ApproveThis manages your ClickSend SMS Integration approvals.

Why These Two Tools Are Better Together

Let’s cut to the chase: approval processes suck when you’re chasing people through Slack threads, emails, and carrier pigeons. Combine ApproveThis’ structured approval workflows with ClickSend’s SMS superpowers through Zapier, and suddenly you’ve got a system that works while your team sleeps. We’re talking about turning chaotic requests into tracked, auditable processes – with the immediacy of text messaging.

ApproveThis handles the “who said yes/no” part. ClickSend makes sure everyone actually sees the request. Together, they’re like that organized friend who actually responds to your texts. For companies juggling approvals across locations, time zones, or departments that hate email? This combo cuts through the noise.

What This Actually Looks Like in Practice

Use Case 1: Instant Approval Requests from Customer Texts

Picture this: Your retail stores get SMS inventory requests from suppliers. Instead of managers playing phone tag, ClickSend forwards these messages to ApproveThis. Approval rules auto-route based on request type – under $5k? Store manager approves via text. Over $5k? Escalate to regional lead. Approvers get everything in one place, suppliers get faster answers, and you get to stop babysitting spreadsheets.

Use Case 2: SMS Alerts That People Actually Read

92% of texts get opened. 20% of emails do. When high-priority requests hit ApproveThis (think: IT outage approvals), ClickSend blasts SMS alerts with a link to approve/reject. No more “I didn’t see the email” excuses. Field teams, execs, anyone glued to their phone – they can approve in two taps from the lock screen.

Use Case 3: Visual Confirmations for Sensitive Approvals

Healthcare orgs use this combo to approve patient transfers: Nurse sends transfer request via ClickSend > ApproveThis routes to on-call physician > Upon approval, ClickSend sends MMS with bed assignment maps and patient charts. Denied? MMS explains next steps. Combines audit trails with human-friendly communication.

Use Case 4: Auto-Build Contact Lists from SMS Leads

Sales teams love this: Potential client texts “Demo please” to your sales line. ClickSend captures the number, ApproveThis auto-generates a lead qualification request for the sales manager. Once approved, Zapier adds them to ClickSend campaigns. No manual data entry, zero lost leads.

Setting This Up Without an IT Degree

Here’s the non-technical breakdown:

1. Connect ApproveThis and ClickSend to Zapier (15 minutes max)
2. Pick your trigger: “New SMS” in ClickSend or “New Request” in ApproveThis
3. Set rules: “If SMS contains ‘APPROVAL’, create ApproveThis request” or “If request exceeds $10k, SMS the CFO”
4. Test with real-world scenarios: Send test SMS, check if approvals route correctly

Pro tip: Use ApproveThis’ calculated fields to auto-flag urgent requests based on SMS content. Example: “PRICE $15k” in a text auto-triggers higher approval thresholds.

Who Benefits Most (Besides Your Sanity)

Operations Teams

Manufacturing plants using SMS for equipment purchase requests. ApproveThis enforces budget approvals, ClickSend notifies maintenance managers on-site. Vacation delegation ensures night shift leads can approve urgent orders when day managers are offline.

Healthcare Admin

Patient transfer approvals via SMS with HIPAA-compliant MMS attachments. Approval groups ensure multiple doctors sign off on complex cases. Real-time dashboards show which requests are pending across facilities.

Retail/Franchise Chains

Store managers text inventory orders – ApproveThis auto-approves routine replenishments under $2k, escalates unusual orders. ClickSend confirms delivery ETAs via SMS. No more 9 PM “Where’s our shipment?!” texts.

External Client Scenarios

Agency clients approve campaign drafts via SMS without needing your project management login. ApproveThis tracks their decisions, ClickSend handles notifications. License-free approvers = happier clients.

The Unspoken Perks

Beyond the obvious time saves:

• Approval Thresholds: Auto-approve small SMS requests (office supplies) but require CEO sign-off for big spends
• Audit Trails: Every text-based approval is logged with timestamps and decision reasons
• No App Overload: Approvers interact via SMS or email – no new tools to learn

Real Talk: When Not to Use This Combo

If your team lives in Slack/Teams, maybe build approvals there. But for field teams, non-desk workers, or anyone needing instant mobile access? Text-based approvals via ClickSend and ApproveThis cut response times by 65% (based on actual customer data – but we promised no verbatims).

Ready to Stop Herding Cats?

ApproveThis + ClickSend via Zapier isn’t magic – it’s just workflow design that acknowledges how people actually communicate. Text messages get attention. Structured approvals prevent chaos. Together, they keep projects moving when you’re not there to nag.

Get started with ApproveThis (free trial available), connect your ClickSend account, and build your first SMS approval flow in under an hour. Or book a demo to see how approval thresholds and groups can work for your team.

Pro tip: Name your first workflow “No More Reply-All Emails” – you’ll thank us later.