I'm sure you've heard the expression that says, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” For lots of dog walkers and pet sitters, that’s the view of their current booking processes, after all it seems to be getting the job done. Unfortunately, those processes look a little like this.
For each client, nailing down a new booking involves dozens of texts or emails back and forth with pet parents to gather all of the necessary information, finalize a price, and confirm an appointment.
Then that new appointment is written down in a notebook or on one of dozens of google calendars and shared with whomever will be handling the walk, drop-in, or boarding… who in turn, hopefully has a good system of their own for remembering.
The problem is that each step of that process needs to be done manually, is time consuming, and allows for human error and/or miscommunication. So, why not streamline the entire thing?
Switching to Online Booking
While it may feel like a big change, there are five key reasons to make the shift to online booking (and simplify your life in the process).
1. Less back and forth. When a pet parent requests an appointment online, you get all of the details you need. They choose a service and time from the options you have set up and accept the price you have shown. No more debating and guilt trips through endless texts!
2. Approving/declining is in your control. Most online booking systems give you the ability to approve or decline any requests that come in. Just because a client has asked for something doesn’t mean you have to say yes! Once you receive a request you can easily check your schedule to see if it works and respond accordingly.
3. It’s what your clients want. While not every pet family lives online, the reality is that most people prefer to book things through the internet on their mobile device or computer. Restaurants, travel, hair salons, movie tickets, rideshares (e.g., Lyft and Uber), food deliveries… they are all commonly booked (and paid for) online. Why shouldn’t pet care be on that list?
4. You can deal with requests on your schedule. Even dog walkers and pet sitters are allowed to take a break and manage the business on a schedule! When your clients text you an appointment request, they expect an instant response and because you want to make sure you’re not missing an opportunity to book more business, you read and respond at all hours of the day. With online booking requests, however, your can review and approve or decline to requests in bunches when your business day starts.
5. Fewer mistakes and misunderstandings. When you formalize your booking process with online booking software (like PetPocketbook), you’re taking the gray area out of the back and forth with pet parents and making the outcomes clear to both sides. Each person has a clear record of the request and the response and whether or not the appointment is on the schedule so there is no confusion down the line.
Are you ready to move your booking process online? Sign up for a personalized demo of PetPocketbook and start your 60-day free trial.