Push vs SMS: Which Notification for Your Waitlist?

Push vs SMS for Waitlist Notifications: Key Differences

Criteria

Push

SMS |

|----------|------|-----|

Cost

Free

~$0.05/SMS |

Open rate

90%

98% |

Delay

Instant

1-5 seconds |

Requirement

App/browser open

Phone number |

When to Use Push Notifications for Your Waitlist

Push is ideal for waitlist alerts when:

• Customer has a modern smartphone
• They've enabled browser notifications
• You want to save on waitlist notification costs

Advantages for Waitlist Management

• Completely free
• Unlimited waitlist updates
• Can include images/buttons

Disadvantages

• Require customer permission
• Can be blocked by phone
• Don't work on all devices

When to Use SMS for Waitlist Alerts

SMS is preferable for waitlist notifications when:

• Reliability is critical (medical waitlist, important appointments)
• Your clientele is less tech-savvy
• Customer hasn't enabled push for waitlist updates

Advantages for Waitlist Software

• Works on 100% of phones
• Near-perfect read rate
• No client-side configuration

Disadvantages

• Cost per message
• Character limited
• Can be perceived as intrusive

The QueueFast Waitlist Notification Strategy

QueueFast waitlist software uses a smart approach:

1. Try push first (free) for waitlist updates

2. Automatic SMS if failure (reliability) for critical waitlist alerts

Result: 99% of waitlist customers are notified, with minimal cost.

Conclusion

Don't choose between push and SMS for your waitlist. Use both intelligently. Push for everyday waitlist updates, SMS for guaranteed delivery.