The coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses to start scheduling customer appointments ahead of time. If this is new ground for your business, here are seven customer appointment scheduling tools you can try.
[Read More: How to Tell Your Customers Your Business is Reopening]
Calendly
Calendly is one of the best options for businesses that need an affordable scheduler that comes with lots of integrations. The free version of Calendly integrates with Google Calendar, Office 365, Outlook and iCloud.
The paid version of Calendly comes with over 700 integrations. One of the biggest benefits is that you can integrate the scheduler with your website. That way, customers can schedule appointments without ever having to leave your site.
If you invest in the paid version of Calendly, you can create multiple types of meetings. And best of all, the software will send reminder emails and texts before all appointments.
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling allows businesses to customize their ideal booking process. The software is fairly intuitive and easy to use while also offering quite a few customization options.
When customers schedule an appointment, they can fill out an intake form, schedule a recurring meeting or pre-pay for their services. You can send customers a direct link to your booking page or embed the scheduler on your website.
And if you integrate with Zapier, you can connect Acuity to other business tools you’re already using.
Square Appointments
If your business already uses Square as its payment processor, then you might consider using Square Appointments as well. Customers can schedule appointments on your online booking page, and you can either manually approve these appointments or set the app to automatic approval.
You can manage all your appointments through the Square Appointments app. This scheduler is more minimal in its functionality than some of the other options listed, but it’s convenient and easy to use. And of course, you can use Square Appointments in conjunction with Square to receive payments.
Setmore
Setmore is one of the best scheduling apps for businesses that need client scheduling software with additional team management features. The cloud-based app offers drag-and-drop scheduling features as well as automated text reminders.
Setmore gives your staff the freedom to book appointments with customers. Each team member receives their own calendar, which is tied to one account. The basic account comes with four staff profiles, but you can upgrade to unlock up to 20 different profiles. When customers visit your scheduling page, they can choose which employee they want to book an appointment with.
Appointlet gives you the option to schedule in buffer time around meetings, so you'll have more flexibility during your workday.
Gigabook
Gigabook is a great option for businesses that want a highly customizable scheduler. The software comes with many different features, including client rescheduling, custom forms, group bookings and SMS notifications. You’ll also gain access to project management tools, to-do lists, invoicing and downloadable reports.
Gigabook works well for service-based businesses as well as businesses that manage physical products. However, there may be a bit of a learning curve when you’re first getting started.
Appointlet
If you know you need scheduling software but are working with a very limited budget, you should check out Appointlet. The company offers a generous free plan, which comes with unlimited bookings, calendar and video conferencing integrations and an online bookings dashboard.
The free version is a great place to start and can help you figure out whether or not you like the service. Appointlet also offers a premium version, which costs just $8 a month with the annual plan.
Appointlet gives you the option to schedule in buffer time around meetings, so you’ll have more flexibility during your workday. And you can schedule customized reminder messages to be sent to customers before their appointments.
Appointy
Appointy allows your customers to schedule appointments, classes, workshops and nearly any other events your business offers. The software integrates with your website and social media accounts, and you can accept payments ahead of time.
Appointy is an excellent option for businesses in a variety of different industries, including health and wellness, education, professional services and more. And the company offers four different pricing plans, so there is an option for you no matter how big or small your business is.
[Read More: Best Business Productivity and Collaboration Tools]
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
Want to read more? Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn!
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
