As we continue operating during a “new normal,” the customer service we deliver to our salon guests along with providing a safe and comfortable environment is of paramount importance. In order to regulate traffic and promote social distancing, you may want to consider providing your customers the option to schedule an appointment for tanning, spa or other ancillary services you offer.
In order to effectively manage multiple service offerings, accepting appointments for everything from tanning sessions to facial treatments is crucial. How you accept these appointments is just as imperative. Some customers prefer to call and book an appointment while others opt for the self-service method of booking online.
While it’s necessary to accommodate those customers who prefer to call for an appointment, it’s equally important to have the tools in place to meet the needs of those who prefer booking online. An online appointment book is not only of benefit to your guests, but your business will reap the rewards, as well.
In order to regulate traffic and promote social distancing, consider offering the option to schedule an appointment for tanning, spa or other ancillary services you offer.
When calling your salon to book an appointment, chances are a customer may occasionally have to leave a message – and we all know how a vicious game of phone tag could ensue, resulting in a potential loss of a reservation and possible revenue. Online booking can produce more appointments and minimize the occurrence of no-shows since guests have the ability to schedule and cancel appointments online even during non-business hours. And while some of your guests are booking online, your phone line will be free to answer calls from those who prefer to book with you over the phone.
Your online appointment book should be easily accessible – via a link on either your website or social media page. You will also want the opportunity to customize the appointment book so that it has a look and feel similar to your website, including your company logo, so that the transition is transparent to the user.
The process of booking an appointment for a specific equipment type or for a custom service with a specified technician should be simple and intuitive for your customers. In order to seamlessly book an appointment, a customer must be able to easily and without guidance select a preferred location, service, and date and time. A confirmation email follow-up will result in fewer no-shows, as well.
Just as your customers prefer different methods of scheduling an appointment, some also prefer using a desktop computer 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 types of devices.
Probably the most notable consideration when preparing to implement an online appointment book 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.
Offering the option for both existing and prospective customers to schedule an appointment at your salon will affirm the high demand for your service offerings while also allowing you to control the number of customers in your salon at a given time. 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 customers!
