Slimbot
Customers prefer to message "can I come by on Friday?" rather than fill in a form. That's convenient for them, but for you a stream of loose messages with times. This is how you handle appointments via WhatsApp without getting a double booking or a forgotten appointment.
Why appointments via WhatsApp?
A message is read quickly and a reply costs the customer two taps. For hairdressers, garages, installers and practices, that's often the easiest route. The downside is that a chat isn't a diary: there's no free slot in it and no one sees that two people have asked for the same hour.
Step-by-step guide
- Decide which appointments are possible. Which types, how long, and at what times are you available?
- Determine what you need to know upfront. Usually: name, what, preferred time and address or registration number. Have the assistant ask those questions in a fixed order.
- Connect your calendar or use an appointment link, so a customer only chooses available slots. See appointments.
- Let the bot make a suggestion, not a definitive promise. Confirming yourself prevents mistakes with exceptions.
- Confirm in writing with date, time, address and what the customer should bring.
- Send a reminder the day before. It is the simplest way to reduce no-shows, see no-shows.
Example conversation
EXAMPLE · Appointment via WhatsApp
What you should not automate
- Appointments for work where the duration depends on an assessment (emergency, damage): have someone look at it.
- Cancellations lead to costs: send the terms and conditions and have a human confirm.
- Appointments outside the 24-hour window starting without an approved template: that is not allowed. See 24-hour window.
Reminders and no-shows
A reminder can be a template message on WhatsApp, depending on the window. For Cloud numbers you pay Meta per template (see what does the WhatsApp Business API cost). The appointments page explains how reminders work via e-mail or chat; WhatsApp is only included if that channel is active in your inbox.
What this costs at Slimbot
Scheduling appointments is included in the live price list from Starter onwards. The Try-out plan is intended for testing on our test number, with FAQ and appointment link.
| Plan | Per month (excl. VAT) | One-off |
|---|---|---|
| Try-out | € 14,95 | None |
| Starter | € 29,95 | € 300,00 |
| Pro | € 89,95 | € 300,00 |
| Business | On request | On request |
Prices from the live Slimbot price list, excl. VAT, cancel monthly. Current overview: slimbot.nl/prijzen.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bot really schedule an appointment?
It can ask the questions, suggest available slots and record the request. Whether you confirm the appointment yourself or let the diary do it is up to you. We recommend starting with confirmation by a human.
Does the customer need to install an app?
No. Customers simply use WhatsApp.
What if someone messages outside opening hours?
They'll receive a message straight away and can choose a time; you pick it up the next working day.
Does this also work for phone?
Yes, an AI receptionist records appointment requests from phone calls. See AI receptionist.
Read more
Appointments without back-and-forth
Start for free, or book a demo to see how it fits your business.
Start for free → Schedule a demoPrefer to call? 085 060 4471