Imagine a customer buying a product online but wanting to return it in-store. Another shopper visits a physical store and later reaches out to a chatbot for support. Today’s consumers expect a seamless blend of online and offline experiences.

Enterprises must adapt their customer service strategies to meet these expectations. With e-commerce expanding, customers demand flexibility—fast online support, easy in-store pickups, and smooth returns. AI plays a key role in making this possible by providing instant responses and personalizing customer interaction in every way.

This blog post will explore the role of AI in enterprise customer service, real-life use cases, how to implement it and future AI scenarios.

What is AI in customer service for enterprises? 

AI in customer service for enterprises is the use of AI technologies to enhance, automate, and optimize customer interactions at scale. It involves leveraging AI tools and systems such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and machine learning algorithms to provide instant responses, personalize assistance and improve the overall customer experience.

Enterprises use AI to handle large volumes of customer queries, automate customer service workflows, and even predict customer needs before they arise. 

Benefits of AI in customer service

According to a Salesforce report, 83% of customers expect to interact with someone immediately when they contact a company. Thank God for AI; it is possible now.

Here are some ways AI can be beneficial for enterprises:

Hyper-personalized interactions 

AI accesses your company’s data to understand your customers and create interactions that feel personal and more connected. When a customer interacts with a chatbot, AI populates important information such as the customer’s name, location, email address, and preferred language in real time. 

Accordingly, the chatbot or human agent can interact with the customer with contextual information and offer personal assistance as needed.

Round-the-clock availability

Since most enterprises operate globally, customer service cannot be limited to business hours. AI ensures customers receive instant 24/7 assistance regardless of location or time zone. This is possible because AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants simulate human-like conversations without human agents' intervention. 

For instance, Microsoft’s AI-driven customer support helps users troubleshoot technical issues at any hour.

Better productivity and efficiency

Without AI in customer service, agents would be swinging back and forth between screens to view customer history, routing field workers to service locations, and manually typing responses. AI makes this process easy and efficient by giving agents intelligent recommendations, conversational insights, and customer data. 

In fact, AI-based conversational assistants can increase agents' productivity by 14% on average.

Greater scalability

Enterprises keep growing, and so do the demands on customer service operations. AI solutions are designed to scale up and down with fluctuating volumes, keeping consistency and quality reliable. 

For example, during peak seasons like Black Friday or product launches, enterprises such as Amazon and Walmart rely on AI-driven customer support to handle surges in demand without hiring additional staff.

Data-driven insights 

AI can analyze customer calls, emails, and chatbot conversations to determine when an issue is likely to escalate, the time it will take to resolve an issue and whether a customer will require any assistance in the future. 

For instance, if there is a delay in delivery, a chatbot can proactively apprise the customer and offer compensation, such as coupons, to minimize escalations.

Proactive service experience

As previously mentioned, AI can draw information from customers’ warranties, purchase history, and marketing data to determine the best next action. 

To give an example, AI can notify customers when it’s time to renew a subscription, remind them of an appointment, or offer a product upgrade or discount.

Uses of AI in customer service for enterprises

Top-performing enterprises are more likely to benefit from AI. A cloud and business AI survey by PWC revealed that forward-thinking companies are 2x more likely to realize value from AI, with 69% experiencing improved customer service.

Let’s understand how global enterprises are using AI in customer service to improve experiences:

Personal assistance with chatbots

AI-powered chatbots are super-charged assistants that can help you with everything. Whether you're looking for a sweatshirt in the color pink or returning a coffee mug, you ask, and they will deliver. They are also available round the clock, so you don’t have to worry about checking your schedule to chat with them.

One such wonder chatbot is H&M’s AI-powered Kik, which provides fashion recommendations to users. The chatbot uses NLP to understand user requests and offer personalized styling tips. It is available on the Kik messenger app, with 15 million monthly active users.

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Accurate prediction of customer needs

Enterprises use AI to examine social media interactions, browsing history and customer feedback to get a fuller picture of customers. AI can give insights into factors that influence human behavior, such as:

• Emotions and psychology: Feelings and mood when interacting with a chatbot or agent
• Social proof: Recommendations and reviews to influence buying behavior
• Personal values: Ethical considerations that impact buying habits like sustainability

For example, IKEA uses predictive analytics to optimize customer experiences by knowing customer needs before they say it. They analyze the behaviors and preferences of customers to make manufacturing decisions and for range planning.

Sentiment analysis with advanced analytics

Sentiment analysis pulls data from all interactions, such as phone calls, messages, support tickets, and product reviews, to analyze customer interactions and feedback in real time. 

This helps businesses identify negative or positive sentiment drivers and gain insights into customer sentiment. The key goal is understanding a customer’s feelings and emotions towards the brand.

Amazon leverages the power of sentiment analysis to analyze a wide array of customer reviews meticulously. For example, sentiment analysis can uncover patterns when customers consistently praise a specific feature, such as user-friendliness or durability. It then enhances products aligned with customer preferences and incorporates these features into its marketing efforts to establish deeper customer relationships.

Omnichannel support for easier interactions

The omnichannel approach is the gold standard for treating customers in today’s business world. It’s allowing customers to leave one channel and pick up conversations on another as if they never left. This way, customers have a unified experience across platforms and channels.

Crate & Barrel implements an omnichannel to provide a frictionless customer experience. Whenever a consumer logs into their account, the app saves their shopping data so they can access this across multiple devices. This allows customers to continue shopping from where they’ve left.

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Self-service options through knowledge bases

AI-powered self-service bases are a repository of information and tools that allow customers to find solutions independently without waiting for a service agent. They are a standard expectation in business and comprise diverse components such as detailed articles, multimedia content, and mechanisms for user feedback.

eBay has a very well-designed knowledge base that caters to its global customers. It features a search bar and a list of popular articles and categories that customers can browse for information. 

The platform does a great job of providing detailed articles on how to use the platform for new customers. At the end of every article, customers are asked to rate the usefulness of the article.

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How to implement AI in customer service

Follow the steps below to implement and integrate AI in customer service for enterprises:

1. Assess business needs

Identify which areas of your support operations will benefit most from AI integration. Analyze your current processes, customer pain points, and support team challenges to set clear objectives for what you hope to achieve with AI. 

2. Define goals and objectives

Identify common customer queries, concerns, and requests to define goals and objectives. This could be any area of your customer support approach, such as reducing response times, improving first-contact resolution rates, or enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

3. Choose the right AI platform

After identifying your needs and objectives, research various AI tools and platforms that align with your business goals and requirements. Consider important features such as integration capabilities, scalability, and user reviews when assessing different options.

4. Integrate with existing solutions

Now, ensure your tools fit your current customer service setups. This may need API integrations, data syncing, or other technical configurations. Also, conduct pilot tests to identify and address any integration issues before deployment. This will help you resolve potential problems early in the process.

5. Train your agents

Provide ongoing training for your agents on how to use and navigate the AI tools effectively. The training should cover the technical aspects of using the systems and how to collaborate with AI to provide superior customer support. 

Offer frequent training, support and resources to assist your team in transitioning successfully, and ask for feedback on the new processes.

6. Ensure compliance and data privacy

To ensure secure handling and storing of customer data, maintain strict compliance with data protection and privacy regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

Frequently update privacy policies and practices to comply with changing regulations and be transparent about how customer data is stored and handled.

7. Monitor and optimize regularly

Regularly monitor the effectiveness of your AI-powered customer service system. Evaluate crucial metrics such as response time, CSAT score, and issue resolution rates. Utilize this data to strategize ongoing enhancements and refinements,

Future of AI in customer service 

According to a report by Grand View Research, the growth rate for AI is expected to surge by 36.6% annually between 2023 and 2030.

Let’s understand its role in future customer service operations:

Automation will be the driving force of operations

Enterprises are constantly pushing the boundaries of automation, which will happen more in the coming years. Customers won’t have to wait to interact with a human agent for simple queries. AI-powered automation will handle highly complex tasks with minimal human intervention and streamline internal processes and decision-making workflows.

AI will be an ally, not a competition

With the growing use of AI, people wonder whether it will take their jobs. The answer is simple—no. AI will not replace humans but will work alongside them to boost productivity and streamline processes so they can focus on complex conversations and decisions. 

AI can also help agents refine their tone and approach by offering real-time insights and relevant scripts to guide conversations.

Human care will still matter

Surely, AI can make many things better and work with perfection and accuracy. However, it cannot replicate the human emotions of care and empathy. Customers experience varying emotions when dealing with a customer service agent. AI can detect these emotions, while humans ensure customers feel heard, understood and respected.

Understand your customers better with Plivo CX 

Plivo CX is a cloud-based, AI-driven omnichannel customer service platform designed to help businesses deliver fast, efficient, and personalized customer support. It integrates with your existing tools and systems, ensuring smooth operations across multiple channels. 

Some of its key features include: 

• OpenAI-powered chatbots: Provide instant, accurate responses and escalate issues when needed. Also, train the chatbot using your company’s custom datasets, allowing for precise and relevant responses to customer queries, always.
• In-app customer service: Route live chat to the most appropriate agents. Send and receive media and documents effortlessly for faster resolutions

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• Unified agent desktop: Manage customer interactions across email, voice, SMS, WhatsApp, and live chat in one place
• CRM Integration:  Access customer data from your CRM for more personalized support
• Real-time analytics: Track customer interactions and agent performance for continuous improvement
• Visual workflow builder: Create custom workflows using a no-code drag-and-drop interface
• Interactive voice response (IVR): Automate call routing for faster support
• Agent Coaching Tools: Monitor agent performance with call recording, barge, and whisper features
• Security and Compliance: Protect customer data with enterprise-grade security (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)

‍Book a demo to learn more.

The AI agents market is expected to grow from USD 5.1 billion in 2024 to USD 47.1 billion in 2030, with a remarkable CAGR of 44.8%. This growth will not only be seen in AI adoption but also in how they operate. 

For example, in 2023, an AI bot mainly supported call center representatives by synthesizing and summarizing large volumes of data to respond to customer queries. 

However, fast forward to 2025, and an AI agent can do much more. It can converse with a customer and plan actions like processing a payment, checking for fraud, and completing a shipping action.

This blog post will discuss the concept of an AI agent and the best AI agent use cases worldwide to highlight the impressive utilization of AI in customer service.

What is an AI agent? 

An AI agent is a system or program that can autonomously respond to situations and perform tasks based on the information it has. It takes inputs or information from its environment, processes it, and then acts upon it.

AI agents utilize technologies like ML, GenAI, LLM, and NLP to understand and respond to customer needs and streamline the customer experience.

What can AI agents do?

AI agents can perform various operations—from task-specific programs to sophisticated systems integrating perception, reasoning, and decision-making capabilities. 

Most agents follow a specific workflow when performing assigned tasks that include:

Data collection and analysis

The first step is to gather data from various sources, including transaction histories, customer interaction, and social media. It then analyzes the data to understand the context and nuances of customer queries. The agents process the data in real time to provide the most up-to-date information.

Decision-making

AI agents then use sophisticated learning models such as NLP, sentiment analysis, and classification algorithms to identify patterns in the collected data and make decisions. 

In this case, NLP processes and understands user input, sentiment analysis assesses tone and intent, and classification algorithms determine the most appropriate response.  

For example, when managing a support ticket, the AI agent can assess its content and urgency to decide whether to resolve it automatically or escalate it to a human agent.

Action execution

Once a decision is made, the AI agents implement the task through their output interfaces. This could include responding to customer queries, processing requests, updating databases, or sending commands to other systems. 

For example, they could send automated troubleshooting steps, route the ticket to a specialized department, or flag it for immediate human attention.

Adapt from interaction

AI agents continuously learn and adapt from each interaction, refining their algorithms to improve accuracy and effectiveness. This may include updating knowledge bases and using feedback to enhance future interactions. 

The continuous learning capability ensures that AI agents remain relevant to changing customer expectations and business environments.

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Top AI agents use cases in customer service

“The playing field is poised to become a lot more competitive, and businesses that don’t deploy AI and data to help them innovate in everything they do will be at a disadvantage.”

—Paul Daugherty, chief technology and innovation officer, Accenture

Let’s understand how top companies worldwide are leveraging AI to offer outstanding customer service with these AI agent use cases:

Personalized recommendations by Amazon

Amazon‘s AI agents personalize your shopping by analyzing your activity and recommending products on the homepage, product pages, and emails.

Here are some ways it personalizes user experience :

• Product recommendations: Based on user browsing and purchase history, Amazon suggests relevant products
• Personalized descriptions: Product details are tailored to highlight features you care about
• Size recommendations: To recommend the ideal fit, the agents examine brand sizing, customer feedback, and a shopper's purchase history
• Fit review highlights: AI agents can extract key insights from customer reviews, helping you decide if an item runs small or large
• More accurate size charts: Cleaning and standardization play a role in data accuracy for size charts. AI Agents handle these processes
• Fit insights for brands: AI agents also help brands improve sizing and reduce returns

Starbucks’ voice shopping

Starbucks has partnered with Alexa, one of the most famous AI agents, to allow customers to order their coffee hands-free. Imagine talking to Alexa and placing your morning coffee order while you go to work. 

The process has become so convenient and popular that this mobile ordering program drives 20% of transactions during peak hours. 

Placing an order is pretty simple, too. All you have to do is say, “Alexa, tell Starbucks to place my usual order.” The AI agent will reply with the usual order, costs, and which branch it will be sent to. 

Once the customer confirms the order, it is immediately sent to the Starbucks branch to be prepared. The coffee is ready to be delivered by the time the customer arrives.

Airbnb’s multilingual customer support

With its AI agent, Airbnb caters to a diverse global user base in multiple countries. It utilizes conversational AI systems that use NLP and machine learning to handle customer inquiries across multiple languages.

The AI agents can: 

• Automatically recognize and switch between languages
• Provide 24/7 support for guests and hosts
• Resolve common issues without human agent intervention
• Automatically translate property listings
• Supports over 60 languages
• Communicate fluently in multiple languages
• Automatically translate and relay messages
• Handle inquiries from guests around the world

The AI agents help Airbnb overcome language barriers, improve guest satisfaction, and streamline customer support operations by offering efficient, immediate, and personalized multilingual assistance.

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H&M’s Chatbots 

One of the world’s leading fashion retailers, H&M, has implemented AI-powered chatbots to handle inquiries, streamline operations, and provide personalized assistance.

Some of the features of  H&M’s chatbots include:

• Instant customer support: Provides quick answers about order tracking, return policies, and store locations
• Personal shopping assistance: Recommends products based on browsing history and past purchases
• Simplified returns & exchanges: Generates return labels and guides customers through the process
• Multilingual support: Assists customers in multiple languages for a seamless experience
• Proactive engagement: Sends reminders for promotions, restocked items, and abandoned carts
• High-volume handling: Manages spikes in customer inquiries during sales and holiday seasons

Alen’s digital shopping assistant

45% of surveyed millennials want a personalized experience when shopping online.   This can be achieved by deploying a shopping assistant as it can guide customers to the most relevant products.

An AI shopping agent can create a consultative experience and highlight product features and specs that matter to the shopper’s needs. This can accelerate the buyer’s journey from discovery to purchase.

Alen uses a digital assistant that guides users in finding the most appropriate air purifier for their indoor spaces. Users must input room dimensions, specific air quality concerns like allergies or odors, and future preferences. 

AI will then pull out the top-rated Alen models with particular details about coverage areas, filter types, and innovative features.

Amazon’s visual search agent

With a 70% rise in visual searches globally, Amazon is focusing on making searches more intuitive and personalized. It has added several new features to enhance the mobile visual search experience with Rufus, an AI shopping agent that helps customers discover products effortlessly. 

Some of its key features include:

• Descriptive image suggestions: As customers type a search term, Amazon suggests relevant images to streamline browsing
• Amazon lens upgrades: Users can upload images and add text to refine searches (e.g., specifying color, brand, or material)
• More like this: A quick tap on a product image shows similar items
• Circle to search: Customers can draw a circle around an item in a photo to isolate and search for it
• Integrated product videos: Shoppers can watch videos directly in search results, improving engagement

Sephora’s reservation assistant

Sephora has enhanced its chatbot services with Sephora reservation AI agent, allowing customers to book beauty appointments via Facebook Messenger. 

Developed in partnership with Assi.st, this AI-powered feature improves customer engagement, making beauty consultations more accessible and efficient. 

How it works:

• Customers message the Sephora chatbot, providing their location in natural language (city, address, or landmark)
• The chatbot finds the nearest Sephora store and displays available appointment times.
• Users can confirm and book instantly, receiving a confirmation email within seconds

Why It Matters:

• Conversational AI: The chatbot understands various ways customers describe their preferred date, time, or location
• Convenience: Eliminates phone calls or manual booking processes
• Instant confirmation: Ensures quick and hassle-free appointment scheduling

Paypal’s fraud detection

PayPal efficiently utilizes AI agents and machine learning to enhance fraud detection and optimize payment authorization rates.

This is how PayPal does it:

• Real-time risk assessment: AI agents assign a risk score to every transaction, analyzing customer behavior in milliseconds to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent transactions
• Fraud pattern adaptation: Machine learning identifies evolving fraud techniques, such as card cracking and carding attacks, by analyzing vast datasets
• Graph database technology: PayPal processes highly interconnected data from 430M+ accounts across 200+ markets to detect fraud efficiently
• Optimized filters & rules: AI continuously refines fraud detection filters, countering scammers who attempt to bypass security measures

Speed up resolutions with Plivo CX’s AI agents

Plivo CX is an AI-powered omnichannel customer service platform built to integrate effortlessly into your business and support mechanisms. 

It brings frequently-used communication channels, such as voice, SMS, WhatsApp, and live chat, under a single window. You can also train OpenAI-powered chatbots using your company’s unique datasets to ensure customer queries are answered with the most relevant and precise information.

Here are some of its top features:

• AI self-service chatbots: Engage with customers across channels by delivering quick and precise responses
• In-app customer service: Direct live chats to the best-suited agents while easily exchanging media and documents for faster issue resolution
• Omnichannel support: Monitor, manage, and track customer interactions across multiple channels from a single platform
• Unified agent desktop: Empower agents with comprehensive customer context and insights within one intuitive application
• Round-the-clock availability: Ensure continuous global support without interruptions
• Simplified escalations with notes: Quickly summarize interactions and seamlessly transfer them to human agents when necessary
• Rich customer insights: Analyze live or recorded conversations to uncover opportunities for growth and improvement
• Agent training tools: Enhance performance with features like call recording, discreet guidance, and real-time intervention
• Automated ticket management: Organize and prioritize incoming tickets automatically so critical issues are addressed promptly
• Interactive voice response (IVR): Set up automated menus to efficiently direct callers to the right team or agent
• CRM integration: Leverage customer data from your existing CRM and technology stack to deliver a more personalized experience

Book a demo with us today!

Struggling with overdue payments? You’re not alone. A report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows that 37% of businesses face cash flow issues due to late payments, with 30% forced to use overdrafts and 20% seeing a direct impact on profits.

Late payments can strain your cash flow, increase stress, and damage customer relationships. That’s where SMS payment reminders shine.

With SMS’s high open rate, your payment reminders get the attention they need. Incorporating SMS into your strategy can reduce overdue payments and improve results. 

Let’s explore why SMS payment reminder works and how you can use it to get the results you need.

What are payment reminder messages?

Payment reminder messages are text messages sent to customers to remind them about an upcoming or overdue payment. E-commerce companies, subscription services, and businesses with recurring payments typically send these messages to ensure timely processing and reduce late fees.

They’re usually short, polite, and direct, providing all the necessary details like the amount due and the due date. This makes it easy for your customers to pay without any hassle.

Payment reminder messages are most effective when timed just right. The key is to strike a balance between being helpful and not overwhelming your customers. 

When to send SMS billing reminders

Timing is crucial when it comes to sending SMS billing reminders. You want to ensure you're giving your customers enough time to make the payment without overwhelming them. 

Here’s a simple way to decide the perfect time for sending your reminders:

After the due date

Send a polite reminder immediately after the payment due date to prompt customers to complete their transactions. Include all the necessary details, such as the amount due, invoice reference, and a payment link for easy processing.

One week after the initial payment reminder message

If the payment is still pending, send a follow-up payment reminder message one week later. Include a direct payment link to make the process easier.

Two weeks after the initial payment reminder message

If the payment remains unpaid after two weeks, send a firm but still professional final reminder emphasizing urgency. Mention any late fees, account suspension risks, or potential service interruptions to encourage prompt payment.

To help ensure your SMS billing reminders are as effective as possible, it’s not just about when you send them but how you create them. 

The content and tone of your payment reminder messages will ultimately determine whether or not your customer takes action. 

5 tips to write effective SMS billing reminders

Creating the perfect SMS reminder is about being clear, timely, and easy to act on. Here are five quick tips to make your reminders more effective:

1. Personalize your payment reminders

Use the customer’s name or account details to make the message feel more personal. If possible, refer to past interactions or payment history. 

Personalized messages are not only more likely to be read, but 31% of consumers sign up for SMS to receive personalized messages, making them more likely to act.

Example: “Hi [Name], your $50 payment for [Service/Product] is overdue. Settle it today to avoid late fees: [link].”

2. Choose the right time

Timing plays a crucial role in getting a quick response. Send SMS reminders when customers are most likely to engage, such as mid-afternoon or early evening. 

Be mindful of regulations, like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the US, which restricts messages before 8 AM or after 9 PM in the recipient’s time zone.

The best window is typically between 10 AM and 8 PM, but testing different times will help you find what works best for your audience.

3. Provide key payment details

Be clear and specific about the payment details. Include the exact amount due, the due date, and any other relevant details (e.g., order number) to make it easy for the customer to act on the reminder.

Example: “Reminder: Your $75 invoice for [Product/Service] was due on [Date]. Pay now to avoid a $10 late fee: [link].”

4. Include a clear call-to-action

Always end your SMS billing reminder with a clear CTA. Whether it’s a payment link, instructions to resolve the issue, or a contact number for support, make it easy for the customer to take the next step.

Use direct and action-oriented language like “Pay Now,” “Settle Your Balance,” or “Avoid Late Fees.”

Example: "Your payment of [Amount] is due. To avoid late fees and service disruption, please pay now by clicking the link: [Payment Link].”

5. Maintain a respectful tone

Avoid harsh language that might frustrate customers. Maintain a polite, professional tone in every reminder, even if the payment is overdue. Customers are more likely to respond to friendly reminders.

Example: “We understand things get busy. If you need help with your payment, reach out to us at [support info].”

The next step is creating clear, engaging messages that encourage prompt action. 

Top 7 ready-to-use SMS payment reminder templates

Below are seven professional SMS payment reminder templates for different scenarios. You can customize them based on your business needs.

1. SMS payment reminder template: Before the due date

📅 When to send: 3-5 days before the due date.

Purpose: A soft and friendly reminder to keep the customer informed and prevent late payments.

Some customers forget about their upcoming payments. Sending a courteous and professional reminder ensures they are aware before the due date arrives. This message is especially useful for businesses with recurring invoices, service fees, or product payments.

Hi [Customer Name], just a reminder that your payment of [Amount] is due on [Due Date]. Let us know if you need any help. Thanks for choosing [Company Name]!

2. SMS payment reminder template: Follow-up on due date

📅 When to send: On the due date.

Purpose: A professional and polite reminder to encourage payment before it becomes overdue.

This message is for customers needing a gentle nudge on the due date. Some people wait until the last moment to pay, so this reminder ensures they don’t miss the deadline.

Hello [Customer Name], your payment of [Amount] is due today. Please visit [Payment Link] to make your payment. Feel free to contact us for assistance.

3. SMS payment reminder template: Overdue payment reminder (3 days after due date)

📅 When to send: 1-5 days after the due date.

Purpose: A reminder for customers who may have forgotten or overlooked the due date.

At this stage, customers have already missed their due date, but they may not realize it. This message remains polite and professional while creating urgency. If your business has late fees, this is a good time to mention them.

Hi [Customer Name], we noticed your payment of [Amount] was due on [Due Date] but hasn’t been received. Please make the payment at your earliest convenience here: [Payment Link].

4. SMS payment reminder template: Final notice of overdue payment

📅 When to send: 7-14 days after the due date.

Purpose: A firm but professional warning before escalating the issue (e.g., additional fees, service suspension, collections).

If a customer has ignored previous reminders, it’s time to increase urgency. This message serves as the final warning before taking further action. Use a direct and serious tone while maintaining professionalism.

Dear [Name], we’ve made several attempts to contact you about your outstanding payment of $[Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. If we don’t receive your payment by [Last Due Date], we may have to suspend [Services] and take further action. Please make the payment promptly: [Payment Link].

5. SMS payment reminder template: Subscription renewal reminder

Customers often overlook subscription renewals. A timely reminder helps them renew on time, reducing churn.

📅 When to send: 5-7 days before subscription renewal.

Purpose: Notify customers about upcoming subscription renewals to avoid surprises.For subscription-based businesses, sending a reminder before automatic billing helps reduce disputes and chargebacks. This message reassures customers about their renewal date and provides an option to update payment details.

Hi [Customer Name], your subscription to [Service Name] is about to renew on [Date]. Please ensure your payment of [Amount] is processed before [Due Date]. [Payment Link]

6. SMS payment reminder template: Installment payment reminder

📅 When to send: A few days before an installment payment is due.

Purpose: Helps customers keep track of their scheduled payments.

For subscription-based businesses, missed renewals can lead to churn and lost revenue. Sending a timely reminder ensures customers stay informed and take action before their subscription expires, preventing service disruptions.

[Business Name]: Hello [Customer Name], this is a reminder that your next installment payment of [Amount] for [Loan/Product Name] is due on [Due Date]. Please ensure timely payment to keep your plan active. [Payment Link]

7. SMS payment acknowledgment template: Thank you message after payment

📅 When to send: Immediately after payment is received.

Purpose: A courteous message to acknowledge receipt of payment and build customer trust.

Sending a thank-you message after payment reassures customers that their transaction was successful. It also reinforces positive customer relationships and professionalism.

Thank you, [Name]! We’ve received your payment of $[Amount] for [Product/Service]. Your order/subscription is now confirmed. Need a receipt? Access it here: [Link].

Ensuring timely payments doesn’t have to be a manual, time-consuming task. The right tools can help automate reminders, personalize messages, and improve collection rates effortlessly.

Plivo CX, a leading omnichannel customer engagement platform, simplifies SMS billing reminders with automated scheduling, personalized messaging, and real-time tracking. With intelligent segmentation and AI-driven insights, you can reduce late payments and improve customer retention effortlessly.

Enhance ROI on payment reminder messages with Plivo CX

Keeping track of payments and chasing late payments can be frustrating, especially when manual follow-ups don’t give the expected results. Delays can disrupt cash flow and impact business operations. ‘

With Plivo CX, you can automate SMS payment reminders to reach customers instantly. From gentle pre-due reminders to urgent overdue notices, you can ensure timely payments while reducing manual follow-ups. Stay proactive, minimize delays, and keep your revenue stream steady.

Here’s why Plivo CX is the go-to platform for payment reminders:

• Flexible customer segmentation: Group customers based on payment history or subscription status for relevant reminders.
• Connect with customers at the right moments: With Journeys, marketers can send triggered messages based on customer actions to ensure relevant communication. Plus, a no-code interface allows marketers to build and manage these automated interactions without developer assistance easily.
  
  
• Craft engaging alerts with Copywriter AI: Generate personalized SMS alerts with AI-powered suggestions and pre-designed templates. Copywriter AI instantly crafts message options, allowing you to review, refine, and send the perfect alert.

• Seamless customer notifications: Automate payment reminders based on due dates, customer behavior, or custom triggers to ensure timely follow-ups.
• Timely engagement: Schedule SMS reminders to send before, on, or after the due date at optimal times across time zones.

• E-commerce integrations: Integrates with e-commerce stores like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, and other platforms to send reminders directly from your e-commerce system.

Businesses using Plivo CX for payment reminders see an average of $71 generated for every $1 spent, along with a 20% increase in on-time payments and subscription reminders.

With Plivo’s advanced carrier network spanning 220+ countries, Plivo CX also helps businesses cut SMS marketing costs by up to 70% while tripling their ROI.

Reduce payment delays, improve cash flow, and keep your customers engaged—all with automated SMS reminders powered by Plivo CX. 

Book a free demo today!

Delivering timely updates to customers is crucial in e-commerce, yet many businesses struggle with low engagement on traditional channels like email and push notifications. Delayed communications can lead to abandoned carts, lost sales, and customer frustration.

This is where SMS alerts offer a competitive edge. Unlike other channels, SMS delivers instant, high-visibility messages—whether it’s an order update, a restock notification, or a personalized offer. 

With a high open rate and response times averaging just 90 seconds, SMS ensures that critical information reaches customers when it matters most.

By leveraging SMS alerts effectively, businesses can create amazing shopping experiences, drive higher conversions, and build stronger customer relationships. Let’s explore how.

The definition and value of SMS alerts

SMS alerts are instant text messages sent to users to notify them about important updates, reminders, or urgent information. They’re widely used by businesses, service providers, and organizations to keep customers informed in real-time.

Businesses use SMS alerts for a variety of reasons, such as:

✅ Order confirmations and shipping updates

✅ Appointment reminders

✅ Security alerts (like login verifications)

✅ Promotional offers and flash sales

✅ Emergency notifications

Why do SMS alerts matter for businesses?

Quiq.com reports that 58% of businesses find SMS more cost-effective than voice-only communication, while there is a 75% reduction in phone calls through SMS implementation. SMS alerts enhance customer experience, drive sales, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. Here’s how:

• Instant & reliable – Deliver time-sensitive messages directly to customers.
• Increased conversions – Timely promotions and reminders lead to more completed purchases.
• Cost-effective & scalable – Automate outreach without spending heavily on ads.
• Stronger customer relationships – Keep customers informed and engaged, building long-term loyalty.
• Enhanced security – Used for OTPs, fraud alerts, and verification.

Effective customer communication is key, and SMS alerts provide a direct and reliable way to engage your audience.

Now, let’s compare SMS alerts with push notifications and understand how they each serve different purposes.

SMS alerts vs. push notifications – What’s the difference?

Both SMS alerts and push notifications keep users informed, but they work differently. Here’s how:

Bottom line? SMS alerts are direct and reliable, while push notifications are app-dependent and best for marketing engagement. Let’s explore some real-world examples to understand how these alerts work.

Examples of SMS alerts

SMS alerts are used across various industries to provide real-time, important updates. Here are some common examples of SMS alerts:‍

1. Order notifications 

 Reduce WISMO (Where Is My Order) queries by keeping customers informed in real time.

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2. Abandoned cart notifications 

 Recover lost sales by reminding customers about their abandoned carts. A timely message can prompt them to return and complete their purchase, increasing conversion rates.

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3. Delivery notifications 

Enhance customer satisfaction with real-time delivery updates. Keeping customers informed about their order's progress—whether it's shipped, out for delivery, or arrived—reduces anxiety and builds trust.

4. Flash sale alerts

Create a sense of urgency with flash sale alerts to drive immediate action. Time-sensitive offers encourage customers to act fast, boosting conversions and making the most of limited-time promotions.

5. Restock alerts 

Re-engage customers by notifying them when popular or out-of-stock items are available again. Restock alerts help capture the interest of those who missed out previously, driving them back to your store to make a purchase.

6. Payment reminders 

Minimize failed payments by sending timely reminders to customers about upcoming payments or expiring subscriptions. These alerts help ensure customers take action before payments are missed.

How do SMS alerts work?

SMS alerts are a simple way to communicate with customers. Here’s how they work:

Step 1: Customer opt-in: Customers opt in through a simple action, like texting a keyword or submitting their phone number online. This ensures compliance and respects customer preferences.

Step 2: Message creation: Businesses can now send personalized or automated SMS alerts based on triggers

Step 3: Message delivery: The SMS goes through an SMS gateway and reaches the customer’s phone directly.

To make sure your SMS alerts are compliant with the law, it’s essential to understand the regulations involved. Here's what you need to know.

• Opt-in requirement: Customers must provide clear consent before receiving messages. This is usually done by confirming their phone number or texting a keyword (e.g., “JOIN”).
• Unsubscribe option: Every SMS alert must include an opt-out option, allowing customers to easily stop receiving messages by texting “STOP.”
• Privacy compliance: Businesses must ensure they handle customer data securely and comply with privacy laws like GDPR or TCPA.

By following these steps and regulations, businesses can use SMS alerts to communicate with customers while maintaining trust and legal compliance effectively. 

Benefits of using SMS alerts in e-commerce

SMS alerts drive engagement for e-commerce businesses, improving customer satisfaction and boosting sales. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

Improved customer engagement

Instant updates keep customers informed, preventing frustration and the need to reach out for support. For example, sending real-time order tracking updates ensures customers are always in the loop and engaged.

Increased conversions

By sending targeted cart abandonment reminders or exclusive offers at the right time, businesses can recover lost sales. This timely communication encourages customers to take immediate action, increasing the chances of completing the purchase.

In fact, cart abandonment messages via SMS have been shown to recover 30% of abandoned carts.

Enhanced customer satisfaction

70% of consumers expect businesses to provide updates on orders, deliveries, and appointments via SMS. Personalized messages build trust and increase satisfaction.

Reduced operational costs

By automating routine messages such as order confirmations, shipping updates, and payment reminders, businesses can save time and reduce the need for customer service involvement. 

With SMS messages costing as little as $0.015-$0.050 per message, businesses can achieve significant cost savings while maintaining effective communication.

Improved retention and loyalty

By consistently updating customers with timely information, businesses build trust and increase customer loyalty. Small gestures like "thank you" messages, delivery updates, or exclusive deals encourage repeat purchases.

Now, let’s explore some practical examples of how SMS alerts are being used to make a real difference in the e-commerce world.

Use cases of SMS alerts in e-commerce

SMS alerts are incredibly versatile and can be used across various touchpoints in the customer journey. Here are some top use cases in e-commerce:

1. Promotional alerts

Delivering time-sensitive promotions directly to your customers’ phones ensures your message is seen and acted upon quickly. Whether it's a flash sale, seasonal discount, or exclusive offer, SMS makes sure your promotion reaches your audience in time.

2. Abandoned cart reminders

Cart abandonment is a major hurdle in e-commerce, but a simple text message notification helps recover lost sales. Gently nudging customers who’ve left items behind increases the likelihood of them completing their purchase.

3. Order updates

Keep customers informed at every stage of their order journey. Real-time shipping confirmations and delivery updates provide transparency and improve customer satisfaction.

These updates enhance customer satisfaction by providing transparency and reducing customer support inquiries.‍

4. Customer support

Text message notifications provide instant communication to address concerns, from resolving order issues to answering questions or handling complaints. This real-time communication helps build trust and ensures a quicker resolution to customer concerns.

5. Subscription reminders

Use SMS to remind customers about subscription renewals or expiring memberships, ensuring they don’t miss out on continuing their service.

These timely reminders help increase subscription renewal rates and reduce churn.

Plivo CX, an omnichannel customer engagement platform, makes it easy to send personalized SMS alerts, track performance, and keep your audience connected every step of the way. 

With intelligent segmentation and AI-powered messaging, businesses can optimize customer communication effortlessly.

Simplify customer engagement with SMS alerts powered by Plivo CX 

Many businesses struggle with sending restock updates, subscription renewal reminders, and replenishment alerts, especially for frequently ordered items like supplements and personal care products. These delays can lead to missed opportunities and decreased customer satisfaction.

With Plivo CX, it’s easy to keep customers in the loop. Whether it’s updating them on product availability, reminding them about upcoming renewals, or letting them know when it’s time to restock, you can keep them satisfied with minimal effort.

Here’s why you should choose Plivo CX for SMS alerts:

• Seamless customer notifications: Automate alerts for restocks, renewals, and replenishments. Use manual/automated segmentation and behavioral triggers to send timely, relevant updates.
• Flexible customer segmentation: Use manual segmentation to group audience based on purchase behavior and product interest, ensuring your messages are highly relevant and drive engagement.
• Timely engagement: Send instant, delayed, or event-based alerts. Schedule messages at optimal times across time zones.

• Flexible campaign setup: Set up customized, event-driven SMS campaigns with pre-built templates and AI-powered message personalization.
• Craft engaging alerts: Use AI-driven suggestions and pre-designed templates to create personalized messages. Create using Copywriter AI and deliver them instantly to reach customers on time.

• E-commerce integration: Plivo CX seamlessly integrates with e-commerce stores like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, and more, allowing businesses to send alerts directly from their e-commerce platforms.

Businesses leveraging SMS marketing with Plivo CX see an average of $71 generated for every $1 spent, along with 20% conversion rates from both back-in-stock alerts and subscription reminders.

Powered by Plivo’s premium carrier network with coverage in 220+ countries, Plivo CX also helps businesses cut SMS marketing costs by up to 70% while tripling ROI. 

Book a free demo and see how Plivo CX can help you deliver timely, automated alerts that drive customer engagement and sales!

The moment a customer clicks “Place Order,” they expect the delivery countdown to begin. Even the slightest hiccup in the delivery can send everything into chaos.

With the global logistics market valued at over 8.4 trillion euros in 2021 and expected to exceed 13.7 trillion euros by 2027, speed and reliability are fundamental. 

But even when things go wrong, a well-crafted shipping delay message can make a difference.

Shipping delay messages are a reliable technique to manage customer expectations when orders don’t arrive on time. They help reduce customer uncertainty, minimize complaints, and turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.

In this article, we’ll explore the best strategies for SMS delay messages, delay message templates, and show how automation can simplify the process.

Why delay messages are important for e-commerce businesses

Poor communication around shipping delays can cost businesses both money and customer loyalty. In fact, 80% of customers say the experience a company provides is just as important as its products and services. 

So, customers often become annoyed and escalate the issue when they don’t receive timely updates on their orders.

To tackle this, a well-crafted delay message can mean the difference between an unhappy customer and a loyal one. Proactive delay messaging reduces refund claims and customer service inquiries, ultimately saving time and resources. 

This is why a simple, well-timed update reassures customers, sets expectations, and preserves brand credibility.

The importance of clear messaging for delivery delays

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Higher customer retention

Customers are 64% more likely to buy from brands they’ve shopped with before. So, keeping them informed with clear delivery updates isn’t just crucial, it's essential for turning first-time buyers into repeat customers and keeping loyalty locked in.

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Stronger brand perception

68% of customers say a negative experience will reduce their loyalty to a brand. Delivery delays can frustrate customers. But businesses that communicate clearly during delays show they’re reliable and customer-focused, keeping loyalty strong and complaints low.

In short, a thoughtful delay message isn’t just damage control, it’s an opportunity to build trust and long-term customer loyalty.

Best 5 shipping delay message templates for SMS & email

No one likes to deliver bad news, but a well-crafted delay message can make all the difference. Use these ready-to-use SMS and email templates to keep customers informed:

1. Delay message template: General delay message notification

When to send: As soon as a delay is identified.

Purpose: Inform the customer about a delay and provide an estimated resolution.

Customers appreciate immediate updates when a delay occurs. This message should be clear, and concise, and provide an expected timeline to ease concerns.

SMS template:

"Hi [Customer name], we wanted to update you on your order #[Order number]. Due to [reason], your order is delayed. We expect it to arrive by [new date]. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience."

Email template:

Subject: Update on Your Order #[Order number]

Dear [Customer name],
We wanted to update you about your recent order #[Order Number]. Unfortunately, due to [reason], we are experiencing a delay in shipping your order. We now expect your order to arrive by [new date].

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our support team.

Best,
[Your company name]

2. Delay message template: Apology & updated timeline

When to send: If the delay extends beyond the initial estimate 

Purpose: Apologize for the inconvenience and offer an updated delivery date.

When an initial delay stretches further, customers expect an update. Apologizing sincerely while giving a clear timeline can help maintain trust.

SMS template:

"Dear [Customer name], we sincerely apologize for the delay in delivering your order #[Order number]. Due to [reason], the new expected delivery date is [date]. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Please reach out if you have any questions."

Email template:

Subject: An Update on Your Order #[Order number]

Dear [Customer name],
We’re reaching out to apologize for the delay in shipping your order #[Order number]. Unfortunately, due to [reason], it will take a bit longer than expected. Your new estimated delivery date is [date].

We understand delays can be frustrating, and we truly appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best,
[Your company name]

3. Delay message template: Last-minute delay update

When to send: If an unexpected issue arises close to the expected delivery date

Purpose: Notify the customer about an urgent delay and reassure them of the next steps.

Customers count on delivery dates being spot on. If things go sideways at the last minute, a quick heads-up can make all the difference.

SMS template:

"We’re sorry, [Customer name], but due to [reason], your order #[Order number] is experiencing a last-minute delay. We are working to get it to you as soon as possible and will update you shortly. Thank you for your patience!"

Email template:

Subject: Urgent Update on Your Order #[Order number]

Dear [Customer name],
We regret to inform you that your order #[Order number], which was scheduled to arrive on [original date], is facing an unexpected last-minute delay due to [reason]. We understand this is disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Our team is working hard to resolve this issue, and we will provide an updated delivery timeline as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and will keep you informed every step of the way.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best,
[Your company name]

4. Delay message template: Compensation offer

When to send: If the delay is significant and impacts customer experience 

Purpose: Offer compensation (discount, free shipping, or store credit) to maintain goodwill.

When a delay causes major inconvenience, a small discount or free shipping can turn things around. It’s a way to say, “Thanks for your patience—we appreciate you.”

SMS template:

"Hi [Customer name], we regret the delay with your order #[Order number]. As a token of appreciation for your patience, we’d like to offer you [discount or free shipping] on your next order. Use code [CODE] at checkout. Thank you for choosing us!"

Email template:

Subject: Thank You for Your Patience – Here’s a Special Offer

Dear [Customer name],
We appreciate your patience regarding your delayed order #[Order number]. We understand how important timely deliveries are, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience.

As a token of appreciation, we’d like to offer you [discount or free shipping] on your next order. Use code [CODE] at checkout.

Thank you for choosing us, and we appreciate your understanding!

Best,
[Your company name]

5. Delay message template: Holiday season delay

When to send: During busy holiday seasons when shipping delays are common.

Purpose: Manage expectations and apologize for potential delays due to increased seasonal demand.

Increased demand during holidays often leads to delays. Proactive communication assures customers that their order is still a priority.

SMS template:

"Hi [Customer name], due to high holiday demand, your order #[Order number] may experience a slight delay. We expect it to arrive by [new date]. Thanks for your understanding and patience during this busy season!"

Email template:

Subject: Holiday Season Shipping Update for Your Order #[Order number]

Dear [Customer name],

We wanted to give you a heads-up that, due to the increased volume of orders during the holiday season, your order #[Order number] may experience a slight delay. We expect it to arrive by [new date].

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this busy time. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our support team.

Best,
[Your company name]

By utilizing these SMS and email templates, e-commerce brands can keep customers informed, mitigate frustration, and maintain positive relationships despite unexpected shipping delays.

Best practices for communicating a shipping delay

Timely communication is essential when informing customers about a shipping delay. Below are the best practices for effectively communicating a shipping delay:

1. Notify customers as soon as possible

70% of e-commerce shoppers say their orders were shipped late with no explanation, which can really hurt your brand. By sending a timely and thoughtful delay message ASAP, you can keep your customers informed. This even strengthens their loyalty, despite the hiccup.

2. Use multiple communication channels

Make sure your customers never miss an update by reaching them through multiple channels:

• Email notifications
• SMS alerts
• Customer service chat or call support

With 90% of customers expecting immediate updates when their order status changes, using multiple touchpoints ensures they stay informed and reassured.

3. Provide clear and honest information

41% of consumers want their orders within 24 hours, which means any delay can lead to frustration. So, when delays happen, clear and honest communication is important.

 Be upfront about the reason for the delay, how long it may last, and any potential resolutions. Avoid vague language and ensure that your message is factual and precise.

Example: "We regret to inform you that your order (#12345) has been delayed due to unexpected supply chain disruptions. We are actively working to resolve this issue and anticipate shipping your order by [new estimated delivery date]."

4. Offer an estimated delivery timeline

Even if the exact delay duration is uncertain, provide the most accurate estimated delivery timeframe based on the available information and keep customers informed of any changes. 

Example: "Due to high order volumes, your shipment may experience a delay. We estimate that your package will arrive within 5-7 business days. We will keep you informed of any further updates and appreciate your patience."

5. Apologize and show empathy

A heartfelt apology goes a long way in maintaining goodwill. This assures you are doing everything you can to get the order to them as soon as possible.

Example: "We understand how important it is to receive your order on time, and we sincerely apologize for the delay. We appreciate your patience and are doing everything we can to expedite your shipment."

The role of automation in shipping delay messages

For e-commerce companies handling thousands of orders daily, automation is essential for sending shipping delay notifications at scale. Considering that 76% of Americans say a bad customer experience is worse than a delayed shipment, keeping customers informed should be a top priority.

By now, you know customers expect timely and personalized updates, and manual communication simply cannot keep up with demand. 

• Automation ensures that every customer receives real-time updates via SMS, email, or app notifications, reducing uncertainty and frustration. 
• AI-driven automation can also personalize messages based on order details, past interactions, and estimated delivery timelines. This enhances the customer experience and also reduces inbound customer service inquiries, freeing up resources. 

But having the right platform for automation can make all the difference. 

Plivo CX, an omnichannel customer engagement tool, enables e-commerce businesses to send real-time shipping delay notifications at scale. 

With its user-friendly interface and powerful analytics, Plivo CX ensures customers stay informed without overloading your support team and improves the overall customer experience.

Send shipping delay messages at scale with Plivo CX

Managing shipping delays manually can be overwhelming, leading to frustrated customers and increased support inquiries. Keeping customers informed at the right time is essential to maintaining trust and reducing complaints.

With Plivo CX, you can automate shipping delay notifications across SMS, ensuring customers receive real-time updates without the hassle of manual follow-ups. From proactive delay alerts to last-minute updates, Plivo CX helps businesses simplify communication with customers and improves customer satisfaction.

Here’s how Plivo CX helps e-commerce businesses stay ahead:

• Automated notifications: Keep your customers informed with automated SMS alerts about shipping delays, providing real-time updates based on their orders.
• Customer segmentation: Group customers based on order status, delivery region, or urgency level to send targeted and relevant updates.
• Customizable templates: Use pre-designed templates to craft clear delay notifications. Ensure timely delivery via SMS for a good customer experience.
• Copywriter AI: Instantly generate clear, empathetic, and engaging delay notifications using Copywriter AI.

• E-commerce integrations: Plivo CX integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Magento, sending notifications directly from your system.
• Optimized delivery timing: Schedule delay messages at the right moment, ensuring customers receive updates when they need them most—whether it's a pre-delay heads-up or an urgent last-minute notice.

With Plivo’s advanced carrier network spanning 220+ countries, Plivo CX ensures your shipping delay messages reach customers reliably and cost-effectively. 

Businesses using Plivo CX for automated shipping delay notifications have seen significant cost savings, reducing communication expenses by up to 70% while enhancing customer experience at scale. 

Additionally, businesses using Plivo CX generate $71 for every $1 spent, along with a 20% increase in on-time deliveries and improved subscription fulfillment.

Simplify your shipping delay notifications, protect your brand reputation, and save valuable time with automated messaging with Plivo CX. 

Book a free demo today!

You can make countless changes on product pages to optimize your conversion rate. Yet often, all it needs is a simple nudge—a quick reminder text to customers that the product they left in the cart is about to go out of stock or the sale they were waiting for is now live.  

Oksana Tsvigun, an eCommerce expert, says, "When executed effectively, nudge marketing can significantly influence purchase behavior across various channels."

In this post, we will explore the type of SMS reminders eCommerce businesses can send and how they can send. 

Types of SMS reminders eCommerce businesses can send

Here are some of the must-have SMS reminders for your online store:

1. Abandoned cart SMS reminder

Abandoned cart reminders are a no-nonsense strategy for winning back sales from customers who left their shopping cart in the middle for some reason. 

Sending quick abandoned cart reminder texts is effective as they are direct and encourage immediate action. Studies show a well-crafted text can recover up to 58% of these carts, potentially bringing back nearly two out of three lost sales. This means many customers who abandon their carts may return after a text reminder.

Further, high open rates of SMS pose another promising metric.

Sample abandoned cart SMS reminder:

Hi [Customer Name], [Product name] is waiting in your cart. Complete the purchase now and get free shipping! [Link to Cart]

2. Payment SMS reminder

Around 11% of online transactions among eCommerce sites failed in 2023. This failure can significantly impact revenue as customers usually step away from the site after a failure, thinking to try later, and may ultimately forget about the item itself. 

A quick reminder text nudges them to complete the purchase in such cases.

Sample payment SMS reminder:

Hi [Customer Name], There was a technical glitch when completing your order payment. Please retry payment now : [Link to payment page].

3. Product restock SMS reminder

Product restock reminders are another great way to increase sales by sending messages to customers who previously expressed interest in an out-of-stock product. It's a proven tactic to regain lost sales due to supply chain issues. 

Sample product restock SMS reminder:

Hi [Customer Name], The [Product Name] you were waiting for is back in stock. Order now: [Link to Product Page]

4. Order confirmation SMS reminder

Order confirmation reminders help improve customer experience and gain their trust. It ensures customers get an instant confirmation message with a hint of shipping and further tracking details. 

Customers are never left wondering whether the payment they just made resulted in a successful order or not. 

Sample order confirmation SMS reminder:

Hi [Customer name], Thank you for purchasing from [Site name], Your order [Order number] is confirmed. We will send a tracking link as soon as the order is shipped.

5. Shipping/Delivery SMS reminder

83% of shoppers look for text updates about their order shipping status. Timely shipping updates are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. 

A short text message with a tracking link and delivery details goes a long way to win customer trust in the current cluttered market. 

Sample shipping/delivery SMS reminder:

Hey [Customer name]: Wohooo! Your order [Order Id] is on the way and expected to arrive by [Tentative delivery date]. Track it here: [Shipping tracking link]

6. Feedback/Review SMS reminder

77% of shoppers specifically seek out websites with ratings and reviews. Having reviews on the website brings more credibility to your store. 

Therefore, feedback/review requests are messages customers get after they have received the product. The message contains a link to drop a review on the product/delivery experience. 

Sample feedback/review SMS reminder:

Hi [Customer], We hope you are loving your recent purchase. Tap this link [Review link] to drop a review and collect loyalty points

7. Event/Sale SMS reminder

Event/sale SMS reminders are text messages sent to customers to notify them about upcoming events, flash sales, holiday promotions, or special offers. 

These reminders are pivotal in increasing the engagement of these promotions and generating more sales. 

Sample event/sale SMS reminder:

[Holiday name] Offers Alert! Exciting sales start at [Promotion start date]. Get up to 50% off your favorite products. Start wishlisting now. 

8. VIP/Exclusive offer SMS reminder

VIP/Exclusive offers are usually for customers who are part of loyalty programs. These are text messages containing special discounts or early access to some products. 

Sample VIP/Exclusive offer SMS reminder:

Hey [Customer name], [Brand name] Summer collection is going to be live soon. As a [Loyalty program ] member, you can access it early here [Collection link]. Get your hands on it before it goes live.

9. Subscription renewal SMS reminder

Some eCommerce brands also offer subscriptions in return for exclusive perks. 

One typical example is the famous Amazon Prime program, which provides customers with free shipping. If you offer such subscriptions, you can send text message reminders to customers for renewals. 

 Sample Subscription renewal SMS reminder:

Hey [Customer name], Your [Subscription program] subscription is about to expire. Renew it now to keep enjoying the perks-> [Payment link]

How to send reminder SMS to eCommerce consumers

For brands seeking to maximize customer engagement, follow this six-step process to create a robust SMS reminder system:

1. Choose an SMS marketing software

The first step is to choose an SMS marketing software that will enable you to send reminders.

Key features to look for in an SMS marketing platform are:

• Supporting segmenting users based on demographics, user activity, and order history
• Allowing to send automated messages based on user actions
• Allowing to send ad-hoc messages when required
• Providing inbuilt reports to draw campaign insights.

2. Integrate SMS marketing software with your eCommerce platform

When you have identified the SMS marketing software, you can integrate it with your Shopify store/eCommerce platform. After integration, the marketing software gets the base customer data to begin sending any reminders. 

Further, marketing software also offers customizable sign-up forms to make it easy for customers to subscribe to reminders.

3. Segment your audience

To send effective reminders, you have to segment your SMS list based on user activity, purchase history, location, and more. 

When you have well-defined segments, you can send relevant reminders to specific segments.

4. Set up automated SMS triggers

There are two types of reminders. First, there are automated reminders, where you set up a user action to trigger an automated reminder, such as cart abandonment. 

In this case, an SMS marketing software tool allows you to set up triggers and automated messages for those triggers.

5. Setup ad-hoc campaigns

The second type of reminder is ad-hoc, which is sent on a need basis. 

For instance, reminders for events/flash sales/exclusive offers are ad-hoc whenever these campaigns are planned. For these campaigns, you can send scheduled ad-hoc messages targeting a specific segment of users in the marketing software.

6. Test and optimize

Lastly, don't forget to track key KPIs of reminders, such as open rate, click rate, converted rate, and revenue. This information will help you identify what's working and what's not for sending more effective reminders. 

Benefits of sending SMS reminders for eCommerce businesses

Now, let us discover the powerful impact of SMS messaging on your brand's bottom line. Here are the key advantages outlined below:

1. Reduce cart abandonment

Sending cart abandonment reminders is a simple tactic to regain lost sales. For instance, Southwestern outfitters Boot Barn observed a 12% lift in captured revenue through such campaigns. 

2. Faster resolution of payment issues

Automated payment reminders can bring back the customers who left the cart due to payment issues. 

For instance, businesses using automated reminders achieved up to a 50% increase in payment rates compared to those who did not utilize such reminders.

3. Boost sales and revenue

Most types of reminders (abandoned cart, product restock, offers, etc.) are a simple way to gain sales. Every conversion increases the overall revenue of the business. 

4. Improve customer experience

Regular reminders on orders and shipping status improve the customer experience. Customers who receive SMS delivery notifications report a 97% satisfaction rate, as it keeps them informed in real time.

Customers do not have to wonder where their product is or have to go back to the app/website again and again to check the status. They can stay assured that the brand will keep them posted. 

5. Enhance retention and loyalty

SMS reminders help in running effective loyalty programs. To build long-term brand loyalists, you can send text messages to keep customers posted on updates (increase in points, exclusive offers, etc). 

Plus, note that 75% of customers like receiving personalized SMS offers from brands they’ve purchased from before.

6. Encourage reviews and feedback

Sending reminder texts gives quick nudges to customers to drop feedback. People are more likely to leave reviews immediately after a positive experience, especially if incentivized. The nudge provides that little push or perk required. 

Automate SMS reminders and alerts with Plivo CX

Plivo CX is a cloud-based, omnichannel marketing automation platform that can help you send timely alerts/SMS reminders. 

We offer no-code Journeys, where you can drag and drop to set automated SMS. Set up the trigger, define the SMS, and let the system run on autopilot.

Apart from the convenient journey creation, Plivo CX also supports:

✅Getting customers to opt-in

✅Segmenting subscribers for personalized reminder texts

✅Creating SMS reminder content for campaigns using in-built templates and AI copywriter

✅Scheduling ad-hoc SMS reminders with AI assistance

✅Launching campaigns with ease

✅Building reports to track open rates, click rates, and conversion rates of SMS reminders

Further, we do not rely on external carriers; instead, we use our own premium carrier network. This enables you to send high-volume SMS reminders to over 220 countries/territories with higher deliverability for as little as $0.0054. 

You can also cut down your SMS marketing campaign costs by 70%!

Want to automate SMS reminders? 

Sign up today to explore the powerful features of Plivo CX.

Every day, millions of text messages flash across screens worldwide — appointment confirmations, security codes, and delivery alerts. But how do businesses deliver these messages at scale, instantly, and to any corner of the globe?

The answer lies in an SMS Application Programming Interface (API).

It lets businesses automate and integrate text messaging directly into their apps, websites, or CRM systems; no manual effort or custom-built infrastructure required. 

Need to send 10,000 shipping notifications in seconds? Done. Want to track responses or handle incoming texts automatically? The SMS API handles it all.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how SMS APIs work, why they’re revolutionizing customer communication, and how even non-technical teams can use them to save time, reduce costs, and keep customers engaged. Let’s get started.

SMS API 101

An SMS API is a powerful tool that allows businesses to send and receive SMS messages programmatically. This technology helps businesses add SMS features to their applications, improving customer communication.

What is an SMS API?

An SMS API is a software interface that enables sending and receiving text messages via an SMS gateway.

It connects traditional telecom networks with the internet, allowing developers to use web-based code to communicate directly with carrier networks. This integration makes it simple to incorporate SMS functionality into applications.

With an SMS API, developers can use standard coding methods to handle texts effortlessly. This keeps your business running 24/7, delivering alerts, updates, or info to customers at any time.

How does SMS API work?

An SMS API connects your business software (like apps or websites) to mobile phone networks. It acts like a translator and a messenger.

To use these APIs effectively, it's important to understand how they work and the basic concepts behind SMS. Let’s break it down step by step.

• Your software sends a message request: When your app or website needs to send a text (e.g., a shipping update or login code), it tells the SMS API: “Send this message to this phone number.”
• The API prepares the message: The SMS API takes your request and converts it into a format that mobile networks understand. It handles technical details like country codes, carrier rules, and message formatting.
• The message travels to the recipient: It sends the message to mobile networks, which deliver it to the recipient’s phone. If the person replies, the API sends that reply back to your software.
• Automation and scale: The API handles all the technical steps like checking for errors, confirming deliveries, and retrying failed messages. This lets you send thousands of texts at once without manual effort.

Basic SMS concepts

SMS is a foundational tool for modern communication, but using it effectively requires understanding a few key concepts:

Sender ID

This is the name or number that recipients see when they receive your message. It could be a short code (e.g., “12345”), a long code (a standard phone number), or an alphanumeric ID (e.g., “YourBiz”).

A recognizable sender ID builds trust and ensures recipients know the message is from you.

Latency

Latency refers to the delay between sending a message and its delivery. Lower latency means faster delivery.

For example, providers like Plivo optimize this by maintaining points of presence (PoPs) at major internet exchange hubs across various global regions. These PoPs ensure messages travel through Plivo’s high-speed network within each region, minimizing delays even for cross-region traffic.

This setup keeps round-trip times low, so messages arrive almost instantly.

Messaging throughput

This is the number of messages a system can handle per second. High throughput is critical for businesses sending bulk SMS (e.g., marketing campaigns or alerts).

Reliable providers ensure their infrastructure scales seamlessly to handle spikes in demand without delays.

Delivery status

SMS APIs provide real-time updates on the delivery status of a message, indicating whether it was delivered, failed, or is pending.

For example, you might see “delivered” (success), “undelivered” (carrier issue), or “expired” (message timed out). This helps businesses confirm critical notifications (like transaction alerts) have reached customers.

Message encoding and character limits

SMS messages have specific rules for formatting and length to ensure they work across all devices and networks:

• Standard SMS: Uses Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM-7) encoding, which supports basic text (like letters, numbers, and common symbols). These messages can be up to 160 characters long.
• Unicode SMS: Supports emojis, special characters (e.g., accents, Chinese, or Arabic script), or fonts outside the GSM-7 standard. These messages are shorter and limited to 70 characters.

If a message exceeds these limits, it gets split into multiple parts (e.g., a 162-character text becomes two messages).

While most phones stitch them back together, this can increase costs.

Plivo offers an intelligent message encoding feature that automatically detects subtle Unicode characters that are often overlooked. This feature replaces these with similar GSM-encoded characters, ensuring your message is limited to 160 characters.

This eliminates the need to send multiple messages, making your communication more efficient.

Benefits of SMS API

Using an SMS API offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to enhance their communication strategies. Here are some key benefits:

Capture immediate attention

SMS APIs ensure your messages reach customers instantly, making them one of the most effective communication channels.

A survey shows that 80.5% of consumers check their text notifications within five minutes, meaning your alerts, promotions, and reminders are seen almost immediately. This rapid visibility increases engagement, response rates, and customer interactions.

Unlike emails or push notifications that may go unnoticed, SMS messages create a direct and personal connection with recipients, prompting quicker action.

Automated messaging solutions

SMS APIs let businesses automate routine messages like appointment reminders, payment alerts, and order updates. But the biggest benefit isn’t saving time, it’s making customers happier.

43% of marketers say better customer service is the biggest benefit of automation.

For example, a store could automatically send texts like “Your package is on the way!” or “Your order is ready for pickup!” after a purchase. These quick, helpful updates keep customers informed without anyone on the team having to type a single message.

Two-way conversation

SMS APIs let customers reply directly, turning texts into real conversations.

Take LAZ Parking, for example. It manages over 3,400 parking properties across 38 U.S. states. They needed a seamless way for drivers to pay for parking without downloading an app or standing in line. Here’s how they resolved this problem:

• Drivers text a unique code (posted in the parking lot) to a number leased through Plivo’s SMS API.
• They instantly receive a payment link to complete the transaction on their phones.
• If they’re stuck, replying “HELP” triggers automated support, guiding them through the process.

No maintenance worries

Cloud-based SMS APIs eliminate infrastructure headaches. Providers handle updates, scaling, and security and your team just needs to integrate the API and send messages.

No need to worry about server crashes or compatibility issues. It’s like having a dedicated IT team managing your messaging backbone 24/7.

Cost-effective strategy

Traditional marketing can get costly, and you might not even reach the right customers.

That’s why an SMS API is so useful.

It lets you send fast, affordable messages directly to thousands of people who actually want to hear from you. This makes it a simple way to grow your business and get your updates seen by the right audience.

Global reach with multilingual support

SMS APIs offer businesses the ability to connect with a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries.

Platforms like Plivo offer SMS solutions that send messages to 220+ countries and territories, with tools to adapt content to local languages, customs, and cultural preferences.

For businesses targeting international markets, this feature is crucial. It allows for consistent communication, whether you’re sending promotional offers, service updates, or support messages. Plus, by using an SMS API, companies can ensure their messages are culturally sensitive and localized.

This helps build trust with customers and increase brand loyalty across diverse demographics.

Use cases of SMS API

SMS APIs have a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some common use cases:

Digital marketing and sales

Text message marketing is a great way for businesses to reach customers directly. It lets companies share sales updates, discounts, and important news straight to their customers’ phones.

A 2023 report on mobile users found that over half of customers (52%) prefer getting updates via text, making it a key part of any business’s marketing plan.

GoCheckin, a tool created by Fastboy Marketing, helps beauty salons send appointment reminders and special deals to their clients. They use Plivo to manage and send large numbers of texts quickly and reliably.

Using text messages instead of an app, Fastboy simplified the process for salons to connect with clients.

Notifications and alerts

Automatic updates and account alerts help keep customers in the loop and strengthen their trust in a business.

Text messages work especially well for sharing fast, dependable updates about purchases, security warnings, or changes to their accounts.

Online stores use texts to update customers at every step of the shipping process.

Take Luxer One, a company based in California that installs secure package lockers for apartments and homes as an example. They use text messages to let residents know when a package arrives.

Before switching to texts, they relied on emails — but many residents didn’t see or check their emails, causing packages to go unclaimed and frustrations to rise.

With text messages, Luxer One now ensures nearly every alert (over 99%) reaches customers, making package pickups smoother and customers happier.

Customer care

SMS APIs enhance customer care by enabling businesses to offer fast, personalized, and efficient support. Customers receive instant responses to their inquiries, leading to quicker resolutions and improved satisfaction.

For example, an e-commerce company can send immediate order confirmations, delivery updates, or troubleshooting guidance via SMS, keeping customers informed at every step.

Additionally, with conversational AI, you can provide instant help 24/7, reducing the burden on your team and allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. This streamlines support operations, strengthens customer relationships, and drives loyalty, all while offering a seamless customer experience.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Businesses use SMS services to send 2FA login codes for added security.

When users log in, the system texts a code to their phone to verify their identity. This method is popular because texts arrive quickly and people check them instantly.

Banks, apps, and online shops rely on SMS for this step — it’s simple for users and reduces fraud risks. Some companies pair it with backup options (like email) in case phones aren’t accessible.

Reminders

Sending appointment reminders by text is a simple way to keep customers informed and reduce missed appointments.

Once you connect an SMS service to your current setup, the system automatically sends reminders at the right time. For example, when an appointment is coming up, the service instantly delivers a text to the customer’s phone.

A dental clinic could text patients a day before their visit, helping them remember their appointments and show up on time.

Best practices for implementing SMS API

Implementing an SMS API can significantly enhance your application's communication capabilities. Here are some best practices to ensure a successful SMS API integration:

Set clear objectives

Setting clear objectives is key to successfully using an SMS API. Start by deciding what you want to achieve with your text messages. For example, you might want to keep customers informed, send alerts, or promote your products.

Also, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure how well your SMS efforts are working and identify areas for improvement.

Prioritize business messaging guidelines

Following business messaging guidelines is crucial for staying compliant and building trust with your audience. Make sure to comply with local laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the U.S. and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe.

It's essential to have a clear opt-in process, so people know they are agreeing to receive your messages.

Moreover, always identify your business in the texts you send. This helps create transparency and trust with your subscribers.

Use API personalization

71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions, and 76% get frustrated when this doesn’t happen.

Taking advantage of the personalization features in your SMS API can greatly improve how your audience interacts with your messages. You can customize texts based on user data, preferences, or behaviors, making your messages more relevant.

For instance, if a retail store knows that a customer often buys running shoes, sending a text about a new running shoe launch or a special offer can make the message feel more relevant.

Also, consider A/B testing different personalized messages to find out which ones work best for your audience.

Avoid spamming subscribers with promotions

Sending too many irrelevant marketing messages can drive customers away. In fact, 47% of customers found such texts annoying and 28% stopped using the brand.

This shows how important it is to limit how often you send messages. Instead of just pushing promotions, focus on making each message valuable.

You can offer helpful information, special deals, or important updates. Sharing relevant content also keeps your audience engaged. On top of that, always provide an easy way for subscribers to opt out of messages. This gives them control over what they receive and helps improve their satisfaction.

Monitor and analyze

Monitoring and analyzing your SMS campaigns is important for ongoing success. Use analytics tools to track performance, including delivery rates, open rates, and engagement. 

Encouraging feedback from recipients can help you understand their preferences and improve future messages. Regularly review your SMS strategy based on the data you collect, and make adjustments to optimize your performance.

Experience the benefits of an SMS API with Plivo

When selecting an SMS API for mass communication, it’s important to choose a trusted cloud platform known for reliability, security, and ease of use. Here’s why Plivo stands out as a top choice for businesses:

• Global connectivity: It allows you to send messages to customers all over the world through a network of reliable carriers.
• Advanced features: You can manage sender IDs, use special characters for better readability, and access detailed analytics to optimize your campaigns in real time.
• Seamless integration: Plivo’s SMS API works well with popular tools like Zapier, making your workflows simpler.
• High reliability: The platform is built on a strong infrastructure capable of handling large message volumes. With fault-tolerant systems and high availability, it guarantees a 99.99% uptime for all global connections.
• Competitive pricing: You only pay for what you use. Plivo offers volume discounts for regular usage, helping you save more as your messaging needs grow.
• 24/7 customer support: Plivo provides various support plans to fit any organization's needs, from a free basic plan to a premium plan with 24/7 support.

Ready to streamline your communication? Contact us today to learn how Plivo can elevate your business messaging!

We use our voice to search, command, and communicate with our devices every day. But how do they actually understand us?

The answer lies in voice recognition technology. This powerful tool allows us to interact with machines using our voices, making our lives easier and more convenient.

In fact, 61% of Americans now use voice search on their smartphones, showcasing its growing importance.

But what is voice recognition?

This blog post answers exactly that. Let’s explore how it's changing the way we interact with the world around us.

What is voice recognition?

Simply put, voice recognition refers to technology that converts spoken words into actions or text. It’s designed to handle everything from simple commands to complex instructions.

These systems often have a console or web-based interface where users can log in, give voice commands, and perform tasks without needing to type.

Take airports, banks, and hospitals, for example. Many rely on voice recognition for robotic assistance to improve operations. Popular voice assistants like Siri, Cortana, Alexa, and Google Home are further proof of how integrated this technology has become in everyday life.

How does voice recognition work?

Voice recognition works by capturing the sounds we make and translating them into a digital format that computers can understand.

Think of it like this: as you speak, a microphone picks up your voice and passes it through an analog-to-digital converter. This process turns the audio into digital signals, which are then analyzed for key features like vocabulary, phonetics, and syllables.

The system stores these features in its memory and continuously makes them available for comparison when you speak.

The system relies on a large digital database stored in your computer’s RAM, which helps speed up the process. When you speak, the system matches your words with those stored in the database and quickly displays them as text on the screen.

Core components and key technologies

To further understand how voice recognition works, it’s important to break down the core technologies and components that make it possible.

Listed below are the key components that convert spoken language into text or actions for accurate, natural interactions:

Automatic speech recognition (ASR)

ASR is the backbone of voice recognition. It captures and converts spoken language into text by analyzing audio wave patterns and matching them to phonetic components in a database.

Plivo’s ASR further simplifies building voice applications. It offers real-time transcription and acts on partial results as the customer speaks. Additionally, it supports 27 languages and improves accuracy with speech hints for unusual words.

Plivo also provides prebuilt models for quick setup and a profanity filter to keep transcriptions clean. It can detect both speech and keypad inputs at the same time.

Natural language processing (NLP)

Once speech has been transcribed, NLP interprets the meaning behind the words. It helps the system understand context, grammar, and intent, ensuring accurate responses even when dealing with complex language.

Text-to-speech (TTS)

TTS converts text into spoken language, enabling systems to respond with natural, human-like voices. This makes voice assistants more engaging and easier to interact with.

Acoustic modeling

Acoustic modeling focuses on the sound of speech, capturing how different phonemes are produced in various environments. It ensures the system can accurately interpret speech, even in noisy or challenging conditions.

Language modeling

Language modeling predicts the most likely word sequences based on context, improving accuracy and reducing ambiguity. This way, the system can choose the right words, especially when multiple options are possible.

Applications of voice recognition

Voice recognition isn’t just for personal use. It’s also changing the way businesses work. As the technology keeps improving, it's having a big impact in many areas, including:

Personal assistants and smart devices

Personal assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are voice-activated tools that help with everyday tasks. You can ask them to answer questions, control your home, set reminders, and more — just by speaking.

For instance, when an individual asked Google Assistant about the weather in New York City, it provided a detailed forecast for the day.

Enterprises

Voice technology is changing the way businesses operate. 

Take customer support, for example. Interactive voice response (IVR), when used with voice recognition systems, can help route calls to the right departments, saving time and reducing the need for human intervention.

Plivo makes this even better with its Smart IVR. It uses artificial intelligence (AI), contextual awareness, and data to create more personalized caller experiences.

Plus, the system upgrades your traditional IVR with AI voice agents and advanced audio streaming. This leads to faster interactions, less agent burnout, and happier customers while improving operational efficiency.

What's more, voice recognition can easily integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms. This makes it simpler for teams to stay on top of tasks without switching between multiple systems.

Specialized industries

When a customer calls you, they want to feel heard and appreciated. A voice assistant makes this possible. It focuses on the customer, improving their experience and bringing benefits to your business.

Here are a few examples of different industries to show how it works:

E-commerce

61% of consumers prefer fast replies from AI over waiting for a human representative. This highlights the need for quick and 24/7 customer support. Unlike human agents, voice assistants never clock out.

For example, in an e-commerce setting, a voice assistant can instantly respond to queries like “Where’s my order?” or “What’s your return policy?” without placing the customer on hold.

It can also guide users through troubleshooting steps or help them modify an order, all through simple voice interactions.

AI’s constant availability reduces waiting times and keeps customers happy. At the same time, it frees up human agents to focus on more complex issues.

Healthcare

About 50% of Americans don’t follow their prescriptions as advised. This issue leads to 125,000 preventable deaths, 33% to 69% of hospitalizations, and half of all treatment failures in the U.S.

Voice assistants help address this problem. Patients, especially older adults, can use these tools to set reminders for taking medications on time. This simple solution ensures they don’t miss doses.

AI-powered voice assistants also make healthcare more accessible. Patients can book doctor appointments just by speaking to a voice assistant.

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They can even upload medical reports without visiting a clinic or dealing with complicated forms. This makes it easier to share information with doctors, get accurate advice, and lower the chances of readmission.

Education

Voice assistants take language learning beyond traditional classrooms with real-time translations and interactive lessons. They help users practice pronunciation, engage in conversations, and learn vocabulary in a natural setting.

For example, you can ask Google Assistant “How do I ask for directions in Spanish?”

Upon understanding your query, it’ll share translations and contextual usage tips, creating a personalized learning experience anywhere, anytime.

Banking

In banking and finance, voice assistants automate routine tasks, saving time for both customers and employees. They provide instant updates on account balances, process transactions, and even offer tailored financial advice.

For instance, a banking app with voice integration might allow users to say, “Locate a nearby ATM,” or “Block my card.”

Customers are also better equipped to manage their finances without reading confusing menus or visiting a physical branch.

Benefits of voice recognition

Voice recognition technology has evolved rapidly, offering businesses new ways to operate efficiently and connect with customers. Here are some of the key benefits:

Accessibility

Voice recognition makes technology more inclusive. For individuals with disabilities, it provides a way to interact with devices without relying on touch or sight.

Someone with limited mobility may use voice commands to control smart home devices or write messages hands-free. Additionally, speaking is often faster than typing. This allows users to input information more effectively.

Productivity and efficiency

The average employee spends around 60% of their time on “work about work.” This includes tasks like searching for files, managing emails, attending unnecessary meetings, and following up with colleagues. Voice recognition can help reduce this wasted time by automating routine tasks.

For example, employees can use voice commands to quickly pull up documents, schedule meetings, or send follow-ups without interrupting their workflow.

Cutting down on administrative tasks provides employees with more time to focus on meaningful, skill-based work that drives growth.

Security

Voice recognition provides an added layer of security and customization. With voice biometrics, businesses can securely verify users, reducing the risk of fraud. For instance, financial institutions can use voice authentication to confirm customer identities over the phone.

Even better, personalized voice commands let businesses tailor services, such as allowing frequent customers to reorder with a simple command, enhancing convenience and loyalty.

Better customer experience

Voice recognition simplifies how customers interact with businesses.

Automated voice systems can answer questions like, “What’s the status of my order?” or “Can I update my address?” This saves customers time and makes the process more convenient.

Meanwhile, human agents are free to handle more complicated requests, improving overall service quality.

Challenges and ethical considerations

Voice recognition technology offers exciting possibilities, but it comes with challenges and ethical issues that businesses must address. Some of these are:

Accuracy concerns

“Sorry, can you say that again?”

You’ve probably heard this from your voice assistant more times than you’d like. Or worse, it just goes silent after failing to understand you.

Voice recognition has been around since the 1950s, but one issue has stuck with it over the years — accuracy.

It’s no surprise that 73% of businesses cite poor accuracy as the main reason they avoid using voice technology. This challenge has pushed companies to focus on improving AI algorithms that can better process and understand voice inputs.

Data privacy

Many people are unsure about trusting voice technology with sensitive tasks, like handling personal information or payments. They want to control their data and understand how others use it.

A report from PwC shows that lack of trust is one of the top reasons people avoid voice technology. While over half of users make small purchases through voice assistants, they rarely use it for anything more significant. These concerns make it harder for businesses to adopt speech recognition.

If users don’t feel secure, they may hesitate to use the technology.

User bias

Bias in training datasets can lead to unfair outcomes, such as systems that work better for certain groups of people than others.

To build trust, businesses need to be clear about how they use voice recognition. 

This includes being upfront about data collection and obtaining user permissions in an honest way. Transparency and fairness should always be priorities when adopting this technology.

Future trends in voice recognition

Voice recognition technology has made huge strides over the years. From the early days when systems could only recognize a few numbers to today's more advanced solutions, it has become a key part of many industries.

But as impressive as the progress has been, there's still a lot to look forward to. Here are some of the exciting advancements to expect in the near future:

Improved accuracy and understanding

Voice recognition systems are already quite good, but they still have room for improvement. The technology struggles with accents, complex sentences, or words that sound the same but mean different things.

In the future, we can expect these systems to get much better at understanding different ways people speak. With the help of AI and deep learning, voice recognition will be able to pick up on speech patterns, understand different pronunciations, and even recognize emotions in voice.

Better context awareness

In the next decade, voice assistants are likely to become better at understanding the context of a conversation. This means that if you're talking about a movie, your assistant might suggest similar movies or showtimes nearby, even if you don’t ask.

Improved privacy and security

As voice recognition becomes more common, keeping our data safe will become even more important. Future voice systems will likely use advanced biometric features, which means they can not only understand what you’re saying but also recognize who’s speaking.

This could lead to a more secure way of protecting your data.

Universal accessibility

Voice recognition is already helping people with disabilities, but there’s even more to come. As the technology grows, we’ll see devices that can translate sign language into spoken words or read printed text aloud with more natural-sounding voices.

Individuals with mobility issues will also benefit from better voice-activated controls, allowing them to manage their environment without needing to use their hands.

Experience the power of voice recognition with Plivo

Plivo-powered AI Voice Agents are changing how businesses work. These voice assistants can handle tasks like setting appointments, sending reminders, and offering personalized advice, all using your preferred knowledge base.

With AI shopping assistance, you can boost sales, and with real-time translations, you can break down language barriers in education. Plus, your customer support can run smoothly 24/7 with no issues.

For customers, this means they can get things done easily with just a voice command. They can check their order status, update accounts, or solve problems without even touching a screen.

Once they share their information, the system keeps it safe and uses it across different support channels, so they don’t have to repeat themselves. Plivo makes communication easier by letting customers speak in their language and getting answers instantly, anytime.

Contact us today to see how Plivo can improve your business and customer experience.

The American Journal of Managed Care states that clinic wait times affect overall patient satisfaction and influence perceptions of healthcare providers. In 2023 alone, over 382 million health records were compromised — 1.2 times the U.S. population.

For healthcare providers, the message is clear: effective communication and tight compliance are key. Communication gaps can result in missed appointments, no-shows, data breaches, and delayed patient care.

That’s where healthcare interactive voice response (IVR) systems come in. They streamline patient workflows and help you focus solely on providing quality patient care.

But how do you know if your facility will benefit from IVR?

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about healthcare IVR and its benefits so that you can discern whether it’s the right fit for your facility.

What is IVR in healthcare?

IVR in healthcare automates communication between providers and patients. Through an IVR, patients can navigate options, schedule appointments, and even get answers to common questions, without needing to talk to a live agent.

Simply put, an IVR for hospitals is a virtual receptionist that works 24/7 without getting overwhelmed.

What may happen when a healthcare facility doesn’t use an IVR system? Well, consider these:

• Legal penalties and data breaches can cost your facility millions annually.
• Your staff may get overwhelmed by calls, becoming more likely to make mistakes. This also leads to frustrated patients and increased liability.
• Repetitive, time-consuming tasks like scheduling appointments and sending patient reminders drain morale, causing high turnover rates and additional hiring costs.
• Long wait times and poor communication drive patients away, damaging your facility’s reputation and revenue.

Healthcare IVR systems simplify workflows, reduce such errors, and improve patient experience by streamlining communication.

Benefits of using IVR in Healthcare

All patient and provider workflows can work without an IVR, but they significantly become more efficient with one in place. Plus, IVR benefits in healthcare extend beyond patients, they’re just as valuable for healthcare providers.

Let’s understand the benefits of healthcare IVR solutions for your facility.

For patients

24/7 accessibility to information and services

The last thing any healthcare facility wants is for patients to feel stranded during emergencies or delayed care. IVR ensures that doesn’t happen. 

With automated, pre-recorded responses, patients can get their queries resolved and schedule appointments, even outside facility hours.

Patients don't need to wait long to connect to a nurse or admin staff for simple, non-urgent tasks. For instance, they can access critical information like clinic hours, lab results, or prescription refills, whenever they need it.

When patients feel heard, it automatically decreases the number of no-shows or patients going to other, more accessible facilities.

Faster appointment booking and issue resolution

When patients are able to book appointments at their convenience without waiting for clinic hours, their trust in the healthcare provider increases. In addition, it reduces frustration from limited clinic hours or long hold times on the phone, leading to higher satisfaction.

If the requested time slot isn't available or the patient needs to cancel their appointment, the IVR can offer alternatives and cancel the appointment by prompting patients to enter the reason.

The added benefit is that it frees up your administrative staff to focus on patient care.

Improved privacy during sensitive communications

Patients can securely input sensitive information like their date of birth, medical conditions, insurance details, etc. with voice prompts. It makes patients feel safer than sharing such information in an environment with a staff with the possibility of someone overhearing it or misusing it.

For added protection, IVR systems can also authenticate callers with secure methods like PINs, passwords, or date of birth before granting access to personal health information (PHI) so that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.

Providers like Plivo go a step further by offering compliance with national and global privacy and security regulations including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the second of three System and Organization Controls (SOC 2), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and General Data Protection Regulation (EU) (GDPR). This reassures patients their data is safe with your facility.

For providers

Increased security and compliance

Along with safeguarding patient trust, IVR systems also shield healthcare facilities from costly lawsuits and fines due to data breaches.

HIPAA violations can cost up to $50,000 per incident, with a maximum annual penalty of $1.5 million for repeated violations. Hence, having HIPAA-compliant IVR systems becomes key. They securely handle patient information, whether collecting payment details or routing sensitive calls, and minimize the risk of data breaches.

Moreover, during IVR feedback collection, patients can use harsh language to express their frustration. However, Plivo’s automatic speech recognition (ASR) feature uses a profanity filter to ensure the transcription excludes offensive terms. This helps maintain a professional and neutral tone in records and protects your staff from unnecessary negativity.

Reduced errors in patient interactions

More than 200,000 annual patient deaths in the United States occur due to preventable medical errors. While these include severe surgical mistakes, they also often stem from errors like miscommunication, double booking, or delays in follow-up care.

With automated patient communication, IVR eliminates such issues.

It takes care of missed or delayed follow-ups with specialists, incorrect patient records due to manual errors, overlooked warning signs due to gaps in follow-up care, etc. Automating such critical communication touchpoints reduces recurring errors and medical errors.

Reduced staff workload and operational costs

No-shows hit where it hurts: revenue. While cancellation fees might offset some of the losses, they don’t eliminate the financial strain on your facility.

IVR appointment booking, patient reminders via IVR, and confirmations can reduce no-show rates by up to 30% in outpatient clinics.

For busy clinics, this means significant cost savings annually. Plus, fewer calls about basic tasks like appointment scheduling or follow-up reminders mean less workload for staff, reducing burnout and improving productivity.

Improved patient satisfaction scores

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a standardized way to access the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) score. It helps hospitals and governing bodies evaluate patient satisfaction through quantitative measurement.

How do IVR systems help?

Well, they improve these scores by automating patient satisfaction surveys. Patients can easily share feedback about their experience, from communication and staff responsiveness to wait times. This data helps hospitals or clinics identify and address problem areas.

As per the program, facilities with higher HCAHPS scores earn higher reimbursements. So happier patients can directly boost your facility’s bottom line.

Real-life Use Cases of IVR in Healthcare

From scheduling appointments to getting patients’ prescriptions, IVR for hospitals can make many workflows efficient. Let’s look at how you can benefit from implementing IVR systems in your facility with the highlighted use cases.

Preliminary health assessments

A healthcare provider needs to assess the health of each patient before consulting them or referring them to a specialist. Doing so in person can be inefficient, with nurses potentially asking inconsistent questions or overlooking crucial information, increasing the risk of errors.

IVR systems support preliminary health assessments with voice or keypad prompts to collect necessary information from patients before speaking to their healthcare provider. This saves time when dealing with urgent cases.

For instance, if you use Plivo-powered AI voice agents, it can identify high-priority cases immediately based on patient responses. The system can route the call to a nurse or schedule an immediate appointment.

Multilingual support

With over 49.6 million people in the U.S. speaking a language other than English, language barriers quickly become a hindrance to providing quality care.

To make healthcare more accessible, healthcare providers use IVR systems with multilingual support. When calling a provider, patients can select their language using a keypad or voice command. This reduces miscommunication and missed appointments due to patients being unable to navigate the system in their preferred language.

Appointment booking

It now takes an average of 26 days to schedule a new patient physician appointment in 15 of the largest cities in the United States. Naturally, a busy clinic receiving over 100 appointment requests a day will struggle to manage scheduling.

You can implement an appointment scheduling IVR script to take care of the scheduling workflow:

• The IVR greets the caller and asks them to select a service or department.
• The patient inputs their preferred date and time (via text or speaking it aloud).
• The system checks the clinic's scheduling system in real-time and confirms the slot, or offers alternative slots.
• Finally, the IVR sends confirmation through the patient's provided contact details.

Patient medication reminders and lab results

Typically, nurses or administrative staff manually sift through patients' medical files to identify who needs medication reminders and who has pending lab results. They spend hours attempting to reach patients and document the responses received.

However, an IVR menu automatically identifies patients requiring medication and those with new lab results. It also places calls at pre-scheduled times and confirms whether patients have taken medications or if they have any issues to report.

Healthcare providers now only have to review the flagged cases that require urgent attention.

It’s also convenient to automate post-care calls and messages or direct incoming callers to the provider via IVR menus.

Pro Tip: Opt for an IVR provider that supports both dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) and voice input for greater accessibility and ease of use.

Prescription refill requests

Patients can call anytime for prescription refill requests. Here’s what the process would look like:

• Patients call the clinic or pharmacy and input their prescription details via keypad or voice.
• The system automatically routes the request to the appropriate pharmacy or alerts the doctor for approval.
• Once approved, the patient receives a notification via text or email with the refill status and pick-up details.

Billing and payment-related inquiries

Map out the flow focusing on common billing-related inquiries and admin tasks like:

• Checking account balance
• Making a payment
• Insurance-related questions or coverage verification
• Check claim status
• Get financial assistance
• Receive personalized support in cases of disputes

If the query requires further assistance, like disputing a charge, the IVR routes the call to the billing department. Automating routine billing inquiries enables administrative staff to focus on resolving complex issues, while patients gain 24/7 access and faster resolution.

For more comprehensive guidance on implementing IVR solutions, go through this guide.

Integrate Plivo’s VoIP into your communication system to build a smart IVR

A system that streamlines everything from basic tasks like scheduling appointments to more complex needs, such as language support and speech recognition, can really help your facility run more efficiently. However, digitizing workflows should never mean compromising patient data security.

Plivo is one such provider. It offers sophisticated speed recognition across 27 languages and their regional variants for natural conversational flows without conventional keypad inputs.

In case you want just a basic text-based system, it lets you create a multi-level IVR. You can even use Plivo's ready-to-use templates for different levels of patient interactions.

Additionally, Plivo’s voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution redacts patient messages to ensure sensitive information stays secure.

As noted by the Director of Enterprise Data, Women’s Health Clinic: 

Plivo also provides custom hint word optimization to better recognize proper nouns, homophones, and industry-specific terms. So implementing healthcare industry jargon like “referral”, “medication dosage”, etc. in the IVR system results in more accurate conversations.

Whether you're new to IVR or looking to upgrade your existing system, Plivo makes it easy to integrate advanced communication features into your healthcare workflows. Contact us to get started.