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    <title>thread How to use messages correctly in Appointments &amp; Bookings</title>
    <link>https://community.squareup.com/t5/Appointments-Bookings/How-to-use-messages-correctly/m-p/752467#M3828</link>
    <description>&lt;P&gt;I am not new to square but still have problems understanding what I can/cannot do with my system in messages. I have the free version, help me understand how to use messages and tell my customers how to use it instead of texting my phone number. I want to keep every message in my system. I have their profiles set up with text/emails for reminders. So I have tried to reply but tell them they have to go directly to me to reply. I just turned on my end in communications (I think), so they can send messages within their reminders. When a customer is there and we rebook, they get an accepted text. I show them how they can reply with that notice. One man showed he wasn't subscribed. How does he&amp;nbsp; change it to subscribe. Is it through sending a receipt? Since I have the free version, it says sms text needs to be a plus member. Do they have to go through an email to message me? Do they need a code? How? I don't have it set up for them to be able to book their own appointment online. Do I turn off notifications because I get the same messages in the invoice app, POS app, and appointments app. I just want to see it in one place. HELP!&lt;/P&gt;</description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:52:52 GMT</pubDate>
    <dc:creator>lifewithhair</dc:creator>
    <dc:date>2025-09-22T13:52:52Z</dc:date>
    <item>
      <title>How to use messages correctly</title>
      <link>https://community.squareup.com/t5/Appointments-Bookings/How-to-use-messages-correctly/m-p/752467#M3828</link>
      <description>&lt;P&gt;I am not new to square but still have problems understanding what I can/cannot do with my system in messages. I have the free version, help me understand how to use messages and tell my customers how to use it instead of texting my phone number. I want to keep every message in my system. I have their profiles set up with text/emails for reminders. So I have tried to reply but tell them they have to go directly to me to reply. I just turned on my end in communications (I think), so they can send messages within their reminders. When a customer is there and we rebook, they get an accepted text. I show them how they can reply with that notice. One man showed he wasn't subscribed. How does he&amp;nbsp; change it to subscribe. Is it through sending a receipt? Since I have the free version, it says sms text needs to be a plus member. Do they have to go through an email to message me? Do they need a code? How? I don't have it set up for them to be able to book their own appointment online. Do I turn off notifications because I get the same messages in the invoice app, POS app, and appointments app. I just want to see it in one place. HELP!&lt;/P&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:52:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://community.squareup.com/t5/Appointments-Bookings/How-to-use-messages-correctly/m-p/752467#M3828</guid>
      <dc:creator>lifewithhair</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2025-09-22T13:52:52Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How to use messages correctly</title>
      <link>https://community.squareup.com/t5/Appointments-Bookings/How-to-use-messages-correctly/m-p/752530#M3831</link>
      <description>&lt;P&gt;It sounds like you're navigating several aspects of Square Messages, and I can definitely help clarify things. Since you're using the &lt;STRONG&gt;free version&lt;/STRONG&gt; of Square, here are some things to keep in mind:&lt;/P&gt;&lt;OL&gt;&lt;LI&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Messages in the Free Version:&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;UL&gt;&lt;LI&gt;In the free version, &lt;STRONG&gt;SMS texting is limited&lt;/STRONG&gt;. To fully use text messaging (where clients can respond directly), you would need to upgrade to Square Messages Plus. This upgrade also allows for a &lt;STRONG&gt;toll-free number&lt;/STRONG&gt;, which will make communication more centralized.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;LI&gt;With the free version, customers can still reply through &lt;STRONG&gt;email&lt;/STRONG&gt; if you have that set up. For them to message you directly from their reminders, the upgraded plan is required.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/UL&gt;&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;LI&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Client Subscription Issues:&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;UL&gt;&lt;LI&gt;If a customer isn’t subscribed (like the man you mentioned), they can resubscribe by checking a box during the checkout process if they receive their receipts via text or email. You can also prompt them to resubscribe when you send out reminders or marketing emails.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Clients can choose to subscribe or unsubscribe at any time, so make sure their profile in your system has updated consent for messaging.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/UL&gt;&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;LI&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Turning Off Redundant Notifications:&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;UL&gt;&lt;LI&gt;If you're receiving duplicate notifications across different Square apps (Invoices, POS, Appointments), you can streamline this. I suggest you:&lt;UL&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Go into each app's &lt;STRONG&gt;notification settings&lt;/STRONG&gt; and turn off notifications that are redundant.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Set your primary app (likely &lt;STRONG&gt;Appointments&lt;/STRONG&gt;) to manage all your notifications in one place.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/UL&gt;&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/UL&gt;&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;LI&gt;&lt;P&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Client Communication via Email:&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;/P&gt;&lt;UL&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Since SMS is limited in the free version, encourage your clients to use &lt;STRONG&gt;email&lt;/STRONG&gt; communication. They don’t need a special code, and it allows you to keep everything centralized in Square.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;LI&gt;Show them how they can reply directly to appointment reminders or emails and encourage them to communicate that way rather than texting your phone number.&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/UL&gt;&lt;/LI&gt;&lt;/OL&gt;&lt;P&gt;To fully unlock the benefits of keeping everything in one place, &lt;STRONG&gt;upgrading&lt;/STRONG&gt; your plan might be the best route. By upgrading, you'll also get a &lt;STRONG&gt;dedicated toll-free number&lt;/STRONG&gt;, making it easier for clients to reach you and ensuring all communication is centralized within Square. This will give you more control over your messaging system and improve your workflow.&lt;/P&gt;&lt;P&gt;I hope this helps simplify things for you!&lt;/P&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:48:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://community.squareup.com/t5/Appointments-Bookings/How-to-use-messages-correctly/m-p/752530#M3831</guid>
      <dc:creator>Stacelyn24</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2024-09-20T15:48:21Z</dc:date>
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