📱 Dealership SMS Playbook

7-Day Appointment
Booking Workflow

Human-style SMS follow-up system — from first text to confirmed visit.

SMS You Send
Customer Replied
No Reply / Decline
Action / Note
D1
Day 1 — First Contact
The Warm Intro
⏰ 10 AM
📤 Send SMS

Opening Message

Hey [First Name]! This is Alex from Covington Park Auto. I saw you were checking out the [Vehicle Year/Make/Model] — great taste! It's still available. Would you like to swing by and take a look? I can make it super easy for you 😊
✅ They Reply ↓ scroll down for YES path
✅ Customer Replied

They're Interested → Lock a Day

Awesome, glad you're interested! What day works best for you — would this week or next be easier? I'll block the time just for you 👍
❌ No Reply ↓ continue to Day 2
❌ No Reply → Wait

Don't double-text yet. Wait until Day 2 evening.

DAY 2
D2
Day 2 — Soft Nudge
Add Value, Not Pressure
⏰ 5–6 PM
📤 Send SMS (No Reply Yet)

Casual Follow-Up

Hey [First Name], just checking in — the [Vehicle] is getting a lot of attention right now. Wanted to make sure you don't miss out. Happy to answer any questions or just set up a quick look. No pressure at all 🙂
✅ They Reply Now
✅ Replied → Schedule

Move to Booking

Perfect timing! What day are you free? I can do mornings or afternoons — totally flexible to make it work for you 📅
❌ Still No Reply → Day 3
DAY 3
D3
Day 3 — Offer Something
Give a Reason to Reply
⏰ 11 AM
📤 Send SMS

Value-Add Message

Hi [First Name]! Quick one — we have financing options that can work with most budgets, and I can even get your trade-in appraised while you're here. Might make things a lot easier. Interested in hearing more? 💬
✅ Replied → Qualify
✅ Engage & Qualify

Find Their Need

Great! Just so I can set everything up before you arrive — are you looking to finance or pay cash? And do you have a trade-in? That way we're ready the second you walk in 😊
❌ No Reply → Rest Day 4
📋 Internal Action

Check CRM Notes

Review any notes from original inquiry. Personalize Day 4 message with specific vehicle detail or their name + model.
DAY 4 — REST DAY
D4
Day 4 — Silence
Let It Breathe 🤫
⛔ No SMS
📋 No Contact Today

Strategic Pause

Sending every day feels pushy. Day 4 silence makes your Day 5 message feel fresh and not desperate. Use this day to prep a compelling Day 5 re-open.
DAY 5
D5
Day 5 — Re-Open
New Angle, Fresh Energy
⏰ 2 PM
📤 Send SMS

Availability / Urgency Trigger

Hey [First Name], hope the week's going well! Wanted to give you a heads up — we had someone else ask about the [Vehicle] yesterday. It's still here, but I wanted to make sure you had first shot at it. Want me to hold it for a look? Just reply YES and I'll reserve a slot 🙌
✅ Replied YES
✅ Lock the Appointment

Confirm Time

You got it! I'll put your name on it. What works better for you — this Friday or Saturday? Morning or afternoon? I'll confirm right away 📅✅
❌ No Reply → Day 6
DAY 6
D6
Day 6 — Last Real Try
The Personal Close
⏰ 4 PM
📤 Send SMS

Personal, Empathetic Reach-Out

[First Name], I totally get it if the timing isn't right or you went another direction — no worries at all! But if you're still curious about the [Vehicle], I'm here and happy to make it as easy as possible. Even just a 30-min visit, no commitment needed. Let me know either way 🙏
✅ Replied
✅ Warm Re-Engage
Really appreciate you responding! No pressure at all. Let's just pick a time that's easy for you — what's your schedule looking like for the rest of the week? 😊
❌ No Reply → Day 7 Breakup
DAY 7
D7
Day 7 — Final Message
The Breakup Text 💔
⏰ 10 AM
📤 Final SMS

The "Door Closing" Message

Hey [First Name], I don't want to keep bothering you — so this'll be my last message about the [Vehicle]. If you ever change your mind or want to look at something else, I'm always here. Either way, hope you find exactly what you're looking for! Take care 😊🚗
📋 CRM Action

Tag & Archive

Mark lead as "Dormant – 30 Day Re-Queue". They may come back later. Never delete — re-engage in 30 days with a new vehicle or promotion.
✅ They Reply to Day 7!
🎯 They Came Back!

Re-Engage Warmly

Oh hey, so glad you reached out! Of course, no worries at all. Let's start fresh — what's a good time for you this week? I'll make sure everything's ready 🙌

🎯 GOAL: Appointment Booked

Once they agree on a day & time → confirm it, send a reminder 24hrs before, and notify the sales team immediately.

⚡ Pro Tips for Human-Feeling Texts

Use their name naturally Only use it once per message. Using it every sentence feels robotic.
Vary your tone Day 1 = warm intro. Day 5 = slight urgency. Day 7 = graceful exit.
Ask one question Never ask 3 things at once. One question = one clear reply path.
No corporate language Say "swing by" not "schedule an appointment." Say "totally flexible" not "available upon request."
Use emojis sparingly 1–2 per message max. They humanize, but too many = spam alert.
Best send times 10–11 AM or 4–6 PM on weekdays. Avoid Sunday mornings and Monday before 10.