Skip to main content
SMS Booking turns a text message into a booked appointment. When a lead texts your business number, the AI starts a natural conversation — it asks qualifying questions, checks your live calendar availability, and sends a confirmation. No phone calls, no back-and-forth email chains, no manual scheduling. Customers book on their terms, using the messaging app already on their phone.

​
How it works

1

Lead texts your number

A customer sends a message to your Boltcall number — anything from “I’d like to book an appointment” to a specific service request.
2

AI qualifies the lead

The AI asks a few targeted questions to understand what the customer needs, when they are available, and whether the request is a good fit for your services.
3

Calendar check

Boltcall connects to your Cal.com calendar in real time and identifies open time slots that match the customer’s preferences.
4

Offer and confirm

The AI presents available times, the customer picks one, and a booking confirmation is sent via SMS — with appointment details and any instructions you have configured.
5

Calendar updated

The appointment is added to your calendar immediately. You receive a notification, and the customer receives a confirmation.

​
Example conversation

Lead:
  "Hi, I'd like to book a cleaning appointment."

Boltcall:
  "Hi there! Happy to help get you scheduled with Sparkle Clean.
   Are you looking for a standard clean or a deep clean?"

Lead:
  "Deep clean, 3-bedroom house."

Boltcall:
  "Perfect. Deep cleans for a 3-bed usually take about 4 hours.
   Do you have a preferred day this week or next?"

Lead:
  "Next Tuesday or Wednesday works."

Boltcall:
  "I have Tuesday the 15th at 9am or Wednesday the 16th at 1pm
   available. Which works better for you?"

Lead:
  "Tuesday at 9 is great."

Boltcall:
  "Confirmed! Your deep clean is booked for Tuesday, April 15th
   at 9:00am. We'll send a reminder the day before.
   Reply HELP if you need to reschedule. See you then!"

​
Calendar integration

SMS Booking connects to your calendar through the Calendar integration. Boltcall currently supports:
  • Cal.com — recommended for full two-way booking support
  • Google Calendar — for availability checks and event creation
The AI checks your calendar live during the conversation, so it only offers time slots that are genuinely available. Double-booking is not possible.
Use Cal.com event types to configure buffer times, minimum notice periods, and service-specific durations. The AI will respect all your event type rules.

​
Qualifying questions

You can configure the questions the AI asks before checking availability. Common examples:
  • Service type (e.g., standard vs. deep clean, new patient vs. returning)
  • Location or address
  • Number of people, rooms, or units
  • Urgency or preferred timeframe
  • Budget range (for services with variable pricing)
Qualification data is stored with the lead record so you have full context before the appointment.

​
Rescheduling and cancellations

After booking, customers can text your number at any time to:
  • Request a new time — the AI checks availability and offers alternatives
  • Cancel — the slot is freed on your calendar and you are notified
  • Ask questions about their upcoming appointment
All changes are reflected in your calendar automatically.

​
Supported use cases

SMS Booking works for any business that takes appointments:
  • Home services (cleaning, HVAC, plumbing, landscaping)
  • Health and wellness (clinics, salons, spas, gyms)
  • Professional services (legal, financial, consulting)
  • Trades and contractors

​
Frequently asked questions

No. SMS Booking works with any phone that can send and receive text messages. No app download or account creation required.
Boltcall connects to Cal.com and Google Calendar. See the Calendar integration page for setup instructions.
Yes. You can configure multiple service types with different durations, questions, and availability rules. The AI will ask the customer which service they need and route accordingly.
The AI offers the next two or three available times that are closest to the customer’s preference. If none work, it asks for alternate days or times.
Yes. If a customer asks to speak with someone directly, the AI can transfer to a phone call or schedule a callback at a time that works for both parties.

Calendar integration

Connect Cal.com or Google Calendar to enable live booking.

Automated reminders

Send SMS reminders before booked appointments to reduce no-shows.

Instant Lead Reply

Engage new leads before they are ready to book.

AI Receptionist

Book appointments over phone calls instead of SMS.