Managing your business during the Coronavirus outbreak

As the Coronavirus continues to impact our communities, we want to help support you in how you navigate this challenging time. We know you may have many questions and concerns, so we’ve created this guide with templates you can use.

 At Booksy, people come first and we are committed to supporting our community and your business however we can. As the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases increase in the UK, the safety and well-being of all Booksy businesses and clients is extremely important to us.

 Update Your Calendar Settings 

 One of the benefits of Booksy is that your customers can schedule appointments up to 24 months in advance depending on your account settings.

 Take these steps to adjust the time frame for future bookings: 

 Open your Booksy app profile and select  “Settings” and then click “Booking Settings.” 

1. Select “Booking for Future.”
2. Select how far in advance clients are able to schedule an appointment. We recommend you allow bookings to be made at least 3-6 months in advance during this time.
3. Your Package Templates are available for purchase in the Sales section of Booksy.

 Use Prepayments 

 Use the Booksy Biz app to offer prepayments. This tool lets you charge for appointments upfront, which lets you generate some revenue even if your shop is closed. Let your clients know they can support you by booking and paying for an appointment in advance.

 Take the following three steps to set up a prepayment in the Booksy app: 

1. Log into the Booksy Biz app.
2. Select “Settings,” which is listed on the main menu (on the left side of the screen).
3. Then select “Cancellation Fee & Prepayments.”
4. Select “Strict policy – Prepayment.”
5. Select the % of the service that you would like to charge as an upfront payment (you can choose to apply it to all services). 

If you’re not currently using Mobile Payments, you can set them up yourself in under 5 minutes by opening your Booksy Biz app and heading to Mobile Payments. After set up, you’ll be automatically promoted to turn on Prepayments. 

Advertise a Package

 Let customers buy a package of services or sessions upfront. Selling packages is another way to generate upfront revenue even if your business is closed. Clients can purchase a package now and then redeem the services at a later date when your shop reopens. To create a package, follow these few steps: 

1. Log-into your profile here.
2. Select “Business Profile” listed on the main menu, and then click “Packages,” to sell a bundle of services for a specific price. 
3. To sell a Package, a template for the Package must be created. When creating a new Package Template, you must specify the Name, Description, Validity (length of time it will be valid) and Price (the price your customer will pay). 
4. Your Package Templates are available for purchase in the Sales section of Booksy. 

Use Tip Now, Book Now, Visit Later

 Our new feature gives your customers a quick and simple way to tip or donate and encourages them to book future appointments for when normal service resumes.

 If you choose to have this option available, your customers will be able to support you by donating a defined amount of either £5, £10 or £15 (and they can donate as many times as they like), then we forward that payment to you. We will then prompt your kind customer to book their future appointment with you, so you'll see your calendar filling back up again.

Check out booksy.info/tipnowbooknowuk for more info - you'll need to request an opt-in through the customer helpchat or give them a call!

 It's up to you if you want to deduct anything from future services, or reward your customers in any way when they come to visit you in the future.

 Start Selling eGift Cards

 People love supporting their local shops and neighbourhood businesses. Let them show their support and appreciation for your hard work and excellent craftsmanship through eGift Cards.

 Remember that customers will pay for the e-Gift Card upfront, which is another great way to bring in some extra revenue. Simply follow these quick steps to set up eGift Cards today: 

1. Head to https://booksy.com/biz/en-gb/ and enter your email and password to log-in. 
2. Select “Business Profile” listed on the main menu (on the left side of your screen), and then click “e-Gift Cards,” which lets you set up an e-Gift Card template. 
3. To sell an e-Gift Card, a template must be created. Specify the Name, Description, Validity (length of time it will be valid), Price (the price your customer will pay), and Value (the amount the e-Gift Card is worth). 
4. Head to the Sales section (also located on the left side of your computer screen) to sell an e-Gift Card. Click “e-Gift Cards” and then select the e-Gift Card template you created.

Keep in mind that clients won’t be able to purchase the eGift Cards on their own. Instead, ask clients to contact you directly if they are interested in purchasing an eGift Card. You can complete the eGift Card purchase in the Sales section of Booksy. 

 Keep Your Clients Up To Date

 Take away the trouble of getting back into the swing of things by staying in touch with your clients. Make sure you have up-to-date emails and phone numbers for all of your clients. Organize and store your client contact details in Booksy so it is easy for you to keep up with. Storing contact details in Booksy will also make it easy for you to send updates out to your entire client base.

 This small step will help your business return to its normal operations more quickly. And that could minimise the number of empty slots that you have the first week or two after you start working with clients again. 

 And do keep in mind that developments are being made all the time. A quick email or text blast will help comfort and reassure your clients.