Customers know that offices normally operate within 9-5, but they still expect them to be responsive 24/7. This is especially true for bookings and when you cater to different people from different locations and time zones.
If your office doesn’t operate outside business hours, it’s essential to have a reservation management system. Did you know that customers made 148.3 million travel bookings online in 2019? That’s a lot, so it’s crucial to have your own booking platform in place.
What are online booking systems? And what are the benefits of selling tickets online? Discover below.
Online Booking Software and What Can They Do
Now that most operations are digital, purchasing online has also become a part of daily life. With an online booking system, you can capture leads and sales without having to stay awake for 24 hours. Simply put, online booking software is a solution used to track and accept bookings, manage inventory, and other reservation management processes.
This system also makes it easier for your customers to get in touch with you anytime, anywhere. You can attract more customers by automatically being visible on major event booking platforms. An online booking system also offers a seamless workflow and interaction with your clients, improving customer experience.
Now, what is the impact of online booking systems on businesses and customers? See the next section below.
Online Booking System Benefits
1. Customers Can Book Based on their Preferences
“You can only book in person.”
“You have to send an email to address your concerns.”
These terms are clearly in favor of the company, not the customer. With an online booking system, your customers will be in charge of their experience, whether they’re looking for coaching services or the best places for outdoor climbing . They can book over the phone, online, or in person.
As mentioned above, your customers can make a reservation at any time of the day from the comfort of their homes or personal spaces. This means increased accessibility 24/7 and a free-for-all schedule.
2. Builds Good Conversation and Trust
A good conversation can build trust, and customer trust is essential for your business to thrive. With the best online booking system , you can easily reach potential customers and sell your services. It will also be easier to manage their requests instead of waiting for operating hours or seeing them in person.
Of course, personal appointments are crucial to fostering customer trust and loyalty, but features like reminder emails and confirmation of booking online will add convenience and flexibility to your services. Just make sure that you give a positive first impression to your prospects and are willing to go the extra mile to meet their needs as these will be the basis for their future interactions with you.
3. Increases Revenue
Revenue is definitely one of the ultimate goals of every business. As a company owner, you always seek the best software for small business that will cater to your various needs. The more your business is accessible online, the more customers you’ll reach. And when you have more customers, your sales and revenue will definitely increase.
4. Provides Key Information that Streamlines Processes
Any business can’t run without information. Aside from the fact that your prospects need to be aware of your products and services to become loyal customers, you also need to keep track of certain data to assess your business’ progress.
This data includes marketing and sales analytics, product development and competition, and other business key indicators. You can also monitor the average wait time, percentage of customers that didn’t show up at meetings, and transaction time through online booking software.
When you know what your customers need, you can better serve them. And when you know your lapses, you can constantly improve your accessibility and flexibility. TechJury even revealed that data analytics make decision-making 5x faster for companies.
5. Reduces the Risk of Errors
Admit it—risks are inevitable when your business processes are done manually. Well, there still may be risks for automated operations, but they’re reduced. For example, miscommunications can occur over the phone, and you might set the experience for the wrong date when you take note of them manually.
Giving your customers open access to book their bookings can reduce the risk of scheduling errors. On the other hand, if your customers have accidentally clicked the wrong date, they can review or adjust their schedule when you send a confirmation email. Reducing errors means reducing disappointments. And when there’s less disappointment, there’ll be a smoother flow for your business operations and interactions.
6. Provides Personalisation for Every Customer
Despite your operations being automated, your customers shouldn’t feel like they’re talking to a robot. Fortunately, online booking systems deliver personalised services for each customer. Some software also offers a variety of booking types depending on how customers want to interact with your business.
For example, in the tourism industry, customers can book a tour or activity anytime on your site as it’s accessible 24/7. Since the system automates the booking process, customers will receive automated emails to confirm their booking. Having all customer information in one place also makes it easier to set the right campaigns, newsletters, and promotions.
7. Flexible Payment Methods
According to a report by GlobalWebIndex , 58% of Internet users prefer to use their mobile phones for online shopping and payments. With that said, your payment methods should be mobile-friendly. Some of the most popular online payment methods are digital or mobile wallets, credit and debit cards, and bank transfers.
8. Opportunity for Feedback
As mentioned above, information is critical in any business. Online booking software allows companies to use feedback requests after a customer has completed their booking. Your scheduling system can also send out automated emails after the booking to gather insights and comments about their experience.
Moreover, repeat suggestions can help you improve your procedures and develop new systems when necessary. You can group similar issues and address them accordingly so your customers will see that you value their opinions and suggestions.
9. Easy Integration and Solves Complex Problems
When looking for online booking software, choose the one that easily integrates with your IT system. That way, you can avoid the hassle of setting up new software. You can also quickly incorporate your company colors for branding consistency.
Some online booking systems also allow the installation of certain apps used for online payments, marketing, or feedback, making your entire reservation process seamless.
10. Delivers Better Customer Service
With all the benefits mentioned above, it’s safe to conclude that an online booking software delivers better customer service and helps your staff become more efficient. With less time needed for manual bookings and appointments being managed automatically, your staff can focus on quality customer service.
Moreover, hassle-free online booking gives your customers an enjoyable experience while being more responsible for their set times and preferences.
Transform Your Customer Experience
Your customers are the bloodline of your business, and they deserve the best experience. Cut back on reservation management challenges and make your processes more flexible and customer-focused. Transform your operations and improve your customer service by investing in online booking software.