Patch testing is a crucial step in preventing allergic reactions and protecting your business from any problems they could create.
But we know that it isn’t always easy to manage, especially if you offer several treatments that need patch testing.
Which is why we’re introducing some changes in Connect to make it easier to book and track it.
First up – automated patch test reminders. Sent as text messages, they let your clients know they may need to book a patch test if they’ve not done one recently.
The best thing? They’re sent automatically to every client that may need one, helping you streamline your processes and prevent any mishaps.
In this article:
- How patch test reminders work
- How to start sending automated patch test reminders
- Who will receive patch test reminders?
- What treatments typically require a patch test?
How patch test reminders work
We know from conversations with you that managing hair and beauty patch tests can be tricky – and that it would help if clients booked them more proactively.
That’s exactly what patch test reminders are for. They let your clients know that they may need a patch test 24-48 hours before their treatment, and encourage them to book it online or by giving you a call.
Here’s how it works:
- When a client books a treatment that requires a patch test, they’ll automatically get a text message (sent from your phone number):
- The text will include a link to your salon on Treatwell, where they can book a 5-minute Patch test service with you.
- If you don’t have a Patch test service created in your Menu, clients will be taken to your Partner Site or sent your phone number, so they can contact you to book.
- When they’ve booked their Patch test, you’ll get notified, and no one else will be able to book you during that time (just like with a regular online booking).
How to start sending automated patch test reminders
There are a few things to check to make sure you’re sending patch test reminders:
1. Check that all your services that need a patch test have the ‘Patch test required’ checkbox ticked.
2. Check that there’s a service in your menu called Patch test. (If you have any services that require patch testing, we’ll create this service automatically – but if we haven’t, you can create it yourself by selecting it in your Menu.)
3. The final step is to make sure patch test reminders enabled in Connect:
- Head to Connect on your laptop, then click on Marketing at the top
- Click on Automated messaging in the left-hand-corner
- Go to the Transactional email tab
- Click on ‘Enable’ next to ‘Send patch test reminders’.
Who will receive patch test reminders?
- At this moment, patch test reminders will be sent to everyone who books a treatment that typically requires a patch test (full list of treatments below).
- That means some of your regular clients who may have recently had a patch test will also get the text. If so, they can simply ignore it.
- If the client booked with you directly, they’ll get a patch test reminder only if their phone number is in Connect. That’s why it’s so important to ask for a client’s phone number when they book.
- If they booked their appointment online (on Treatwell, through your Book Now buttons or your website), then they have already provided their phone number – and they’ll get their patch test reminder soon after booking.
What treatments typically require a patch test?
We’ll only send patch test reminders to clients who have booked a treatment that typically requires one. These fall into the following groups:
- Hair treatments, e.g. hair colouring, chemical straightening, toning treatments, colour correction, etc.
- Face treatments, e.g. eyelash extensions, brow lamination, lash lifts, etc.
- Hair removal treatments, e.g. electrolysis, laser hair removal, intense pulsed light therapy (IPL), etc.
Got any feedback for us?
We’re constantly working on improving Treatwell Connect to give you exactly what you, your team, and your business need.
We’d love to know what you think about patch test reminders, especially if there’s something you’d like us to change.
If you have any feedback for us, click here.
