Having your website and most probably several social media channels is so obvious that I should not even mention it. We live in the world of Internet and this is not going to change soon. Well it can get only more intense as we are trying to do more and more activities online. As you invest money in special management software to run your business and smart phone app to support it there is one crucial service that you need to make available i.e. the online reservation system. I may sound a bit crazy but check my 8 reasons to think it is a top necessity.
Open 24/7
Many customers go online outside of your business hours and they are more likely to make booking on the spot than trying to remember to call back the next day. If they cannot make it immediately they won’t be bother to do it later. They will just find a better place where the service is available and in few simple clicks they can book classes which help them to plan the day or even the whole week. What is more, statistics show that more and more bookings today are made during the evenings at home online.
Good service
You want to be open for your customers’ needs and expectations. You want to be perceived as business and customer friendly. Taking care of your members means that they can book directly, pay and get an automatic confirmation. People appreciate a good service and providing the functional system is the key element of pampering for your customers.
Workload
While running your business you are trying to optimize your assets and especially your staff. The online reservation system is a great tool to decrease workload so more efforts can be transferred to other important customer service or sales issues. The truth is that if you are not using an online booking system today then you may still be processing all your bookings manually. It simply takes time, resources and money which could be used in far more productive way.
Customer data in a structured form
If you use a good online booking system which handles the walk-in, email and phone bookings apart from online reservations, then you will have all your previous customers data. This list is your marketing most valuable asset which enables you to segment your customers and on this basis build the whole communication strategy. You can market your particular offer to the right people.
Up selling
Make more out of something that is already happening. Do not let go a great chance to sell more even when your premises are closed and your sales people are sleeping. While booking a car or holiday apartment you always have extra options to add GPS or welcome basket or many more extras. Think of any other services like: different type of group classes, spa and massages treatments, nutrition and water sets that could serve as an option.
Discount codes
Online booking experience gives you opportunity not only to sell more but also to make promotions. If you want to use your customers database send them discount codes for specific classes which they are interested in. Discount codes can be a part of your regular member retention strategy or a great tool to find new leads.
Clear overview
While using the management software with online booking system you should have at least one screen where you can see your availability very quickly and clearly. This makes all diaries and schedules unnecessary and allows a quick overview for your reception staff whether you have availability or not.
Online payments
This goes pack to second and third point about providing a good service and decreasing workload. Customers expect to finish the whole booking experience at once and so integrating the automatic payment seems a must. Moreover, you can use your staff in more effective way than just handling mundane reservation diaries.
PerfectGym management software provides an easy and customer-friendly online reservation system that you can enable in the right time for your fitness business. It also offers you a smart phone app which supports taking online reservations. It is a great answer to all opportunities and advantages that are waiting for your fitness business when offering an online booking service.