Found a cheap way to handle customer no-shows at my shop

I was losing about 4 appointments a week at my auto detail place here in Amarillo. People just wouldn't show up and I'd be sitting there with nothing to do. Tried sending a simple text reminder the night before using a free app called TextMagic. It cut my no-shows down to maybe 1 a week after just a month. Has anyone else tried something like this for their business?

2 comments

2 Comments

emery_craig12d ago

Hold up, I gotta disagree with you on this one. A free text app isn't really a "cheap way" if it still costs you time and the possibility of a real connection with your customers. Youre just masking the problem, not fixing it. People not showing up is a sign they don't feel a personal tie to your shop, so a generic robot message isnt gonna change that. Why not just call them the day before instead of texting? A quick 30-second phone call would probably cut your no-shows even more and build loyalty at the same time. Seems like a lost opportunity to actually talk to people.

max_ramirez4812d ago

Nah I feel you but I gotta push back a little here lol. I've run a small shop before and honestly some people just don't pick up their phones no matter how much you try. I used to call every single appointment the day before and maybe half the time Id get voicemail. A text at least gets read even if they don't want to talk, ya know? And its not like you're sending some generic robot spam, you can personalize it with their name and time. The time savings of texting vs calling 30 people adds up quick when you're already swamped with work. I think a mix works better, call the regulars but text the new folks who haven't built that connection yet.