If customers still have to call or DM you to book, you’re losing appointments you never even hear about — evenings, weekends, and the moment they’re ready to commit. Here’s how to take bookings online so your calendar fills itself.
Why online booking matters
Most people want to book the instant they decide — not wait for business hours and a phone call. Letting customers see your availability and book in a few taps means:
- Fewer missed opportunities (you capture the 10pm “book now” moment).
- No phone tag or double-bookings.
- A professional first impression that builds trust.
1. List your services
Add each service with a name, price, and duration. You can set buffers between appointments and decide which staff member or resource each service needs. Clear, well-priced services convert best.
2. Set your team’s schedule
Add your team (or just yourself) and set each person’s weekly hours. Optra turns that into real-time availability customers can book against — so they only ever see slots you can actually honour.
3. Choose how you take payment
Per service, pick what fits:
- Pay in full up front
- A deposit to hold the slot (the best way to cut no-shows)
- Pay at your business
Deposits are the single most effective tool against no-shows — and Optra makes them one setting.
4. Serve customers your way
Work from a fixed location, travel to your customers, or both. If you’re mobile, set your service radius so you’re matched to customers nearby.
5. Go live and get booked
Add your photos, confirm your details, and flip the switch. Customers can now find you, book 24/7, and pay securely — and you manage everything from one dashboard, on your phone or laptop.
What it costs
A flat monthly subscription plus a low commission per booking — no app-store fee, no per-message charges. You keep the relationship with your customer, and reviews come only from real bookings.