Ready to use text message templates for businesses

Topic: Marketing, Recruitment, Retail, Utilities

Crafting the perfect message for your audience can be a challenging task, but we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for an appointment reminder, or a best-in-class SMS marketing message, we’ve got you covered. All of our templates contain a powerful call-to-action, avoid the use of common SMS spam words – and are optimised for delivery.

Collection, payments and debt collection

It can be time and labour-intensive chasing customers for outstanding debt. It’s also a sensitive and difficult topic to broach which needs to be handled with empathy and care. Businesses need to ensure their customers feel supported while offering various secure and self-serve  payment options.

Set a payment plan SMS
Statement/invoice 
  • Dear [customer name], your latest statement is now available to view here [link]. Please remember to make the minimum payment of [amount] before [time period], by [method].
First reminder
  • Hi [customer name]. You have an outstanding balance of [amount]. Please visit [link] to make a payment as soon as possible or call [number] to discuss the matter further. Thank you.
  • Hi [customer name]. Unfortunately, we have not registered any payments for the last [time period] days, we just wanted to make sure everything is OK. Please call [phone number] to update us on your current situation and to avoid any further collection activity. We are open [dates and times]. If you have been in contact with us in the last [time period] days to update us on your situation, please disregard this message.

Final reminder
  • Dear [customer name], unfortunately, we have still not received payment for the outstanding sum of [amount]. We urge you to reply to this message within the next [time period] to avoid any legal action that may be taken to recover your debt.
Payment options
  • Dear [customer name], your payment of [amount] is now overdue. We want to give you some options to help. 
  • Make a part-payment
  • Set up a payment plan
  • Talk to us

<Once customer replies>

Thank you
  • Thank you [customer name]. Please follow the link to make a secure online payment, or call [phone number] [link]. 
  • Thank you. Your payment of [amount] has been received and will be processed within [time frame]. Your authorisation code for this payment is [number].
  • If you’d like to turn on payment reminders for your account, reply with ‘remind me’.

Customer satisfaction

One of the most important parts of running a business is ensuring that your customers feel heard, are satisfied with the level of service and care you provide, and are kept up-to-date with product and order information. Running regular SMS surveys are a great way to receive feedback and get to the heart of what your customers actually want.

Notifications, reminders and alerts 
Deliveries
  • Hey [customer name]. Your [product] from [company name] has been dispatched and should be with you shortly. While you wait, would you like to check out some [product] we think would go well with your [product]? We’ll even throw in a 10% discount for you.
  • Your parcel is scheduled to be delivered between [time] and [time]. If this is no longer convenient, please reschedule – [link].
Appointment management 
  • Hi [customer name], your appointment is at [time] on [date]. Please confirm if you can make it. 

<customer chooses one of the following options>

  • Yes, see you there!
  • I need to reschedule

<if the latter> 

  • No problem, your current booking is now cancelled. Follow the link to rebook online or text us back if you prefer: <link>
SMS Surveys
Feedback
  • Do you have any specific feedback about your experience you would like to share with us? Please reply with any comments you wish to share.
  • Hi [customer name], thank you for your recent enquiry with us. Was your question answered?
  • Y or N. 
  • <If customer replies yes>
  • That’s great! Out of 10, what rating would you give the person who spoke to you based on their helpfulness? 

  • Thank you. Finally, would you recommend us to a friend or colleague? Please provide us with a score from 0-10 (0 being definitely not).
  • We hope you had a good experience with [company name] today. We would love it if you could spare a few minutes to fill out our customer feedback survey [link]. There is an opportunity at the end of the survey to be entered into a prize draw to win [product]. Thank you.

SMS Marketing

Sending marketing and promotional messages can be a great way to reward loyal returning customers, while encouraging potential customers to make their first purchase.

Customer Satisfaction SMS
Welcome message
  • Hi there, welcome to [company name]. You will receive updates on your orders as well as exclusive deals right here in messenger. Is there anything else we can help you with today? 

           [Give options]

  • Hooray! Welcome to the [company name] family. You’ll never struggle with [problem] again! We’re always happy to help and love receiving feedback too, which you can submit via our online form here <LINK>. Why not follow us on our social media pages too where you can keep up-to-date with [insert words here]. 
Flash sale
  • Get FREE shipping on all orders placed today. No minimum required. Shop now: <LINK>.
  • Get FREE shipping on all orders placed today. No minimum required. Shop now: <LINK>.
  • Get FREE shipping on all orders placed today. No minimum required. Shop now: <LINK>.
Customer Satisfaction
New products launch
  • Hi [customer name], the wait is over! The NEW LIMITED EDITION [product] has arrived. Hurry and shop now before they sell out [link].
  • Hi [customer name], the wait is over! The NEW LIMITED EDITION [product] has arrived. Hurry and shop now before they sell out [link].
Personalised offer
  • Happy birthday [customer name]. Enjoy [percentage] off site wide on your special day by using the code [code] at the checkout. Valid until [date].
  • Happy birthday [customer name]. Enjoy [percentage] off site wide on your special day by using the code [code] at the checkout. Valid until [date].
Referral programme
  • Love our [products/service]? Recommend us to a friend and you both get [discount] when they [sign up/order] using the code [code]
  • Love our [products/service]? Recommend us to a friend and you both get [discount] when they [sign up/order] using the code [code]

Business Continuity 

Staying in touch with staff is as important as keeping customers in the loop. Alongside recruitment, businesses can use SMS messaging to notify employees of new or upcoming shifts, and to relay crucial information in times of  emergency.

Business critical communications
Temporary office closure
  • Good morning. Overnight we had a power outage at the [location] branch/store, which we’re working hard to fix. Please log on remotely and await further instruction. We thank you for your patience. 
Local emergency
  • ATTENTION! There has been an emergency in [location]. Please confirm your location and status as SAFE or REQUIRE ASSISTANCE by responding to this message with your employee ID number. If you require emergency assistance please dial 999.
  • ATTENTION! There has been an emergency in [location]. Please confirm your location and status as SAFE or REQUIRE ASSISTANCE by responding to this message with your employee ID number. If you require emergency assistance please dial 999.
business continuity
Mobilise teams 
  • ATTENTION! Mains pipe damage alert at [organisation name] [address] your assistance is required. Please confirm receipt of this message and estimated time of arrival for yourself and your team as soon as possible. For more information, please contact [person in charge] on [phone number] as soon as possible. 
Shift management
  • We have an available shift this [day] from [time] to [time]. If you are available for this slot please reply directly to this message.
  • We have an available shift this [day] from [time] to [time]. If you are available for this slot please reply directly to this message.
Employee surveys
  • Hi [name]. We work hard to ensure we’re an employer of choice and would to hear how you find working at [company name]. Please could you spare a few minutes to fill in this feedback form <LINK>
  • Hi [name]. [Number] a year, we like to gather feedback from our employees through a short feedback form which you can find here <LINK>. The survey should take no longer than <time> to complete, but will provide us with valuable insights. Please note that you can leave your name, or remain anonymous if you prefer.

Employee recruitment and onboarding

Recruitment text example
Recruitment
  • Hello [Name], we have an exciting job opportunity in the finance sector, based in London. If you are interested please reply MORE INFO to this message or call the team on [Phone number].
  • Hello [Name]. We can confirm your interview on [date] at [time] with [Interviewer name]. Please attend [Location]. Thank you.
Book Staff
  • Hello [Name], [business name] requires extra staff on [date] in [location]. If you’re available to work, please text back or call [phone number]
Onboarding
  • Hello [Name], welcome to [company name], we’re excited to have you on board. Your first day will be at our [location] office, please arrive at [time] on [date]. If you have any questions please contact [manager name] on [phone number]. 

If you are keen to see even more templates, then visit the Esendex template library to get inspiration for your SMS, WhatsApp and RCS messages.

Author Avatar
Mary Henry

Mary has extensive experience in communication, PR and journalism - most recently across SaaS businesses. A keen researcher and storyteller, Mary is highly skilled in making complex concepts accessible, and in putting customers at the heart of her communication. She has supported all kinds of businesses to tell their brand, product and people stories - from global multinationals to start-ups across retail, travel/leisure, banking/finance, government and educational institutions.