It's been a little longer than usual for my latest blog post, and for that I apologise - it's just been so full on! The Summer months bring school proms, weddings and holidays galore, so you can image how busy we have been.
So with this in mind, let me introduce you to our new FREE mobile app.
We're busy. Really busy. And while that is great for us, we understand how frustrating that can be when you need a last minute appointment (let's face it, we all run out of time to schedule these kind of things...) And yes, our waiting list works wonders - in case you weren't aware (although we always offer to add you if we can't squeeze you in!) we have a great waiting list system that literally 'pops up' on our computer screen when a client either cancels or re-schedules, to alert of us of those clients on our waiting list we can now fit in. Perfect! So we can easily call you back to schedule the appointment you were waiting for.
But we often get asked, "How many people are on the list already?"
or "How long is the list currently?"
Well to be perfectly honest, the answer to those questions is irrelevant. There may be 10 clients on there already - but that doesn't mean you won't get an appointment.
All treatments have their own requisites - whether that be particular equipment needed, a certain room, length of time free or even therapist available. Whatever it is, if the treatment you are waiting for can be fitted in and the others still cannot, then you will be called and offered the appointment - even if you were the last to call.
Of course, if several 'pop up' in one go then we will call whoever was added first. But it's always a good idea to go on if we can't fit you in, as you never know - clients often need to reschedule for one reason or another!
Our online booking is also extremely popular - accessible 24/7, you can log on and book any treatments you like in advance with us, confirmed by an automated email. Many clients think this is a new feature of ours - in fact we have had this since day one of the salon opening (nearly 6 yeas ago!). This is easy to use - simply register first (if you've been before, click on 'Existing Client' - if not, then 'New Client'). This will then find your details on our computer system, and you're good to go. Just tell it what treatment you would like, who you'd like it with (or whether you do not mind) and what date you would like to have it on. You can even select 'morning', 'afternoon' or 'evening'. It will then show you the next available appointment. Simple! You can even submit an 'Unsuccessful Search' if we are fully booked, so we can add you to our waiting list. There is one drawback though - you can only book one treatment at a time. But hey, if you remember at 1am that you were meant to call us, at least you can do it whilst you remember!
And now for the really clever bit.
If that wasn't enough, we now have our own app. Hooray! Free to download, the main purpose of this app is for late availability and cancellations. Yes the online booking is great - but you need to tell it what you want and when you want it. And the waiting list is perfect - but what if you are unable to take a call at that moment?
The app will show you any late availability for the current day, and the next two working days from there. So if you're looking at it on Wednesday, it will show you any late availability for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Not only this, but it will also tell you exactly what treatments are available at those specific times - just select the one you want from the drop down list. Be aware that some will state 'Single Service Only' - this just means that only one treatment can be selected because of the time available.
And if it tells you we are fully booked, then do not fret - upon downloading, it will prompt you to choose your preferred therapists. You can select one, two, three or even all therapists if you don't mind who you have! And don't worry, this can be changed later.
So, once a therapist has a cancellation, and an appointment becomes available in their column, the app will notify you straight to your phone - just like Facebook does when someone comments or tags you in something. Now you can see what time is available, who it is with and what treatments they can fit in for you. Want to grab it? Simply tap the appointment, enter your name and number, and Submit. Easy as pie.
So what happens next?
Once you have submitted your request, it will 'pop up' on our computer at reception. We can then book it in for you and confirm the appointment via text message. Probably the easiest and quickest way to book last minute appointments with us - all without lifting the phone or logging in!
So in a nutshell, the app will tell you what times are free, which treatments are available and who they are with!
Could I not just book by email?
Well of course that is always an option. But it has it's drawbacks.
Emailing takes time. And if you're at work, it may be some time before you can read our reply. So those appointments we have offered you may well have been taken by the time you respond. After all, there are a lot of different ways clients can book with us! So whilst we are happy for you to email us to book your appointment, please be aware that it is not the most efficient, and often one which takes time.
We're updating our training to help out, too.
Our two newest therapists (although now been here a while!) have been on tonnes of training since joining us full time to expand their treatment skills, allowing for us to be able to offer more appointments. Since joining Utopia with their NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty qualifications, they have both trained in Hydrotherm Massage, Lycon Hot Waxing (including Advanced Level for those more intimate areas), threading (soon to be let loose!) and Bonnie has also completed her HD Brow training. This way we have more appointments available at more times, since we work shifts to cater for the longer opening hours. We have all updated our Dermalogica training also, with both Bonnie and Michelle gaining their Specialist Certificates.
So don't worry if you've forgotten to call and you're feeling desperate - where there's a will, there's a way!
See you soon for some Summer prep!
Nikki x