Questions and answers

The things coordinators usually ask before they start.

The basics

What is VolunteerSlot?: A free way to schedule volunteers. You list the jobs, how many people each needs and the dates; you share one link; volunteers pick their own shifts. It handles one-day events, the same days every week, and jobs the volunteer can do any day that week. See how it works.
Does it cost anything?: No. VolunteerSlot is free to use.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in your web browser on any computer, tablet or phone. There's no app to download, for you or your volunteers.
How long does it take to set up?: Creating your organization takes about two minutes, and a first schedule about five. The getting started guide walks through each step with pictures.

Do volunteers need to make an account?: No. They open your link, tick the shifts they want, and type their name and email. Only the coordinator has an account.
What if a volunteer isn't comfortable with technology?: If they can open a link in an email or a text, they can sign up. The page explains itself in four short steps, and the buttons are large enough for a phone.
Someone phoned me instead of using the link. Can I add them?: Yes. On your schedule's page, press the “+ needed” box under the job and date, type their name and email, and press Add. People who've signed up before are suggested as you type.
Can volunteers sign up for more than one shift?: Yes, as many as they like in one go. They can only take one job on any single day, so nobody is booked in two places at once.
Do volunteers get reminders?: Yes. A confirmation right away with a calendar invite attached, then a reminder email the day before each shift. Reminders are by email; there are no text messages.
What happens when someone can't make it?: Their confirmation and reminder emails have a “Need a sub?” link. Everyone else on the schedule is asked to cover, and the first to say yes takes the shift. If they simply can't come, there's a Cancel link that opens the spot back up. Either way, you get an email.

Who can see a schedule?: Only people you send the link to. Schedules aren't listed anywhere on VolunteerSlot, and sign-up pages ask search engines not to show them, even if you post the link on your own website.
Can volunteers see each other's email addresses or phone numbers?: No. Volunteers can see who else is signed up by name, but emails and phone numbers are only visible to you. When a sub request goes out, each person gets their own email, so addresses are never shared.
Who do volunteers' replies go to?: To you. Emails come from VolunteerSlot, but when a volunteer presses Reply, it goes to the coordinator who made the schedule.

Can I change a schedule after I've shared it?: Yes. Add or remove jobs and dates, change how many people a job needs, or add the time it runs. The link stays the same, so there's nothing to resend.
My schedule runs all year. Do I rebuild it every month?: No. A weekly schedule covers one month, and Duplicate copies it to the next month in one step: same jobs, same weekdays, fresh sign-ups.
Can I print the list or put it in a spreadsheet?: Yes. Every schedule has a Print button for a clean sign-in sheet, and Export CSV to download everyone's name, email and shift for Excel or Google Sheets.
Can more than one person manage our schedules?: Not yet. Each organization has one coordinator login today.
Can I delete a schedule?: Yes, at the bottom of the schedule's page. You'll be asked to confirm first, because the sign-ups go with it.