The right salon scheduling software is crucial for effectively managing your busy salon. Here are 5 features to look for to ensure you pick the perfect one.
It's been a long week. You've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. There are too many things to do and not nearly enough time to do them.
And, on top of everything, you need a haircut. Your crispy dead-ends can attest that you've been putting it off for weeks. But you can't book an appointment in advance because of your work schedule.
Worse, when you try to walk in for a haircut the line is so long you have to leave. Not everyone has an hour and a half to spare during the week.
Enter: A high-quality salon scheduling software that can end this cycle of frustration.
You might have experienced this situation yourself, or you're a business owner who has lost customers due to this problem. If this is true for you, it's time to implement a solution.
Read on to learn 5 non-negotiable features you should look for when picking an appointment management system for your business.
Benefits of Implementing Salon Appointment Management
Before discussing features, it's important to highlight all of the benefits that come with using software solutions for salons. Aside from saving everyone time, it also makes life better for employees and keeps people healthy.
Reduce Need for Physical Lines
If there's one thing we've learned after 2020, it's that sometimes keeping your distance is a good thing. Implementing software for appointment management will reduce the need for physical lines in your salon.
People can still come in and wait their turn if they want. But the idea behind schedule software for salons is that it allows your phone to wait in line for you. Considering that we're coming out of a time where keeping distance from strangers helps us stay healthy, this is a great system for salons to have moving forward.
Keeps You From Losing Business
It's very common for long lines to deter customers. Have you ever seen someone's reaction when they're in a hurry and the Starbucks line is out the door?
One benefit to using schedule software for salons is that your customers won't evacuate the premises when they see the line. Rather, they can put themselves in line and go about their day while they wait.
Customers Can Wait From Wherever They Want
This is the biggest benefit the software has to offer. You don't have to wait in the salon to secure your position in line. This means that if the wait is an hour-long you can spend that hour:
- Running errands
- Working from home
- Eating lunch
- Walking your dog
Really, the possibilities are endless. This feature allows you to get a haircut without losing a chunk of your precious time to do it.
Takes Stress Off Employees
People forget that having a long line stresses employees out, too. Nothing makes doing a job harder than having ten frustrated people breathing down your neck.
When salon employees are able to do their job without the pressure of a crowd, they do better work and enjoy the job more. This benefits everyone in the long run.
5 Non-Negotiable Features
Now that we've discussed benefits, it's time to move on to the 5 non-negotiable features that make for the best salon scheduling software. Each of these features will take your business to the next level.
1. Option to Walk-In or Call for Same-Day Queue
This may sound like a simple feature, but customers like to have options. Some people prefer to walk in and place themselves in the virtual queue before they run errands while they wait.
Others are happy to call in order to claim a spot in line. Either way, the software works the same but everyone is happy.
2. Access to All Wait Time Information
In order to have access to all wait time information, the software you choose should have an app that customers can access. The best of these apps will include:
- Your number in the queue
- What number the queue is currently on
- Your current wait time
This feature is great because it updates in real-time. Because of this, you'll know exactly how much time you have to complete tasks before an appointment.
Also, you'll never miss an appointment because you'll receive an alert when your appointment gets closer. The salon won't lose business and you'll have healthy hair.
3. Easy Access for Employees: Dashboard and Calendar
Whether you call or enter the store to secure your place in line, it's essential that this software has easy features for employees to use. This would include a scheduling dashboard and calendar.
The dashboard will show the employee the same data that you see about appointment times on the app. This keeps everyone updated.
The calendar allows you to see how appointments are scheduled both in advance and for walk-ins. Also, it shows you this information across locations. This means that, if a customer desires, you could provide a different location with a shorter wait time.
4. Instant Customer Feedback
The app for software like this should allow customers to leave instant feedback. Businesses will continually improve their service on a daily basis if this is possible. The customer feels heard and employees are able to utilize quality feedback.
All around, this ensures customer satisfaction and high workplace morale. It's a win-win.
5. Built-in Data Collection
This feature will help your business stand out in a crowd. Built-in data collection means that this software lets you get to know your customers and track:
- The number of customers you have in a day
- The duration of each service
- Peak times
- Slow times
Overall, built-in data collection ensures that you know your business like the back of your hand. It will help you increase productivity and keep both customers and employees happy.
How Salon Scheduling Software Can Change Lives
In light of all the benefits and non-negotiable features that can come with using salon scheduling software, let's see how it can truly change lives. Using your time wisely, even if it's just for an hour while you wait for a haircut, can open so many doors.
If you buy groceries before your haircut, that means you can spend the time afterward playing with your kids. Or, maybe you can go to the gym or take a nice long bath.
When businesses are accessible and transparent about their wait times, you have more time to dedicate to the things you love. And that, more than anything, changes lives.
Choose Inteli Queue Today
Are you a salon looking to get your hands on software that has all of these great features? Inteli Queue's got you covered. We offer an easy-to-use salon scheduling software that will help you experience all the benefits mentioned above.
Plus, our software can be used by multiple businesses that need appointment management. This could range from nail salons to car repair shops. Whoever you are, we want to make sure that you're able to take advantage of all your time.
Sign up with us today to start your journey towards a more efficient business!
Comments
Post a Comment