Salon trends and technologies are constantly changing. There’s however one constant; they play a huge role in your business’s procedures and operational efficiency. For instance, some years ago, salons & spas could only take walk-in clients or phone bookings. Now, customers can easily make online bookings.
If you’re thinking of integrating this booking method in your business, you’re probably wondering whether it’s really beneficial. In this article, we’ll highlight the top benefits of online bookings to help you make an informed decision.
Why You Should Integrate Online Bookings in Your Salon or Spa
Most salons are embracing online booking software, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s one of the simplest ways of growing your business. Online bookings also keep your salon & spa relevant by helping it adapt to recent technologies.
Here are more benefits of embracing online bookings in your business.
Online Bookings Enhance Customer Experience
Customer experience is a critical element of your salon’s success. Studies show that over 85% of customers would rather pay more to get exceptional customer service.1
Online booking software lets your clients book appointments through the means they’re most comfortable with. This is especially important to customers who dread phone calls.
They Are Highly Convenient
Salon customers value convenience and flexibility. While manual bookings still work, they lock out clients that are unavailable outside your working hours. For instance, some clients can only make bookings at night, after work.
Since online booking systems are available 24/7, customers can make bookings at any time. This includes on weekends or days that your salon is closed. Clients can also make bookings on their mobile devices.
They Prevent Scheduling Mistakes
Manual bookings are susceptible to human errors. For instance, there could be double bookings. Your receptionist could even slot customers on a wrong day. Online bookings eliminate this problem by showing your clients when you’re free.
This enables them to schedule their appointments based on your availability.
They Make You More Accessible
With manual bookings, customers can only book appointments when your physical location is open. This locks out clients whose availability clashes with yours. Online bookings, on the other hand, make you available 24/7.
Clients can make bookings at any time, thereby doubling your accessibility. This then gives you a cutting edge over your competition.
They Increase Your Operational Efficiency
Statistics show that a salon’s operating expenses can be as high as 80% of the overall expenses.2 This is extremely high! An online booking system can help you slash them by optimizing your operations.
For instance, it eliminates double bookings ensuring you don’t lose customers that are in a hurry. They also allow you to accommodate walk-in clients by blocking out times when they’re most likely to visit your salon. This ensures that you have fewer empty seats as well as queues.
Enhance Your Profitability and Operational Efficiency With Online Bookings
The technological revolution has made it to the salon industry. Online bookings help you enhance customer experiences, make you more accessible and prevent scheduling mistakes. They’re also more convenient for your clients and enhance your operational efficiency.
Links to Sources Used
- 4 Actionable Customer Experience Statistics For 2020 – https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2020/06/23/4-actionable-customer-experience-statistics-for-2020/
- Beauty Salon Business – https://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-research-reports/beauty-salon/
