Colorado ruling opens SMS channel, tighten consent now

Texts get a green light in Colorado, with conditions

The National Law Review reports that a Colorado court found text messages are not calls under the state do-not-call law. For Colorado groomers, or anyone texting Colorado numbers, this suggests more room to use SMS for reminders and simple promotions. This is not a free pass. Federal texting rules and carrier requirements still apply, so consent and easy opt-outs are non negotiable. For details of the ruling, see The National Law Review.

What to change this week

• Split consent immediately. One checkbox for service texts such as confirmations and reminders. A second, optional checkbox for marketing texts such as rebooking nudges and seasonal promos. Leave the marketing box unchecked by default.
• Update your client card and online booking flow to capture: mobile number, consent type, date and time, and how the client consented, for example online form, in person, or by text keyword.
• Turn on automated replies. STOP must remove the number from all non essential texts. HELP should return your business name, contact number, and how to opt out.
• Restrict send windows to courteous local hours, for example 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and avoid early mornings and late evenings.
• Train staff to ask for consent in clear terms at check-in and checkout, then record it in the client profile. No implied consent from a phone number alone.

Consent and opt-out language you can copy

Use plain language. Add this to your intake form and online booking:

• Service texts consent: I agree to receive appointment confirmations, reminders, and updates by text for grooming services. Message and data rates may apply.
• Marketing texts consent, optional: I agree to receive occasional texts about rebooking and promotions. Message frequency varies. You can reply STOP to opt out at any time.
• First message disclosure for new opt-ins: We send confirmations, reminders, and updates by text. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Message and data rates may apply.
• Opt-out handling: Honor STOP, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, and QUIT. Remove the number from promotional lists within minutes, and from all but essential service alerts within 24 hours.

What to send, and how often

• Transactional texts, allowed with service consent: booking confirmation at the time of scheduling, a 48 hour reminder, and a same day reminder 2 to 4 hours before arrival or drop-off. Mobile groomers can add a 15 minute heads up message when driving to the stop.
• Promotional texts, only with marketing opt-in: at most two per month per client. Keep it relevant, such as rebooking nudges 10 to 14 weeks after a full groom, coat change alerts for double coated breeds, or seasonal mat prevention tips with a booking link.
• Message length and clarity: keep to one screen, under 160 characters when possible. Lead with the action, such as confirm Y to keep your spot, then include a link if needed.
• Do not text leads who have not given consent. Get the opt-in first, then follow up.

Workflow, pricing, and no-show control

• Deposits: collect 25 to 50 percent at booking for high demand slots or long sessions such as full coated Doodles and hand stripping. Keep deposits non refundable inside your late cancel window.
• No-show and late cancel fees: set 50 to 100 percent of the service price depending on your market and schedule density. Require a card on file to enforce it.
• Reminder timing: for chronic no-shows, add a 72 hour reminder in addition to the 48 hour and same day sequence. Require a confirm Y reply to hold the slot.
• Rebooking prompts: send a nudge 6 to 8 weeks after bath and tidy, 8 to 10 weeks after full groom, 10 to 12 weeks for hand stripping clients. Include a direct booking link.
• Tools: if you use a platform with SMS reminders and client records, such as GroomBoard, store consent notes in the client profile, send the reminder sequence automatically, and take deposits online through Stripe.

Compliance checklist and recordkeeping

• Keep a consent log: client name, number, consent types, timestamp, source, and staff initials if taken in person.
• Archive opt-out events: store the STOP message, timestamp, and system action taken. Audit monthly to confirm no suppressed number receives marketing.
• Template approvals: standardize your templates for confirmations, reminders, and promos. Keep them short and factual. Avoid any claims that could be seen as misleading.
• List hygiene: remove numbers that hard bounce or never engage after several reminders. Respect wrong number reports immediately.
• Scope awareness: the Colorado ruling concerns a state no-call law. If you text outside Colorado, continue to follow the strictest rule that applies to your list.
• When in doubt: get explicit opt-in and send fewer messages. Good consent beats clever workarounds.