We asked Josh McCarter, CEO of GramercyOne, the company behind SalonBooker, and Paul Pagliaro, President of Milano Software, why you may want to consider moving your salon’s paper appointment book online.
1. It can increase customer convenience (and bookings).
Online booking systems allow your clients to schedule appoints online through their mobile phone or computers, even when the salon is closed. “This allows your clients to book and receive a confirmation in real time without ever having to speak to anyone,” says Pagliaro.
2. You’ll free up your receptionist’s time for other things.
Since clients can book their own appointments, this reduces the time receptionists spend on the phone, meaning they can help with other tasks, like taking inventory, updating prices and making employee schedules, which usually fall to owners to do.
They can also enhance the in-salon experience for customers. “Receptionists can spend more time with the clients that are in the salon verses those on the phone. He or she is then better able to focus on the immediate needs and enjoyment of the clients on hand, and respond to online bookings at a more convenient time,” points out Pagliaro.
McCarter also points out that receptionist can increase sales by offering last minute openings to clients with email notifications. “Technology will never replace the personal connection that receptionists provide, but software is giving them the tools they need to do their jobs with even more impact,” says McCarter.
3. You can target specific customers anytime, anywhere.
In addition to online booking, using a web-based system means salons can sell their products and gift certificates online through eCommerce tools. “SalonBooker offers social media integration that helps salons to promote their specials directly through Facebook and Twitter,” says McCarter, which is super convenient for clients who are social media junkies.
Having hard data about clients online can also help you properly advertise to specific types of customers. Sending relevant information, reminders or specials based off of a client’s past preferences can go a long way in making more sales and bookings, explains Pagliaro.
4.It’s the future.
“Web-based technology is here to stay. Everything is going mobile,” says McCarter.
Someday soon your clients may just expect you to have these tools.
“We live in a fast paed society that demands instant accessibility, confirmation and gratification and this is what online booking will provide for customers,” says Pagliaro. You can get ahead of the curve, be competitive and stay on top of the latest technology by getting in the digital game now.
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