How SMS Reward Expiration Reminders Work

SMS Reward Expiration Reminders help you bring customers back by reminding them to use their rewards before they expire.

These automated messages are a powerful way to increase visits, improve redemption rates, and drive repeat business — without any manual effort.

1. What Are SMS Reminders?

SMS reminders are automatic text messages sent to customers who have not yet redeemed their rewards. They:

  • Remind customers about their reward
  • Create urgency before expiration
  • Encourage customers to visit your business

2. How It Works

The process is fully automated:

  1. A customer signs up and receives a reward (e.g., birthday reward)
  2. If the reward is not redeemed, the system schedules a reminder
  3. The reminder is sent automatically via SMS
  4. The customer receives a friendly message with a link to redeem

No action is required from you once SMS is set up.

3. When Are Reminders Sent?

Reminders are sent 1-3 days before a reward expires to maximize effectiveness.

This timing is designed to:

  • Create urgency
  • Catch customers at the right moment
  • Increase the likelihood of a visit

4. What Does a Reminder Look Like?

Example:

“Joe's Pizza: Your reward expires in 3 days. Tap to view & redeem: https://app.birthdayclub.io/xxxxx. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

Each message includes:

  • Your business name
  • A direct link to view and redeem
  • Standard opt-out instructions

5. Why SMS Reminders Work

SMS reminders are highly effective because they:

  • Reach customers instantly
  • Have very high open rates
  • Create a clear call to action
  • Reduce forgotten or unused rewards

Many businesses see a increase in reward redemptions after enabling SMS reminders.

6. What You Need to Know

  • Customers must opt in to SMS to receive reminders
  • Reminders are only sent for active, unredeemed rewards
  • The system avoids sending too many messages to the same customer (about 1 per week)
  • Everything runs automatically in the background
  • Reminders are tracked by the system