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Notifications

Learn how to set up and customize SMS notifications for your guests in NextMe, including all message types and available variables.

Updated over a week ago

A notification is an SMS text message sent to a waiting guest. NextMe currently supports SMS text notifications only. Customizing notification content requires a paid plan.

When to use this article

  • You want to customize the text messages your guests receive while waiting

  • You are setting up your notifications for the first time

  • You want to understand what each notification type does

  • You want to add reply options (confirm, cancel, more time) to your messages

  • You want to use variables like guest name or wait time in your messages

How to customize your notifications

Upgrade to a Paid Plan to customize your notifications.

  1. Go to the Notifications settings page

  2. Edit the content of each message type (see Notification types below for what each one does)

  3. Use variables to insert dynamic content - type "@" in the message editor to see the full list of available variables

  4. Click Save in the bottom right corner to save your changes

Available variables: {{businessName}}, {{locationName}}, {{queueName}}, {{vwrLink}}, {{waitTime}}, {{gracePeriod}}, {{bookingDateTime}}, {{referenceID}}, {{guestFirstName}}

Notification types

Initial Message

Sent to a guest when they join the waitlist to confirm they are in line. If you are using the Virtual Waiting Room feature, you must include {{vwrLink}} in this message to give guests the link to your virtual room.

Getting Close Message (optional)

Sent automatically when a guest is nearing the front of the line. Useful for giving guests a heads up to make their way back.

  • Getting Close Position: by default, sent when a guest reaches 3rd in line. You can change this number in your settings.

Ready Message

Sent when you click Notify on a guest to let them know you are ready for them. Guests can reply "1" to confirm they are coming back or "9" to cancel.

  • You can send the Ready message multiple times by clicking Notify again - a number next to the Notified status shows how many times the guest has been notified.

  • Grace Period: the amount of time a guest has to return once notified. This is for your reference only - guests are not automatically removed when the grace period expires.

More Time Message (optional)

Allows guests to reply "3" to move themselves back in line when they need more time. When a guest replies "3", they are repositioned back a set number of spots and receive a confirmation SMS.

  • Reposition Count: by default, guests are moved back 5 positions. You can edit this number in your settings.

  • This option is off by default. Enable and customize it from your Notification Settings page.

  • Important: you must add reply instructions to your messages yourself - they are not appended automatically. Example: "We're ready for you! Reply '1' to confirm, '9' to cancel, or '3' for more time."

Follow Up Message (optional, Business Plan and above)

Sent automatically after a guest has completed their service. Commonly used for review requests, promotions, or surveys.

  • Follow Up Threshold: the number of hours after a guest is moved to "In Service" before this message sends. Does not send to guests who cancelled.

FAQ

1. Can I customize my notification messages?

Yes, on any paid plan. Go to Settings - Notifications to edit each message type. Free plan users see default messages only.

2. What variables can I use in my messages?

Available variables: {{businessName}}, {{locationName}}, {{queueName}}, {{vwrLink}}, {{waitTime}}, {{gracePeriod}}, {{bookingDateTime}}, {{referenceID}}, and {{guestFirstName}}. Type "@" in the message editor to insert them.

3. How do I include the Virtual Waiting Room link in messages?

Add {{vwrLink}} to your Initial Message. Without it, guests joining from the Virtual Waiting Room will not receive the link to their virtual room.

4. Can guests reply to my messages?

Yes. Guests can reply "1" to confirm, "9" to cancel, and "3" to request more time (if the More Time Message is enabled). You must include reply instructions in your message text - they are not added automatically.

5. What is the Follow Up Message and when does it send?

The Follow Up Message is an optional message sent after a guest completes service. It is available on the Business Plan and above. Set the Follow Up Threshold to control how many hours after the "In Service" status change the message is sent. It does not send to guests who cancelled.

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