> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://boltcall.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS Booking

> Let leads book appointments through a two-way SMS conversation. The AI qualifies them, checks your calendar, and confirms the booking — no human needed.

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Calendar check">
    Boltcall connects to your Cal.com calendar in real time and identifies open time slots that match the customer's preferences.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Calendar updated">
    The appointment is added to your calendar immediately. You receive a notification, and the customer receives a confirmation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Example conversation

```text theme={null}
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](/integrations/calendar). 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.

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

## 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

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do customers need an app or account?">
    No. SMS Booking works with any phone that can send and receive text messages. No app download or account creation required.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What calendar does Boltcall connect to?">
    Boltcall connects to Cal.com and Google Calendar. See the [Calendar integration](/integrations/calendar) page for setup instructions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can the AI handle different appointment types?">
    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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if a requested time is not available?">
    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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can a customer speak to a human instead?">
    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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Calendar integration" icon="calendar" href="/integrations/calendar">
    Connect Cal.com or Google Calendar to enable live booking.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automated reminders" icon="bell" href="/features/automated-reminders">
    Send SMS reminders before booked appointments to reduce no-shows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Instant Lead Reply" icon="bolt" href="/features/instant-lead-reply">
    Engage new leads before they are ready to book.
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI Receptionist" icon="phone" href="/features/ai-receptionist">
    Book appointments over phone calls instead of SMS.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>