Wedding season is fun for the bride and groom, and the guests. However, it can be a whirlwind for bridal teams. From hair stylists to makeup artists, there is a lot they have to deal with. Juggling between back-to-back appointments and high demand is no mean feat. Amidst all this, the risk of double booking looms large. So, how do bridal teams deal with double bookings? Well, an online salon booking software is the most straightforward solution.
What is Double Booking?
Double booking or overbooking is something businesses of all sizes and types face. This is particularly common in businesses that are service-based. Any kind of scheduling conflict can turn an ordinary day into a stressful one. As the name suggests, double booking is when two appointments end up being scheduled for the same slot by mistake or due to human error. On the other hand, overbooking is when a business or front desk manager schedules more appointments than they can handle. In both situations, these mishaps can cause headaches for business owners as well as customers.
Fortunately, in this day and age, double bookings can be avoided by using the right tools and technology. By investing in a salon appointment system, bridal teams can handle their seasonal rush with ease. There will no longer be conflicting appointments and the scheduling experience will be hassle-free too.
5 Ways Double Booking Can Be Avoided in a Bridal Salon
- Implement the Right Tech Solutions
We’re occupants of an era of modern scheduling and online salon booking software is the heart of it. A centralised booking system usually syncs with the calendar in real-time thereby preventing overlapping of appointments and also any scheduling conflicts before they can occur. With a salon scheduling system, double bookings are less likely to occur. Since everything can be viewed from one salon CRM, the room for error is considerably reduced. Also, booking software not just offers real-time updates but also offers a visual calendar display with colour-coded alerts. It not just offers a clear visual overview but also highlights every booked appointment with a distinct colour code. This allows stylists to quickly identify which the booked appointments are and which slots are free. Besides that, calendars also offer an overview into the status of the appointment. For instance – scheduled, ongoing, completed or no-show.
- Encourage a Deposit-to-Hold Policy
Brides and the wedding party usually book their appointments in advance. This is because the services they require are not extensive for themselves but also for their wedding guests. In such a case, to prevent no-shows or overbooking, the best practice would be to take a deposit at the time of booking. This not only secures the date and the slot but also discourages/prevents any kind of last-minute cancellations. This also helps ensure that the calendar only shows serious commitments. When a bridal salon has tied up with a wedding party, it puts them at ease too. When an appointment enquiry comes in, all they have to do is pull out the calendar and see the available slots. Clients too can view all the available slots.
- Have a Designated Booking Manager
When a large number of guests/clients have to be served, bridal teams usually assign a specific team member as a manager or head. Though all the scheduling enquiries are handled by the salon appointment system, a booking manager ensures the schedule is maintained. They streamline the entire booking management process and become the centralised point of communication. This not just helps maintain accuracy but also prevents any kind of miscommunication.
- Tiered Service Teams
To meet the increased demand during the wedding season, a lot of bridal salons divide their teams into various tiers. For instance, if one team is handling a morning bride, the other team goes for an afternoon bride/cocktail bride. By accordingly making service teams, you can serve every client in equal measure without falling into the risk of overlapping.
- Include a Buffer Time between Appointments
Most salon appointment systems come with buffer times. This helps accommodate delays in travel or unexpected client needs. Buffer times prevent overlapping. Even if you finish with one wedding guest, you can use the extra time at hand to prepare for the next client. This helps you clean up, handle admin tasks or even switch locations in case you have to. Buffer times also help you ensure you’re not late to the next event.
Final Words
The way your salon handles overbookings sets you apart from your competitors. With the right online salon booking software like Salon360App, you can navigate seasonal rush like a pro and with confidence. The wheels of your business run smoothly and the outcome is happier clients. Afraid to commit? Take a free demo of Salon360App.
