Why offer online bookings as a Hairdresser?
Why change?
For a Hairdresser, booking over the phone is convenient. You can ask all relevant questions, "feel" want the customer needs, and have an immediate confirmation for the booking. No typing, keeping the slot or open waiting for a reply.
A growing number of customers don't like to use the phone.
Many surveys[^1] show that especially younger people rarely use the phone for phone calls. Whatever the reasons behind this trend are, one has to adapt to the customer's preferences. But there are also a lot of other reasons to offer online bookings.
Quick and easy
Scanning trough your calendar for an open slot takes quite some time.. then one has to think 😂. Some appointments have waiting times, they might have gaps in them.. some slots are hidden behind a super long name🧐.
A paper calendar looks easy because it is familiar. But it takes quite a bit of skill and effort to fill it properly, especially if there is more than 2-3 seats in the salon. And to do this on the phone when you should be doing 100 other things... A computer is may be less smart, but it makes no mistakes and can be used by any staff, even the customer himself.
No Pressure
When someone calls, you have to do your best to find a suitable slot.. you would even give an unsuitable one, creating additional pressure for your future self. You know customers are less likely to call again if you cannot give them an appointment.
Showing your availability online tells the customer how it is.. if one does not find a slot, one shall book earlier.
Your customers can change their appointments outside of business hours
We know how life goes, we make plans and plans change.. Well when a customer needs to cancel or reschedule the appointment, it's better if the person can change it right away rather than having to wait for the phone to be attended. It is less likely to be forgotten, and the slot will be available sooner for other bookings.
Customers will forget to cancel the appointment if they are not able to change it right now
Our solution takes it quite easy for cancellations. Life changes and People will have their reasons to change their appointments. No need to make it even harder on them, we assume other customers will be happy to take over the free slot anyways.
Customers will not pay in advance (unless you are a superstar)
For Hairdressers customers don't pay in advance. Some of the fancier places may ask for an advance payment, but this won't be the case for salons with higher volume.
If you have the choice between booking in two places, one asks for an advance payment, one none, where would you go as a customer? It will not be the only reason, but definitely something that weights in.
Personally, I find it even too binding to even take an appointment. I would take an appointment at the very last minute when I know about my schedule.
Reminders, gentle reminders
A little SMS a few hours before the appointment will ensure the customer does not forget about it. By phone, sometimes people remember the wrong times, or forget to add it to their calendar. A confirmation SMS ensures there is no misunderstanding on the times and dates.
Make it easy to fill the gaps
Online it takes a few seconds to check if you have a suitable spot. With notifications, customers even get an email when a slot frees up for their desired service and time.
[^1]: see https://www.srf.ch/radio-srf-3/angst-vor-dem-telefonieren-wird-heute-noch-telefoniert