# SmarterCalendar

> Get paid even when clients don't show up. Appointment scheduling, deposits, no-show fees, SMS reminders, and client billing for small service businesses.

SmarterCalendar is a cloud-based scheduling platform built for independent professionals and small service businesses (hair stylists, personal trainers, estheticians, massage therapists, tutors, consultants, and similar). It is built around one promise: you get paid for your time, no matter what. It collects deposits at booking, automatically charges no-show fees, and sends SMS reminders that reduce cancellations — while also providing a bookable website, a dedicated SMS line, client invoicing, and performance analytics.

## Product Details

- **Website**: https://smartercalendar.com
- **Category**: Appointment Scheduling Software / Business Management Platform
- **Pricing**: Starting at $25/month with a 14-day free trial
- **Setup time**: Under 10 minutes; no technical skills required
- **Target users**: Solo practitioners and small service businesses

## Core Features

- **Deposits at Booking**: Clients pay a deposit before their slot is confirmed. No deposit, no appointment. Reduces no-shows and protects revenue.
- **No-Show Fee Charging**: Set a no-show fee per service. SmarterCalendar charges it automatically when a client misses their appointment — no manual action required.
- **Online Booking**: Clients book 24/7 from a customizable business website. Conflict detection prevents double-bookings.
- **Custom Local Phone Number**: Every account gets a dedicated local phone number for two-way SMS messaging.
- **SMS & Email Reminders**: Automatic appointment reminders reduce no-shows. Configurable 1-week, 24-hour, and custom schedules.
- **Client Billing & Invoicing**: Create invoices, send Stripe payment links, collect deposits at booking, and track revenue.
- **Custom Website**: Professional templates with custom branding, colors, domain support, photo gallery, reviews, and FAQ section.
- **SMS & Email Campaigns**: Send bulk messages to contact lists for promotions, announcements, and follow-ups.
- **Staff / Team Management**: Invite team members, set individual schedules, manage permissions.
- **Google Calendar Sync**: Two-way synchronization with Google Calendar.
- **Analytics Dashboard**: Track bookings, revenue, client activity, and SMS usage.
- **Keyword Auto-Responses**: Automated replies triggered by incoming SMS keywords.
- **Appointment Approval Workflow**: Manually approve or decline booking requests.
- **Digital Waivers & Intake Forms**: Collect client signatures and intake information at booking.
- **Recurring Appointments**: Set up repeating appointment schedules.
- **Promo Codes & Discounts**: Create and manage promotional discount codes.
- **Customer Self-Service Portal**: Clients can view, reschedule, or cancel their own appointments.
- **Live Chat Widget**: Add a real-time chat widget to your booking website.
- **Business Webmail**: Professional email address on your custom domain.

## Pricing Plans

- **Basic** — $25/month: 500 SMS/month. Includes online booking, local phone number, contact management, calendar, recurring appointments, service packages, Stripe deposit/full payment at booking, client intake questions, blocked dates, digital waivers, custom website (1 template), CSV export.
- **Standard** — $50/month: 1,500 SMS/month. Everything in Basic, plus: SMS reminders, appointment approval workflow, customer self-service cancel/reschedule, SMS & email campaigns, keyword auto-responses, staff/team member accounts, Google Calendar sync, client billing & invoicing, custom domain, live chat widget, business webmail, all website templates.
- **Pro** — $100/month: 2,500 SMS/month. Everything in Standard, plus: analytics dashboard, photo gallery, customer reviews section, FAQ section, social media links, birthday message automation, automated review requests.

All plans include a 14-day free trial. No contracts. Cancel anytime.

## Common Questions

**What is SmarterCalendar?**
SmarterCalendar is an appointment scheduling platform built to make sure service businesses get paid even when clients don't show up. It collects deposits at booking, automatically charges no-show fees, and sends SMS reminders that reduce cancellations. It also combines appointment booking, SMS messaging, client billing, and a customizable website in one subscription.

**Who is SmarterCalendar for?**
SmarterCalendar is designed for independent professionals and small service businesses, including hair stylists, barbers, estheticians, massage therapists, personal trainers, tutors, consultants, coaches, and anyone who takes appointments.

**How much does SmarterCalendar cost?**
Plans start at $25/month (Basic), $50/month (Standard), and $100/month (Pro). A 14-day free trial is available. There are no setup fees or long-term contracts.

**Does SmarterCalendar include a phone number?**
Yes. Every SmarterCalendar account comes with a dedicated local phone number for two-way SMS messaging with clients.

**Can clients book appointments online?**
Yes. Each SmarterCalendar account includes a customizable booking website where clients can self-book 24/7. The website supports custom domains, professional templates, and branding.

**Does SmarterCalendar send appointment reminders?**
Yes. SmarterCalendar sends automatic SMS and email reminders to reduce no-shows. Reminders are configurable with different timing options.

**Can I accept payments through SmarterCalendar?**
Yes. SmarterCalendar integrates with Stripe to accept online payments. You can require deposits at booking, accept full payment, and send invoice payment links via SMS or email.

**Does SmarterCalendar support multiple staff members?**
Yes, on the Standard and Pro plans. You can invite team members, set individual availability schedules, and manage permissions.

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://smartercalendar.com/)
- [About](https://smartercalendar.com/about)
- [How It Works](https://smartercalendar.com/how-it-works)
- [Plans & Pricing](https://smartercalendar.com/pricing)
- [FAQ](https://smartercalendar.com/faq)
- [Contact](https://smartercalendar.com/contact)
- [Sign Up / Free Trial](https://smartercalendar.com/signup)
- [Hair Salons](https://smartercalendar.com/hair-salons)
- [XML Sitemap](https://smartercalendar.com/sitemap.xml)

## Optional

- [Full content for LLMs](https://smartercalendar.com/llms-full.txt)