8 Features to Look For in Any Booking Software

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June 2023

Whether you are starting your own business that requires a booking system or just looking to improve the one you already use, you certainly want a booking process that is as efficient and innovative as possible.

These days, consumers are used to doing everyday tasks with just a few clicks. Booking services online is expected to be just as easy.

In choosing the right booking software for your business, there are a few things to consider. Not only do you want a system that creates an easy process for the customer, but you also want a platform that is easy to use for your staff.

We have listed 8 features to look for in any booking software that should help you choose the right system for your business.

1. Easy to Use – Customer Interface

Your business should have a user-friendly and easy to navigate software. Booking an appointment or reserving a service should be quick and effortless for your customers. They will thank you for it!

ActiveBooker gives business owners the ability to insert the booking window directly onto their website, or link to their own customized booking page. All clients receive their own booking engine, which is customized to their business.

2. Digital Waivers

Most activities require signing a waiver before participation. This process should be as seamless as possible, especially with larger groups. Having a digital waiver option that can be filled out prior to the reservation, creates a more effective booking experience for the customer while relieving a tedious task for staff as well. ActiveBooker clients receive unlimited digital waivers with their plan.

3. Real-time Booking

As the world becomes more digital, so becomes booking systems. Customers should no longer need to make a phone call, or send an email to inquire about a booking. Businesses no longer need to process booking enquiries manually. Real-time booking allows customers to see available times and dates, and book the time-slot of their choice. Customers are billed instantly, and Active Booker clients receive notifications when a booking occurs.

4. Seamless Integration with Payment Gateways

You need to get paid, and payment integrations are an essential component of any booking software. There are hundreds of payment integrations on the market today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. ActiveBooker prides itself on its free integration with the most reputable payment processors on the market.

  1. STRIPE:

    Stripe is a popular payment integration that allows users to accept payments online. It offers a wide range of features including the ability to accept payments in multiple currencies and the ability to customize payment forms.
    Creating an account is easy, and your ActiveBooker account manager can assist with this process. Learn more about integrating with stripe at, https://stripe.com/docs/payments

  2. SQUARE:

    Square is a payment integration that allows users to accept payments online or in person. It also includes the ability to accept payments in multiple currencies and customization of payment forms (credit, debit, etc)
    Setting up an account with Square is free. The only costs are when a payment is made from a customer. To learn more about the fees associated with Square, visit: https://squareup.com/ca/en/payments/our-fees

  3. CLOVER:

    Clover has become a hugely popular option for business owners. Processing fees are highly competitive with good customer support and reliable systems. To learn more about Clover pricing and how it works, reach out to our team, or visit: https://www.clover.com/pricing
    Many booking platforms will offer a “Free” booking system, and charge exorbitant fees, upwards of 5-6%. ActiveBooker is one of the only booking solutions on the market that charges a fixed monthly fee to use the platform, independent of revenue. The more you make, the more you keep. ActiveBooker clients have the ability to integrate directly with payment-processors, eliminating the extra fees that many other booking platforms charge.

5. Customer Reminders

Customer reminders are messages or notifications sent to customers to remind them of their upcoming reservation, appointment or event. These reminders serve as helpful prompts to ensure that customers are aware of and prepared for their scheduled activities. Here are some key benefits and examples of customer reminders:

Benefits of Customer Reminders:

  1. Reduce No-Shows: Reminders help minimize the number of missed appointments or deadlines by ensuring that customers have the necessary information and are reminded of their commitments.
  2. Enhance Customer Experience: Reminders demonstrate proactive communication and consideration for customers, improving their overall experience with your business or service.
  3. Improve Time Management: By reminding customers of upcoming events or tasks, reminders assist them in managing their schedules more effectively and avoid any last-minute inconveniences.
  4. Increased Revenue: Ensuring your customers show-up for their activity, means more revenue for you.

6. Automated Emails

Automated emails are sent automatically to customers based on specific actions, or at predetermined time intervals. These automated emails serve various purposes, such as providing customers with a confirmation of their booking, providing digital waivers, sending a reminder, and sending a thank you email with review functionality. Automated emails can serve different purposes, but they all contribute to the customer experience.

7. Accepting deposits

Accepting deposits can be an effective way to secure bookings and reduce the risk of no shows. A booking software should have options for accepting deposits on reservations such as, by percentage (usually for larger bookings) or a fixed deposit (often for smaller bookings). When looking for a software that accepts deposits it is important to ensure that the deposit process is seamless and user-friendly, to ensure a positive customer experience. ActiveBooker gives
business owners the ability to fully customize the customer deposit amounts.

8. Booking Maximums and Minimums

For every activity, there is a capacity requirement.
Let’s assume a group of 10 people would like to book a lane at your axe-throwing venue; however, you only allow 6 customers per lane. ActiveBooker’s “smart booking engine” will adapt to the size of the booking and automatically assign this group of 10 people across 2 lanes.

This small but important feature will save headaches for both staff and customers. If you have unique or challenging booking needs, reach out to our team.