A virtual receptionist can effectively make appointments for any type of trade. In return, you need to know that your appointments are being handled in a productive manner. Booking software is essential for managing your workflow, and it will avoid any common errors that may occur if you simply left it to a on the road telephone conversation, or for a tradie commonly used note pad.
There are many ways to tackle booking jobs but here are 8 online software programs to help a tradie streamline the process using a virtual receptionist.
1. Bookfresh
Bookfresh is an online scheduling and appointment booking software. They offer a free service that can be shared between you and your virtual assistant. It’s been created just for small businesses, and you can also schedule in appointments and events day or night. It can also plug into your website, and you can even accept payments and deposits, as well as send text reminders to mobile devices. It also has an app option feature.
2. BookingBug
BookingBug works well for use with all sized tradies. It provides for a flexible and customisable appointment scheduling system. It has monthly plans based on the size of your business. There is a $19.95 per month plan that is suitable for a tradies virtual receptionist. The graphical interface is simple and easy to ease, requiring minimal training who anyone that may not have the time. It also works through the use of Android and iPhone apps.
3. Bookit Live
Bookit Live has been created for service-based businesses. It offers free client bookings, and there’s no need to connect it with a website. They also offer a free two week trial on registration, and an online payment system. You virtual receptionist will be able to send appointment reminders and manage your client’s information. This booking system also has an app that works with all iPhone and Android phones.
4. Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a free time management and scheduling calendar that works on both the computer and iOS and Android smart devices. It will enable you to keep track of all events. The data is stored within its cloud computing system. You can create and edit events and invite other users to view or edit them also.
5. Mynextappointment
This is an online secure booking system. It has yearly plans that are affordable. You can set appointments for different locations and assign managers to them. You’ll be able to have a monitoring overview of each location. Currently, the software works on computers only.
6. Outlook Calendar
Outlook Calendar works through your PC or Mac and provides for scheduling that integrates with email, contacts, and other features. With it you can create appointments and events. There are no extra costs associated with using it for business. Unfortunately there is currently no way to sync Outlook Calendar to work on a Mac device.
7. Scheduleflow
Scheduleflow has specifically been designed to help a tradie. It is an easy scheduling and communication online programme where you can book your jobs. You can keep your workload in a one area on a given day for less travel and also has a great feature of being able to touch base with your customers via a one touch SMS message Scheduleflow is accessible from your PC or mobile phone 24/7. There is a simply monthly plan and comes with a 14 day free trial.
8. Tradify
Tradify is another smart way for a tradie’s virtual assistant to manage them or their workforce with easy scheduling. You can view your day at a glance which will save you time and organise you to work more efficiently. It will work on both Windows and Mac and also has an app option. There are packages available to suit your budget.
It is important to carefully evaluate each type of booking software to ensure it’s compatible with your devices, and that it has all the features you need to have your virtual receptionist successfully manage your business.
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