It is not easy to run any business. Fortunately, there are several ways that can be implemented to make the task seem less hard. You should rather begin by trying to fix your scheduling problems. Your busy schedule might not allow you to focus on the smooth business operation, thereby hampering productivity and profits. The fact is that the success of any service-based business is based mostly on implemented Marketing Strategy and overall customer experience. If adequate steps are not taken, your cash flow and business health is likely to be affected.
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5 Ways Your Appointment-Based Business Loses Money
1. Service schedules having gaps:
You need to master how your service schedule should be at any point in time. There is available appointment scheduling software that you may use to visualize your schedule easily. It also allows you to identify those gaps present in the service schedule. Inform your customer base of providing ‘last-minute’ appointments. Contact loyal customers to find out if they are interested to schedule an appointment. Send across emails providing special discounts on free times. Offer easy and secure payment options. Reduce ‘no-shows’. Fill up service gaps by providing existing and new customers with some new service.
2. No-show appointments:
Customer Experience matters a lot for service-based businesses. You need to use the latest tools, prepare to offer awesome appointment, and review client notes. Perhaps customer’s appointment time finishes and no one turns up. You will be only waiting and wasting your valuable time. It is considered to be a major concern when traditional appointment scheduling is concerned. ‘No-show appointment’ is stated to be the major reason for small businesses to suffer revenue loss and frustration. Studies revealed that 42% of customers are found to skip their appointments. Fortunately, several proven, simple techniques exist to tackle this issue. Appointment reminders software can help increase client visits and reduce financial liability.
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3. Not giving value to add-ons concerning online booking:
These are termed to be small benefits that are offered at discounted prices. Recurring services and projects can be offered discounts if customer books at cost the first service/project. Add-ons should be part of any Marketing Strategy as it helps drive revenue. It also increases overall lifetime value of customers. Do remember to determine the product price before offering the same as add-on. In case of service, it can be offered as a complimentary. Visibility is vital for customers to know your availability for appointment. Do include add-on products and services to online scheduler and official website.
4. Monitoring expenses:
Uncontrolled expenses will only lead to increased financial liability. You need to understand your expenses to control and ensure business success. You may maintain a spreadsheet that contains all the expenses made by your business on a day-to-day basis. But these might prove to be inefficient. You may consider using ready-to-use or customized software that track your expenses seamlessly. Identify necessary expenses from those unwanted ones. Categorize them to have better insight of the business overhead. Specific goals on amount of revenue to be allocated towards expenses.
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5. Ease of appointment:
Online scheduling platform does make it easy to ensure proper appointment and enhance Customer Experience. But what if your business does not allow ease of booking. Your customers are likely to get frustrated and switch on to your competitors. Efficient client management ensures simplifying things for your customers. You may use appointment scheduling app or booking software. Hence, you need to reduce inefficiencies and friction arising in your online appointment scheduling.
If you seek long-term success in your Appointment Based Business, then you need to take into consideration the above aspects. This way, you can take better control of your business.