Toolkit · 12 texts
The Barber Text Kit
Twelve texts for the moments barbershops lose people: the wait, the missed call, the day before, the rebook, the review and the no-show. Copy them, swap the brackets, save them once.
Set them up once
- Swap every [BRACKET] for your own details. Keep the wording close to how you talk at the chair.
- Save the ones you send by hand as quick replies. On an iPhone: Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement. On Android, most keyboards have a similar shortcut setting. Instagram has saved replies in its business settings.
- Paste the reminder and rebook texts into your booking app's message settings, so they go out on their own.
- Use the same booking link in every text, your Instagram bio and your Google profile.
Walk-ins and the wait
People leave a line they can't read. A list that texts them keeps them.
You're on the list at [SHOP]! About [MINUTES] min. Grab a coffee if you like, we'll text you when you're 2 away.
You're 2 away at [SHOP]. Head back over whenever you're ready, we'll hold your spot for 10 minutes.
Current wait: about [MINUTES] min. Ask to join the text list and grab a coffee, we'll text you when you're up.
Print it, or write it on the board by the door.Missed calls and DMs
Most people who hit voicemail call the next shop. An answer in minutes keeps them.
Hey, this is [SHOP]. Sorry I missed you, I'm with a client. Want to book? Here's my calendar: [LINK]. Walk-ins welcome too, current wait is on our Instagram.
Cuts are [PRICE], fades [PRICE], beard [PRICE]. Book here: [LINK]. Walk-ins welcome too!
Let me check! Here's everything open today: [LINK]. If nothing fits, walk-ins are welcome, current wait is in our story.
Rebook and come back
Regulars drift unless someone offers the next time.
Looking sharp. Want me to lock in the same time in three weeks? I've got [DAY] at [TIME].
If they hesitate: "I'll pencil you in, just text me if it doesn't work."See you tomorrow at [TIME], [NAME]! Need to move it? Just reply here or use this link: [LINK].
Hey [NAME], it's been [WEEKS] weeks since your last cut. Want your usual? I've got [DAY] at [TIME] or [DAY] at [TIME].
Send it 3–4 days after their normal cycle.Reviews, referrals and no-shows
The texts that grow the shop and protect the book.
Thanks for coming in today, [NAME]! If you liked the cut, a quick Google review helps a small shop a lot: [REVIEW LINK].
Glad you liked it! If a friend needs a barber, send them our way. Mention your name and you both get [OFFER] off the next cut.
Hey [NAME], missed you today! No charge this time. Want me to find you a new time this week?
One system, every week.
One idea you can use this week, the numbers behind it, and first word on free sessions.