> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sable.salon/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS consent and conversations

> Text with clients from the Inbox, with consent handled properly so your messages keep getting delivered.

The **Inbox** is two-way texting with your clients, from your salon's
number instead of your personal one. Booking questions, running-late
messages, "can you squeeze me in Thursday": it all lives in one place your
whole team can see.

## The Inbox

Conversations sit on the left, the thread on the right, and it works the
way texting should:

* **New message** starts a conversation with any client who has a phone
  number on file.
* Filter conversations by read, unread, or archived, and **Archive** the
  ones that are finished. Archived isn't deleted; it's just out of the way.
* **Mark as unread** when you read something at a red light and need it to
  still be there mentally at the end of the day.
* Book straight from a conversation when "any openings Thursday?" turns
  into an appointment.

## How consent works

Text messaging runs on permission, and Sable tracks it for you:

* **Appointment texts** (confirmations, reminders, receipts): clients agree
  to these when they book through your booking page. It's part of the
  booking flow, so for online bookings it's already handled.
* **Marketing texts** (campaigns, promotions): a separate, optional
  checkbox at booking. Agreeing to reminders is not agreeing to
  promotions, and Sable keeps the two apart.
* **STOP always wins.** A client who texts STOP stops getting messages,
  automatically, no action needed from you.

When you start a conversation with a client who hasn't come through the
booking page (an imported client, a phone booking), Sable asks you to
**Confirm SMS permission**: a quick attestation that this person actually
gave your business the OK to text them. Answer it honestly. It exists to
protect your sending reputation, which is what keeps your reminders
landing in message threads instead of spam folders.

<Note>
  Importing a client list brings the people, not their texting permission.
  See [Import your clients](/getting-started/import-clients) for how to
  handle a list from another system.
</Note>

## Habits that keep messaging healthy

* Keep phone numbers current; a conversation can't start without one.
* Let the automated reminders do the routine work
  ([they have their own guide](/guides/messaging/reminders-and-confirmations))
  and save the Inbox for actual conversation.
* If a client asks to stop hearing from you, honor it on the spot; don't
  wait for them to text STOP.

## Related

* [Reminders and confirmations](/guides/messaging/reminders-and-confirmations)
* [Import your clients](/getting-started/import-clients)
* [Campaigns, memberships, loyalty, reviews, and surveys](/guides/marketing/campaigns-memberships-loyalty-reviews-and-surveys)

**Still stuck?** Visit the [Help Center](/help) to submit a support ticket.