Online Appointment Scheduling Systems: Software That Makes It Easier For Clients To Book Through A Webpage

Most small business owners won’t catch every phone call coming in and a call lost could mean the loss of a sale. Adding online appointment scheduling to service based business websites can save money and time. Customers appreciate the ease of booking online and perceive it as a value added service making this a win-win for many companies.

What is an Online Scheduler?

An appointment booking system that is web based becomes a valuable tool for the service industries. Companies specializing in offering this service vary from low-tech appointment request software to more advanced programs. These scheduling systems allow the owner and employees to access the schedule anywhere with an internet connection. Likewise the customer can be granted access twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Online schedulers can be integrated into an existing business website and sometimes can stand alone as a web presence for a small company.

Online Appointment Systems

This is sampling of online appointment programs demonstrates some of the features available to the small business owner. Some systems offer demos or free trials.

Appointment Plus – owned by Contemporary Web Plus, Inc. at 7464 East Tierra Buena, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260, USA. Customer service can be reached at 480-483-1199. One of the most feature-rich online scheduler, Appointment Plus allows multiple locations, multiple rooms and a wide array of appointment book styles. However, all of the features make this software cumbersome for the beginning user. The free trial should be utilized to learn the program inside and out before setting it free on employees and customers.

AppointmentQuest LLC – PO Box 677, Broomfield, Colorado, 80038-0667, USA. Customer service can be reached at 303-468-7581, or toll free within the U.S. at 800-591-9894. Also offers a free trial and demonstration model for assessment purposes. Various pricing levels set available features such as advanced scheduling options and maximum number of appointments within a 30 day billing period.

Genbook™ – a San Francisco, California, USA based company. The basic features account is free of charge with specific limitations; other features are available at monthly rates.

Dec 3, 2008 8:51 PM

Guest :

This is a great article. There are many scheduling system in market today so choosing the right system is pretty challenging. The nature of Saas based software is difficult to switch once you start using it. It would also give a negative brand image to your business. Having said that do not use the free system. I am pretty sure that you will end up being trouble.
Here is what I’ve heard from each company.
AppointmentQuest: The oldest company in the market so it is a proven that system works. One feedback from existing customer said they don’t encrypt the customer’s credit card information so that anyone who has an administrator access can view the credit card information.
Appointment Plus: It will be overwhelming to understand and setup the system at the first time. Now, they seem to offer dedicated setup coach because of the complexity of setup.
One comment from their customer told me that they keep increasing a subscription fee.
Genbook and HourTown: I would not recommend these two. I am not sure about the paid service but definitely not for the free one.
Jappointment-online: Very interesting company. If a system doesn’t meet your needs, they offer the most of customization for free. Still no contract needed. I heard that they charge some customization but it’s very cheap. It’s less than $200 for sure. If your time management is unique, try this company. You may get your own software for less than $200. Also, Jappointment-online is only company that posts real customers on its testimonial site. I called several customers myself from testimonial page and I was very amazed by their comment. It was very positive. You can try to hear from them as well.
In conclusion, you need to spend your time to do your trial. My recommendation you need to use a free trial system and open the communication with a real person from each company. You would feel and know the difference on customer service. I think the customer service would be a big factor to pick the right software as well.

Dec 12, 2008 5:37 AM

Guest :

Sign up with Jappointment package a couple days ago after reading this article and comment below. I called 800 number several times but not able to reach their sales reps easily. So I tried to contact by email. It was quick.
I am very pleased with their customer service so far. After sign up, you have to fill in the basic information about your appointment management. They installed and configured your system. So there are not much things that I need to do. Also, they have an account manager for each account. My account manager gave me his office number and cell phone number so that I can reach him anytime. I am very amazed with his email response time. Thank you Amy for your posting!