Want to send customers important information before their reservation starts? Whether it's facility access instructions, parking information, simulator setup guides, or a welcome message, Birrdi provides two ways to automatically communicate with customers before their reservation.
You can use the built-in SMS reminder or create a custom Welcome Message Trigger for greater control over the message your customers receive.
Option 1: Use the Built-In SMS Reminder
By default, Birrdi supports an automated SMS reminder sent 1 hour before a customer's reservation begins.
You can configure a How-To Instructions Link in your simulator settings, which will be included in the reminder message.
This link can direct customers to:
A website FAQ or help page.
A YouTube video explaining how to use your simulators.
Facility entry and access instructions.
A getting-started guide for first-time visitors.
Any other webpage containing information customers should know before arriving.
How to Configure Your Instructions Link
Log in to your Birrdi Admin dashboard.
Navigate to Simulators → Settings.
Find the How-To Instructions Link field.
Enter the URL to your instructions page or video.
Click Save.
Birrdi will automatically include this link in the SMS reminder sent 1 hour before the reservation begins.
Important: The wording of the built-in SMS reminder is standardized and cannot be customized. If you need to write your own message, use a Welcome Message Trigger instead.
Option 2: Create a Custom Welcome Message Using Triggers
If you want full control over the instructions customers receive before their reservation, you can use Birrdi Triggers.
Triggers automatically send messages based on specific events or timing, allowing you to communicate with customers without manually sending emails for every reservation.
Step 1: Create a Trigger
Log in to your Birrdi Admin dashboard.
Navigate to Triggers.
Create a new trigger.
Select Welcome Message as the trigger type.
Step 2: Choose When to Send the Message
Configure how far in advance of the reservation the email should be sent.
For example:
30 minutes before: Send last-minute arrival or entry instructions.
1 hour before: Send parking details, access information, or simulator setup instructions.
Earlier before the reservation: Give customers additional time to review instructions or prepare for their visit.
Choose the timing that works best for your facility.
Step 3: Write Your Custom Email
Unlike the built-in SMS reminder, Welcome Message Triggers allow you to customize the content of the email.
You can include:
A personalized welcome message.
Directions and parking instructions.
Facility access information.
Links to YouTube tutorials or simulator walkthroughs.
Rules, policies, and important reminders.
Instructions for first-time visitors.
Example Welcome Email
Hi there!
We're looking forward to welcoming you to our facility!
Before arriving, please review a few important details to help make your visit as smooth as possible.
Getting Inside: Follow our facility entry instructions here: [Access Instructions Link]
Using the Simulator: Watch our quick getting-started video: [YouTube Video Link]
Parking: Free parking is available directly outside our facility.
Need Help? Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions: [FAQ Link]
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Step 4: Save and Enable Your Trigger
Once you've written your message and selected the timing, save and enable your trigger.
Birrdi will automatically send the email before qualifying reservations based on your configured timing.
Important: Welcome Message Triggers send emails only, not SMS messages. They provide more control over your messaging but do not replace or modify the built-in SMS reminder.
Built-In SMS Reminder vs. Welcome Message Trigger
Feature | SMS Reminder | Welcome Message Trigger |
Delivery method | SMS | |
Automatically sent | Yes | Yes |
Customizable message wording | No | Yes |
Send timing | 1 hour before | Configurable |
Include instructional links | Yes | Yes |
Facility welcome message | Standardized | Fully customizable |
Setup location | Simulators → Settings | Triggers |
Which Option Should You Use?
Use the built-in SMS reminder if you simply want customers to receive a reminder and a link to your instructions before their reservation. This is the easiest option and requires minimal setup.
Use a Welcome Message Trigger if you want to customize the wording, provide detailed instructions, or control how far in advance the customer receives the information.
You can also use both together. For example, send a detailed welcome email through a trigger 2 hours before the reservation, then let the standard SMS reminder go out 1 hour before the reservation begins.
This gives your customers multiple opportunities to review important instructions while keeping the entire process automated.