Appointment-Plus, Web Schedule Software Provider, Analyzes Google Appointment Slots, Finds Them Unfulfilling
Web Schedule Software Providers Like Appointment-Plus Are the Best Bet for Service-Based Businesses
Scottsdale, AZ - Jun 15, 2011 - The recent release of Google Calendar appointment slots may appear to be good news for service-based businesses looking for an online business appointment scheduler solutions, but the new feature lacks the essential functionality needed to adequately manage customer appointments and reservations, according to an analysis by Appointment-Plus web schedule software.
"While we applaud Google for adding this seemingly useful tool, it doesn't take into account the complexities involved in the appointment-scheduling process," says Bob La Loggia, CEO of Appointment-Plus. "As a matter of fact, Google’s web schedule software may actually cause more problems for small business owners than it solves."
The new Google Calendar appointment slots feature allows businesses to reserve a certain amount of time in their calendars for appointments. The business owners and operators then receive a URL to embed in their Web sites, social media pages, e-mails, newsletters or other areas viewed by their customers. Customers click on this link to access the business appointment scheduler.
Although the concept has merit, the new appointment slots feature simply does not provide the functionality required by most businesses. For example, both the business and its customers would have to be on Google Calendar in order to use this feature. Additionally, the business owner does not have any control over who books and when they book. They also don't have the ability to capture customer information when they schedule services.
Other business appointment scheduler functionalities not found in the Google Calendar appointment slots feature includes:
- The ability to create reports.
- Automated e-mail and text message reminders sent to customers prior to a scheduled appointment or reservation.
- The ability to collect customer payment upon booking.
Developing and maintaining an efficient and profitable scheduling system is no easy task. Microsoft attempted it, only to discontinue the service in 2007 after converting all of its scheduling clients to Appointment-Plus business appointment scheduler. The set-up process proved too labor-intensive, given the varied scheduling needs of businesses.
"It's admirable that Google wants to help its small business owners by providing this additional functionality, but online scheduling companies like Appointment-Plus are keenly aware of the complexities involved in scheduling," La Loggia explains. "We serve over 100 industries, each with different requirements and specifications. "When it comes to online scheduling, it's definitely not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach."
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