bookitLive

Overall: We run a low cost service to dog owners in the Perth metro area. We did not want to spend time taking bookings for the pool as it would have been reflected in the price which we want to keep low. I have used two other services which each improved our time efficiency but they could not offer the flexibility of this service. The first system was 'free' but there were add ons that started to mount up. There was a pay as you book option but it only offered 'bit coin' (is that even money??) and other off shore payment options. So bookings were pay on arrival - we had a very high 'no show' rate, which caused us endless frustration. The second system took payments via Australia Posts Secure Pay system. This was fantastic, we got paid in advance and the no shows reduced. In any case they didn't bother us any more. There were limits to the system such as customers could only book one appointment at a time, having to pay each time they did it. They couldn't change their bookings, so had to call us. There was no option for us to issue vouchers or give a bulk discount. Then, one day, we were advised that the system was closing down and would no longer be available. Panic stations! What to do? System three. Best thing that ever happened to us. Our customers can do everything on line. Payments can be made via Secure Pay, I can set up promotions, give bulk discounts, issue vouchers. Customers can change their bookings or call me and it is so easy to manage via my Dashboard function. Best of all I got first class service from the support staff in getting started. They phoned me and walked me through a quick hands on training session. It was brilliant. If you already have Secure Pay or similar set up it is a sinch to migrate to this system.

Pros: Huge amount of flexibility for both us as business owners and for our clients. Easy to operate. Professional support when you can't work it out. For us this easily pays it's way over and over and over again. Best of all is that I can now issue vouchers to our clients as a thankyou or to give them a frequent user reward.

Cons: None. I have not regretted moving to this system at all. It has eased my stress levels and made life so easy.

Overall: This application gives value for money considering the price at which it is offered. The support team actively clears most of the issues that comes forth. At time I have felt it would have been great if it had some more specific options which would suit our requirements.

Overall: I didn't have to create a booking system myself. It was easy to link Bookitlive to my website and to also make Bookitlive look like part of my business in branding and colour themes.

Pros: I can easily see how my bookings are and make multiple types of bookings. It is easy for the customer to interact with. If the customer has used Bookitlive before they don't have to re-register.

Cons: when the customer makes a booking, if they want to reschedule it is not easy to see what the availability is. I tell them to pretend to make another booking so they can see my availability, then reschedule their current booking when they find a time that works for them. If the customer wants to reschedule it would be easier for them to have options of times and days available without going through the process I suggest.