Two-way SMS: let clients text you back
Optional and off by default. Here's how to get a number so clients can reply to your texts — and what it costs.
What it is
By default Slotora only sends texts (reminders, form links). Two-way SMS lets clients reply and message you, and you answer from a simple inbox in your admin (Messages). It's completely optional — leave it off and nothing changes.
What it costs
Receiving replies needs your own phone number from Twilio (a small monthly rental, paid to Twilio). On top of that, each text you RECEIVE costs 0.2 of an SMS credit and each reply you SEND costs 1 credit from your Slotora balance. Sending-only reminders don't need any of this.
1. Get a phone number in Twilio
In your Twilio console, buy a phone number with SMS capability for your country (Phone Numbers → Buy a number). This is the number your clients will text.
2. Point the number's webhook at Slotora
Open the number's settings in Twilio. Under 'Messaging' → 'A message comes in', set the webhook to https://slotora.io/api/sms/inbound with HTTP POST. Save. That tells Twilio to hand incoming texts to Slotora.
3. Use that number as your sender
In Settings, set your SMS sender name to the new Twilio number (in +44… / +36… format) so replies come from a number clients can text back.
4. Switch two-way SMS on
On the SMS page, tick 'Receive inbound SMS from clients' and save. Incoming texts now appear under Messages, where you can reply. Turn it off any time — inbound texts are simply ignored while it's off.
Good to know
- Two-way SMS is off by default — you only pay for it if you switch it on
- Inbound texts cost 0.2 credit; replies cost 1 credit; both come from your prepaid balance
- The Twilio number rental is billed by Twilio, separately from Slotora