Online scheduling software is a relatively new product on the market. It offers many benefits but has some downsides as well. When deciding on whether to purchase it for your small business website or not you should consider both sides of the coin. Evaluate the effect it might have on your small business and go from there. In this blog post we will list both pros and cons of using an online booking tool. So let’s get on with it.
Pros
Time Management
An online scheduling software allows you to manage your staff’s time better. They can use it to do other, more though-requiring things for your business. Helping it grow in a more efficient manner. An online scheduling software will also save you money on working hours of your employees, which would be spent on such a simple task as creating bookings. Efficient use of human resources is crucial for the success of any business.
Customer Attraction
An online booking tool is nowadays something many customers expect a business to have. It simplifies the booking process and lets them pay online beforehand. It also works 24/7, allowing a client to book whenever he has free time. Think of all the times a prospective client wanted to reach you during non-working hours and couldn’t. It will happen no more.
Besides that, such an online scheduling software as Flexbooker provides you with a report on your booking statistics. Using this information you can optimize your booking hours and create offers. For instance, if a certain hour gets low traffic you are able to set a lower price or any other promo you can think of. Thus, attracting more people to book it and use your service.
Cons
You Have to Pay For It
Most of the good online scheduling tools that you would want to implement into your website are not free. Price offerings often range depending on the size of your company and number of monthly customers.
An online booking tool is not a cheap addition to your small business website. But you have to take into account the fact that it will most likely increase your sales, thus bringing more profit. Consequently, paying for itself. It might not do so immediately but eventually it will.
Difficulties With Communication
When you have direct contact with a customer via a phone more details can be explained and decided upon. Depending on the kind of business you are running, understanding of certain details can be rather important. So before starting to use an online scheduling software, think on this matter. Try to answer questions like “Will miscommunication cause great damage to my customers?” In the end, many problems are easily solvable.
This sums up our list of pros and cons of using an online scheduling software. Any decision you make on the development of your business plays a big role in its future. So do take it seriously, weigh all the advantages and disadvantages and make an educated decision.