This guide will show you how to use Phorest Chat to connect with clients and manage real-time conversations.
Feature Availability
This feature is available in North America. If you do not currently have the feature and are interested in getting it, please contact your Success Manager.
In this article
Video Guide
Granting Staff Access to Phorest Chat
First, staff will need access to Phorest Chat. To grant access, go to Manager > Staff Members > Access Levels.
Select the relevant access level, check the Two-Way SMS access setting, and click Save.
Staff with this access level will now see Chats in the menu on PhorestGo.
Viewing and Starting Chats
To view a list of chats, open the sidebar menu in PhorestGo by swiping in from the left of your screen, then select Chats.
Initially, you'll see a list of all client chats with all staff members.
If you prefer, you can tap My chats to filter the list and view only the conversations you’ve previously been involved in.
Starting a New Chat
To begin chatting with a client, tap the New chat button.
Use the search fields to find and start a chat with a client. You can search by client Name, Number or Email.
You can hide client contact details from staff if you'd like. Click here to learn how.
Starting a Chat from an Appointment or Client Profile
To start a chat from within a client's appointment, tap their appointment, and then tap the Chat button
You can also view and start chats from within a client's profile, under Chats.
SMS Character Limits and Using Emojis
When sending SMS messages through Phorest Chat, each message allows up to 160 characters. The character and message count will be displayed as you type your message.
Each message you send is charged at the standard rate associated with your Phorest subscription package. There is no charge for messages received.
Using Emojis 💇♀️
Adding an emoji reduces the limit to 70 characters per message, which can increase the number of messages sent. For example, a 120-character message without emojis will count as one SMS, but adding an emoji may cause it to split into two messages. Always check the character counter to avoid unexpected charges.
Enabling Chat Notifications
If you want to receive a notification on your phone each time a client sends a message through Phorest Chat, you can do so in PhorestGo by swiping in from the left of the screen > Settings > Notifications > Chat.
From here, you can choose whether you want to receive notifications for all messages received, or only your clients.
Viewing & Sharing Your Phorest Chat Number
When you activate Phorest Chat, you are assigned a new Phorest Chat phone number. This is the number your Phorest Chat SMS will be sent from, and the same number your clients will use to chat with you.
To view your number, go to Chats, then tap the Information & help button .
On the next screen, you'll see your Phorest Chat number.