SMS Consent & Opt-In

Overview

Bookit is an appointment scheduling service that uses SMS text messages to send transactional notifications. This page documents how we collect explicit consent from users before sending any SMS messages.

All SMS messages are transactional only. We do not send promotional or marketing messages.

How We Collect SMS Consent

Important: Unchecked Checkbox Requirement

SMS consent is collected via an unchecked checkbox at the point where you provide your phone number during booking or sign-up. The checkbox is not pre-selected. You must actively check the box to consent to receive SMS messages.

Consent Checkbox Example

This is how the SMS consent checkbox appears on our sign-up and booking forms:

I agree to receive appointment-related SMS messages from Bookit. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out at any time.

✓ The checkbox is unchecked by default
✓ Users must actively check the box to provide consent
✓ Clear opt-out instructions are included in the consent text

SMS Opt-In Process

Step 1: User Enters Phone Number & Provides Consent

When a user signs up or books an appointment, they must provide their phone number and actively check an unchecked consent box to opt in to SMS notifications.

Example Sign-Up Form:

Phone Number *

I agree to receive appointment-related SMS messages from Bookit. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out at any time.

Note: The checkbox above is unchecked by default. You must check it to receive SMS notifications.

Step 2: Explicit Consent Disclosure

Users see a clear disclosure about SMS communications before submitting their phone number. This disclosure includes:

Purpose of SMS (appointment notifications)
Types of messages (confirmations, reminders, verification codes)
Opt-out instructions (reply STOP)
Standard messaging rates notice

Example Consent Text:

"By providing your phone number and clicking 'Sign Up' or 'Book Appointment', you consent to receive transactional SMS messages from Bookit, including appointment confirmations, reminders, and verification codes. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP. Standard message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies."

Step 3: Phone Verification (Express Consent)

After entering their phone number, users receive a verification code via SMS and must enter it to complete sign-up. This act of entering the verification code constitutes express written consent under TCPA regulations.

Example Verification Screen:

Enter 6-Digit Code

We sent a verification code to +1 (555) 123-4567

Step 4: Ongoing Communications

Once consent is provided, users receive only transactional SMS messages:

Verification codes - To confirm phone number
Appointment confirmations - When booking is created
Appointment reminders - Sent 24 hours before appointment
Cancellation notifications - If appointment is canceled or rescheduled

Example SMS Messages:

Confirmation:

"Your haircut appointment with Joe's Barbershop is confirmed for Jan 15 at 2:00 PM. View details: acme.bookit.sh/m/abc123. Reply STOP to opt out."

Reminder:

"Reminder: Your appointment with Joe's Barbershop is tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Manage booking: acme.bookit.sh/m/abc123. Reply STOP to opt out."

Opt-Out Instructions

Users can opt out at any time by:

Replying STOP to any SMS message
Contacting support at support@bookit.sh
Deleting their account through the application

All opt-out instructions are included in every SMS message we send.

Message Frequency & Rates

Message Frequency: Varies based on appointment activity. Typically 2-3 messages per appointment (1 confirmation + 1 reminder + optional cancellation/reschedule notification).
Standard Rates: Standard message and data rates from the user's mobile carrier may apply. Bookit does not charge for SMS messages.
Supported Carriers: All major U.S. carriers are supported.

Legal Compliance

Bookit complies with:

TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act): We obtain express written consent before sending SMS
CTIA Guidelines: All messages are transactional, include opt-out instructions, and identify the sender
Carrier Requirements: We are registered for A2P 10DLC messaging with U.S. carriers
CAN-SPAM Act: We do not send unsolicited marketing messages

Privacy & Data Protection

Phone numbers and personal information are handled according to our Privacy Policy.

Phone numbers are stored securely and encrypted
We do not sell or share phone numbers with third parties for marketing
Users can request deletion of their data at any time
SMS delivery is handled by Twilio, our messaging service provider