Finding the right yoga booking system: key questions to ask
Finding the right booking system can feel challenging and daunting, especially if, like most yoga teachers, you hail from a non-technical background. As with any tool with the potential to support - even transform - your business, making the right choice is crucial. With so many online booking platforms available, asking a few salient questions before signing up saves time, keeps stress levels low and maximises the likelihood of making the right choice, whether you are a sole yoga teacher, studio owner or retreat centre leader. Here, Reservie co-founder, yoga teacher and studio owner Darren Cooper offers five key questions to ask of booking platforms before taking the plunge.
One: can I speak with someone before taking the plunge?
Starting out with any new system can feel daunting. A clear, kind voice at the end of the line explaining what to do next can make all the difference. Find out whether an introductory meeting can be arranged so that any questions are fully answered. Some platforms, reservie included, offer a no-obligation walk-through the system via zoom at the point of enquiry and at any agreed time needed by the user. This human contact is vital to ensure the platform is right for you - and also to establish a face-to-face connection in the midst of a process that can otherwise feel a little overwhelming and impersonal.
Two: will the booking system tie me into a contract?
In a similar way that yoga studios with a physical base are often tied into long and expensive lease terms, many booking systems will bind you to a contractual period. Whilst this is great for software providers, it can be risky and expensive for the teacher. As your requirements evolve, you may find the system is unsuitable or that your needs evolve and you need to think again. At this point you will have no choice but to wait until you can switch. So check that you are not restricted to a contract period, allowing you the freedom to move should the need arise.
Three: is the booking software designed with my business specifically in mind?
Many booking systems are developed to span a number of diverse industry sectors. To make this work, many of the features need to be generalised. which can result in them failing to meet your requirements. Where a system is developed with your sector in mind a second question is: has it been designed for your business size? Generic booking platforms designed for large gyms and studios may be less suited to small studios or teachers due to the complex software required to manage classes and events.
Four: can the booking system be easily added to my website or operate standalone?
Many teachers when they start out will either have no website or a simple site created through platforms such as wix or squarespace. They will almost certainly not have detailed technical skills or the budget to hire IT skills. As such, it is imperative that your booking system can operate standalone or be easily embedded into a website. When embedded in a website, ask whether the system works in both mobile and desktop mode. Many people book classes and events on their mobile phones, so your booking system needs to be smart enough to work well on a smartphone.
Five: can I access brilliant customer support when I need it?
It’s important that you can access helpful, professional customer support easily when you need it. Of course it may not be feasible to speak with someone at midnight on a Sunday; even so, find out broadly how a support system operates. Some key questions include: opening hours, response times, even where their support team is based. It’s all part and parcel of finding a platform that will support both you and your business.
What now?
Reservie is an agile, accessible online booking system for yoga teachers and wellbeing businesses. We would love to hear from you. Please get in touch.