control | Toggle each feature individually | All-or-nothing or no control |
| Opt-out compliance | Built-in STOP/START handling | Varies |
See detailed comparisons: vs Gingr · vs MoeGo · vs PetExec
Common questions
No. Every SMS feature — confirmations, reminders, follow-ups, rebooking nudges, review requests, vaccination alerts — is included in every GroomBoard plan at no extra cost. No add-on fees, no per-message charges. Competitors like Gingr and MoeGo charge $50-100+/month for SMS as a paid add-on.
Yes. Every SMS feature has its own toggle in your settings. Want appointment reminders but not review requests? Just turn off review requests. Changed your mind next month? Flip it back on. You're always in full control, and there's no cost difference either way.
There are 7 types: (1) Instant booking confirmations, (2) Day-before appointment reminders, (3) Post-appointment follow-ups with a rebooking link, (4) Rebooking reminders when a pet is overdue, (5) Google review requests after a completed groom, (6) Vaccination expiry alerts when a pet's vaccines are coming due, and (7) Two-way message handling for opt-in/opt-out compliance.
Every message is personalized with the client's name, pet's name, appointment details, and your business name. For example, a reminder might say: "Hi Sarah, just a reminder that Max has a grooming appointment tomorrow at 10am with Fluffy Paws Grooming. Reply STOP to opt out." Messages are short, clear, and professional.
Yes. GroomBoard handles two-way texting. Clients can reply STOP to opt out or START to opt back in — this is required by law and GroomBoard handles it automatically. Their preference is saved so you never text someone who doesn't want to hear from you.
When you set a regular grooming interval for a pet (e.g., every 6 weeks), GroomBoard tracks when they're overdue. If it's been longer than their regular interval, the owner gets a text with a link to your booking page. It only sends once per grooming cycle, so clients don't get spammed.
If you record a pet's vaccination expiry dates in their profile, GroomBoard sends the owner a heads-up text when a vaccine is expiring within 2 weeks. It's a small touch that shows clients you care about their pet's health — and keeps your salon compliant.
A couple of hours after a completed appointment, GroomBoard sends the client a friendly text asking them to leave a Google review, with a direct link to your Google review page. You just add your Google review URL in settings and toggle it on. More 5-star reviews, zero effort.
At a 10% no-show rate with a $75 average groom and 5 dogs per day, you lose about $187 per week — over $800 per month. Automated reminders typically cut no-shows in half. Our free No-Show Cost Calculator can show you your exact number.
From the blog
No-shows cost the average groomer hundreds per month. Automated SMS reminders are the simplest fix — here's how to set them up.
No-shows cost groomers $700+/month on average. Here are 5 proven strategies to dramatically reduce missed appointments at your salon.
Use our free interactive calculator to see exactly how much no-shows cost your grooming business each year — and how automated SMS reminders can save you thousands.
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