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With salon operation, customer service and efficiency of processes are of paramount importance. Through your business’ continued growth, you’ve likely expanded your services to also include ancillary offerings such as custom airbrush tans, massage, or esthetician services.
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In order to effectively manage multiple service offerings, it’s crucial to accept appointments for everything from tanning sessions to facial treatments. How you accept these appointments is just as imperative. Some people prefer to call and book an appointment, some like to reserve an appointment in person, and others prefer the self-service method of booking an appointment online.
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While it’s necessary to accommodate those who prefer to call your salon to book an appointment, it’s equally important to have the tools in place to meet the needs of those who prefer to do it online. An online appointment book is not only of benefit to your salon guests, but your business will reap the rewards, as well.
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When calling your salon to book an appointment, chances are a customer may have to leave a message from time to time – and we all know how a vicious game of phone tag could result in a potential loss of a reservation and possible revenue. An online appointment book can produce more booked appointments and minimize the number of no-shows since customers have the ability to schedule and cancel appointments online, even during non-business hours. And while some of your guests are booking appointments online, your phone line will be freed up to answer calls from those who prefer to do it over the phone. Or, if you’ve implemented those new sales techniques at your salon, your staff will have additional time to interact with guests at the counter.
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Your online appointment book should be easily accessible – either via a link on your website or social media page. You will also want the opportunity to customize the appointment book so that it has a similar look and feel to your website, including your company logo, so that the transition is transparent to the user.
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The process of booking an appointment for an equipment type or for a custom service with a specified technician should be simple and intuitive. Without guidance, a customer must be able to easily select a preferred location, service, and date and time in order to seamlessly book an appointment. A confirmation email to follow will result in fewer no-shows, as well.
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Just as your guests prefer different methods of scheduling an appointment, some also prefer using a desktop over a mobile device, and vice versa. As a result, you want to confirm that your online appointment book has a responsive layout and that it is optimized for various device types.
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When preparing to implement an online appointment book, probably the most notable consideration is that it is integrated with your Point of Sale system so that you can easily view your customer’s upcoming and historical appointments, and get them checked in quickly while reducing the chance for double-bookings.
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Offering the option for both existing and prospective customers to schedule appointments at your salon will affirm the high demand for your service offerings. If you haven’t already considered implementing an online appointment book, it’s time to do so. It will be a win-win for your salon and your guests – after all, the more people who walk through your door, the more revenue you will see!
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An online appointment book is not only of benefit to your salon guests, but your business will reap the rewards, as well
