What is Appointment Scheduling Software?

Appointment scheduling software is a digital tool that allows businesses (or individuals) to organize and manage appointments, meetings, or bookings. This tool eliminates the need for manual scheduling and streamlines the entire appointment booking process, making it more efficient for those booking and being booked. 

Appointment scheduling software enables clients to view available time slots, select preferred dates and times (and, in some cases, who they’re booking with), and complete their booking online. Some scheduling software, like MarketBox, also has integrated payments enabling clients to pay upfront, leave a deposit, or input their payment details to be charged after the appointment. 

Anyone can use generic scheduling software. For more specific needs — e.g., medical appointments, in-home and mobile appointments, or group lessons — industry or use-case-specific appointment software can provide more tailored features. In general, though, appointment scheduling software has been shown to reduce administrative work, improve customer experience, and maximize scheduling efficiency. 

Key features of appointment scheduling software include: 

• Online calendar — A centralized calendar that displays the availability of all service providers, allowing clients to choose from available time slots 
• Online booking — An online booking system that lets clients self-book appointments, eliminating the need for phone calls or emails  
• Automated reminders —  Automatic notifications for both clients and providers about upcoming appointments (shown to reduce no-shows by up to 85%) 
• Rescheduling and cancellation management — Some software lets you control who can reschedule and cancel appointments, but either way, it reduces the need to make manual changes if something comes up 
• Integrations — Connect your appointment scheduling software with other tools and platforms, e.g., calendars, email systems, customer relationship management software (CRM) 
• Reporting and analytics — Access data and reports on appointment history, client preferences, and other relevant metrics 

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7 key benefits of appointment scheduling software

#1. Appointment scheduling software saves time

Scheduling software automates the entire booking process, saving valuable time for service providers (or office staff) and clients. Real-time availability eliminates the back-and-forth communication involved in manually scheduling appointments via phone or email, allowing users to organize appointments quickly and efficiently. 

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#2. 24/7 availability means you never miss a sale due to office hours 

More than 40% of appointments are booked after hours. Online appointment scheduling software enables clients to book at a time that suits them, even when your office is closed. This provides more convenience and flexibility, attracting more customers and increasing booking rates. 

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#3. No-shows are reduced considerably 

Appointment reminders have been shown to reduce no-shows by up to 85%. By automating reminders, you can ensure clients receive them on time, helping them remember upcoming appointments and allowing you to fill any slots that become available due to cancellations. 

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#4. Appointment software improves organization and reduces admin 

Online booking software makes creating and managing employee calendars and schedules easy. Service providers can view all their appointments at a glance, helping them to manage their time more efficiently and avoid overbooking or scheduling conflicts. If something changes, edits can be made to schedules quickly, and notifications will automatically be sent out to the affected client and employee to reduce admin. 

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#5. Booking software enhances the customer experience

Appointment software provides a seamless booking experience, allowing clients to easily find available time slots and book appointments at their convenience. This improves customer satisfaction and can help businesses retain clients and encourage repeat business. 

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#6. Client databases keep information secure, organized, and accessible from anywhere 

Most online booking software has an in-built client database (or the option to integrate with one) to keep client information secure and organized. If your team works outside of a fixed location, the software makes it easy to access information like addresses or payment information when needed on the go. 

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#7. Online payments eliminate the need to chase invoices

Booking software that enables clients to pay for their appointment upfront or enter their details to be charged once the service is over eliminates the need to create or chase invoices. It also makes it easier for employees, who don’t have to worry about collecting payment on top of everything else. For in-home and mobile businesses, online payments are essential for providing a safe way to collect payment that doesn’t involve bulky POS machines or carrying large amounts of money around.  

Related: 5 Reasons Employees Shouldn't Collect Customer Payments

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3 reasons why MarketBox is the best appointment scheduling software for mobile businesses 

#1. MarketBox is the only appointment-scheduling software specifically built for mobile appointments

MarketBox is the first (and only) appointment-scheduling software built explicitly for businesses offering in-home and mobile services. As such, all the features are designed with a mobile-first approach, enabling businesses and their team to control when and where they operate and helping their customers book their nearest service provider. 

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#2. You have complete control over location parameters and travel zones 

MarketBox’s unique travel zone feature enables administrators (or providers if desired) to control how far they’re willing to travel for appointments and on which days to minimize travel time. The booking system uses this data to filter providers, so clients only ever see local providers available in their area, allowing them to book with confidence. 

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#3. The entire booking flow can be customized to suit your business

Not only can MarketBox users brand their booking flow to match their website, but with control over the types and quantities of appointments, how far in advance customers can book, payment terms, checkout options, and more, they can customize the entire platform to suit their needs. 

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If you are looking for appointment scheduling software for your business, MarketBox can help. Our fully scalable solution takes the stress out of managing your business, giving you more time to focus on what’s important. Book a 1-on-1 demo today to learn more.