Feel free to check out the following examples for yourself. Of course, this test-system is currently only configured to the extent, that an initial action is possible – none of this has been fully developed yet!
1st ... Booking with a ‘simple’ and free of charge booking system:
Advantages:
- the booking system is free of charge
- all essential functions are covered
- the given time slots can be easily adapted
- customers who book an appointment and the massage therapist are each informed of a new booking by email
- the massage therapist has a calendar and a list of appointments for administrative management
- with both systems, it is possible to enter "buffering times" to allow for cleaning up after the last customer and/or preparing everything for the next customer
- data security: all data and information (e.g. from your business and customers) are stored on your own "web hotel" server; so data and information are fully covered by Norwegian data protection laws.
Disadvantages:
- the range of functions is quite limited
- the options for configuring treatment methods are limited
- changing the language or currency is very complicated
- configuration of massage therapist "absences" is restricted
- there could be a mix-up of languages, resulting in Norwegian and English being mixed together.
- no possibility for information via text message (SMS)
In summary: the tool is free to use, all basic functions are available and work as expected – but there are no advanced options for customisation.
If you don't want to spend any money, that would be my recommendation!
2nd ... Booking with a complex and fee-based booking system:
first option for display: the "step by step" option
and next the option for display: via a ‘catalogue’
Please note that I have only installed the demo version here, which has limited functionality.
Advantages:
- all essential functions are covered
- There are a large number of options for individual customisation
- even more complex workflows – e.g. combining "treatment groups" – can be displayed
- the "look and feel" of the booking process is much better and more elegant
- the texts and language can be easily customized
- the "booking information emails" looks good and are detailed
- the informations in the administrative "back office" are very clear and detailed
- you can send more info to the customer through text messages – either via WhatsApp or SMS (SMS might cost extra)
- the "back office" adapts to the choosen language – Ukrainian is also possible
- images for the individual massage treatments can also be added
- if a customer wishes to book several options, an individual price can be calculated automatically
- with both systems, it is possible to enter "buffering times" to allow for cleaning up after the last customer and/or preparing everything for the next customer.
- data security: all data and information (e.g. from your business and customers) are stored on your own "web hotel" server; so data and information are fully covered by Norwegian data protection laws
Disadvantages:
- the booking system requires payment - either annually or for a lifetime licence
- due to the extensive configuration options, the implementation effort is a little higher
In summary: the system is really good, easy to integrate and covers pretty much everything a massage therapist needs - on the other hand, this booking system is not free of charge, which must be taken into account.
If around 900,- kr per year or a single payment of around 3000,- to 4000,- kr (lifetime) is not too much (exact details still need to be determined), then definitely "go" for this system!