Some systems purchase SMS as you SEND a message. Other systems like Client Diary use a credit each time an appointment is BOOKED. The reason it uses a credit for each appointment booked is to ensure you have enough SMS credits to send your SMS reminders for those appointments.
This ensures all SMS are ensured delivery
A common issue is credit cards can expire or get stolen. They are then commonly not able to be used for a week or more at times. If you were relying on paying for credits and your card was stolen, the SMS would not go out as your card isn’t active. By purchasing the credits as you book appointments rather than when you send SMS you ensure that a problem with a credit card won’t stop your messages sending.
What about an Example?
If a client has a booking in 4 weeks time, No SMS will be scheduled until the booking is 8 days away. At this point, The SMS is scheduled for their booking.
What if I delete future appointments? Do I lose my credits?
When you delete appointments Client Diary will refund that SMS back to your remaining SMS credits. This way you always ensure you have the credits you paid for.
So… is there a difference financially?
Absolutely none. If you need to send 20 SMS reminders then 20 SMS credits are required. This doesn’t matter if they were purchased when booked or when the messages are sent. The same $ value is used. By purchasing them in advance you ensure you have them ready to send without interruption, which is the goal of the system Client Diary uses.