Documentation

Getting started

ShiftRobin is a priority-weighted SMS dispatch tool. You upload your roster, create a shift, and ShiftRobin texts your eligible workers one at a time until someone accepts. You don't need to install anything — it runs in your browser.

Sign up at shiftrobin.com. During alpha, you'll need an access code; ask hello@shiftrobin.com for one if you don't already have it.

Your roster (and consent)

Before you can dispatch a shift, you need a roster — the list of workers ShiftRobin is allowed to text on your behalf.

Important: you must have each worker's explicit consent before adding them. ShiftRobin offers two consent methods on the worker-add form:

• Admin confirmed — you have prior consent (verbal or written) and attest to it when adding the worker. They become eligible for shift offers immediately. Use this when you've already asked the worker face-to-face ("Hey, we use ShiftRobin to text shift offers when there's an open spot — can I add your number?") or you have a signed onboarding form covering SMS consent.
• Double opt-in — ShiftRobin sends the worker an SMS asking them to reply YES to opt in or STOP to opt out. They're not eligible for shift offers until they reply YES. Use this when you don't have prior consent or when you want the extra paper trail. Required by TCPA if you don't have documented prior consent.

Either way, the worker can reply STOP at any time to opt out permanently. We'll automatically mark them as opted out on your roster and stop sending them anything.

Add workers via the Roster page — either one at a time, or by uploading a CSV with columns for name, phone, and tags (skill labels like "line_cook" or "server" that decide who's eligible for which shifts).

You'll see a status flag on each worker row in the roster: active (eligible for shift offers), pending consent (added via double opt-in, waiting on their YES reply), or opted out (replied STOP, won't be contacted again).

Creating a shift

Use the Shifts page → "Create shift" button. You'll need:

• A date and time range (e.g., "Saturday 9am-5pm")
• One or more required tags (e.g., ["server"], or ["line_cook", "prep"] for a multi-role shift)
• How many people you need (e.g., 1 server, 2 line cooks)
• Optional info to include in the SMS body (location, special instructions, etc.)

You can create a single shift or a batch — for example, all weekend shifts in one go.

Running a dispatch

Once a shift is created, hit "Dispatch" on the shift card. ShiftRobin ranks your eligible workers (those with the right tags, not opted out, not blacklisted), then starts texting them one at a time.

Each worker has a configurable amount of time to reply Y or N (default 30 minutes). If they don't reply in time, ShiftRobin moves to the next candidate. The first Y wins; workers who replied Y after the shift is filled get a "no longer needed" acknowledgment.

You can pause, edit, or cancel a dispatch in flight from the shift's detail page. Closed dispatches show the full history — who got contacted, when, what they replied.

Billing

During alpha, billing is disabled — we don't charge for shift placements or SMS yet. We'll let you know in advance before turning it on. When billing goes live:

• You top up your account balance via credit card (minimum $20 increment).
• Each filled shift is $2.50.
• SMS costs (Twilio pass-through) are rolled into the price; you don't see a separate per-message charge.
• If your balance hits zero, dispatches pause until you top up.

Subscription tiers (Starter, Pro) with predictable monthly pricing will be available later. See our Terms of Service, Section 7 for the formal billing details.

What ShiftRobin doesn't do

• We're not a scheduling system. We don't manage your weekly schedule — we just fill shifts you can't cover.
• We're not a payroll provider. We don't track hours or pay your workers.
• We're not an employment platform. Your workers are still your workers; you're still responsible for everything an employer is responsible for.
• We're not a marketing platform. ShiftRobin can only send operational notifications about shifts you've created — not promotions, sales, or general messaging.

Limits and known constraints (alpha)

• We currently support operators based in the United States and Canada (except Quebec — see Terms Section 6).
• Workers' phone numbers must be in the US or Canada. We route messages through a US number for US workers and a Canadian number for Canadian workers.
• SMS only, no MMS or voice.
• Alpha means we're iterating quickly. The UI may change between sessions. Email us if anything looks broken.

Getting help

Email hello@shiftrobin.com for anything — bug reports, feature requests, questions about how something works, or feedback on what's missing. During alpha you're working directly with us, not a support team.