Why online appointments are more important now than ever

Being in the hair & beauty these days is certainly challenging. From mandatory closings, to limited capacity re-openings with strict rules. It can seem difficult to navigate this ever-changing landscape of services, but the good news is, we’re all in the same boat and there are many ways to take control of your business again. 


In order to efficiently reopen and organize your salon or barbershop business moving forward, while minimizing the number of clients in the store at one time, implementing a salon booking system is the way to go. 


These systems aren’t overly complicated (there are many options available) and allow clients to book an appointment when they know it is safe to visit. Salon booking systems also allow you to communicate with clients and prospects and estimate volumes for staffing purposes upon reopening. 


But there are a few more reasons to consider a salon booking system: 


1. Predicting income


A salon booking system allows you to view anticipated income instead of waiting for walk-ins.


This way, you can forecast your cash flow to get back on track quickly, and the salon or barbershop will run at a more steady pace as opposed to overbooked on busy days.


This can help you to plan when to have certain staff available at the shop, too.



2. Convenience of booking


Let’s face it, appointment booking systems are super convenient.


By implementing a booking system, clients can view your schedule openings and select an appointment that works for them from the comfort of their own home or whenever suits them.

 

Not only does this reduce the risk of having too many people in the shop, but it helps avoid long wait times and spreads out appointments for a more consistent schedule. 



3. Scheduling flexibility


Salon booking systems typically allow for anywhere from 5-15 minutes of padding time between appointments to account for late clients, cuts/appointments that go longer than they’re meant to, or simply so you can have a quick coffee or water break between clients. 


A priority now would also be sanitizing salon stations between appointments! 


This way you can ensure clients you are taking the most possible precaution with regards to their health and safety when they visit your salon or barbershop. 


With the Smart Scheduling system within our apps, you can set the padding time around any service to whatever you like - putting you in control.



4. Building value


Something many salons and barbershops have not considered before implementing salon booking systems is that building a client database will help your business immensely.


A salon booking system is an easy way to keep track of this and communicate with all your clients at the click of a button.

 

Things like sending automatic email reminders to clients before an appointment, or being able to make notes about each client after an appointment for future reference

 

All of this is possible straight "out of the box" with a Smartichoke app, making it easy for you to get started.



Ready to start taking online bookings?


We specialise in building apps for small businesses in the hair & beauty industry and can get you set up with online bookings quickly and easily.


We're excited to share our knowledge and help you take this step!


Click here for a no obligation, 30 day FREE trial.

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