A lot of sports facilities owners find they have a great marketplace, all the right people, and state of the art systems, and yet find that their facilities are not booked solid. People tend to prefer just a few slots a day, and for much of the rest the instructors and facilities are left idle.
Most of the time, this isn’t due to a lack of interest in a facility, it’s a lack of facilitation. Remember that we are living in the computer age. People just don’t like to communicate in the traditional way. The days of the phone appointment are rapidly fading, in favor of the more convenient and less consuming Internet appointment.
Every facility which offers sports instruction would do well to include a program on their website which allows customers to make their appointments online. Incorporating such a program will benefit your business in several ways.
Avoid awkward introductions!
Batting cages, driving ranges, even go kart tracks all have resident professionals who can improve the skills of interested clients. In fact, this area is where many sports businesses make their extra money. If you’re typical, you have several instructors for the same sport, all of whom appeal to clients in different ways.
The problem with using phone appointments to book instructors is that for first time clients (not to mention the person who works your phone lines) getting the details can take a very long time. If a customer goes online, however, all the information they need about an instructor is right at their fingertips. They can check out biographies, potentials, and most importantly work hours. All they have to do is select the right instructor for them and then slot in an appointment in an available space.
Focus on bigger issues
Using a phone only booking system means that you and your staff will often find yourselves tied up on the lines just booking appointments. You might be able to spend your time more productively in other areas, and using an online appointment system will allow you to do just that.
Expand your client base
Have you ever sat around at night, thinking how much you would like a burger, and wishing that your favorite restaurant delivered?
That’s what we call impulsive thinking, and the truth is people have it for just about every business aspect there is. Who knows how many potential clients you are missing just because you don’t have an online presence!
If you were to use an online booking service on your webpage, these clients might be drawn to your business. Instead of thinking, “Gee, I’d like to improve my tennis game”, but letting the thought pass after realizing working hours are over, potential clients could go to your website, review your successes, and book an appointment all in a manner of minutes.
Finally, people just like to see what’s going on with their appointments. We all worry from time to time that we forgot to book an important appointment. With an online appointment system, clients can double check any time they want to ensure that their lessons have been booked and ready to go.
Author Resource:
Staying current in your industry and diversifying your product and service line are two keys to growing and even maintaining your business in rough economic times. Look for competitive advantages wherever you can. Visit http://www.netwaveonlinescheduling.com/appointment-scheduling to learn more.
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