Free or cheap booking: When is 'simple' actually expensive?
You're starting a business, the first bookings are pouring in, and you think: an Excel sheet or a shared calendar will do just fine, right? It's free, and you'll be online tomorrow.
The temptation for free tools is strong. Understandably so. But as you grow, that "free" solution often unknowingly transforms into a time-wasting experience. When is simple good enough, and when is it actually holding you back? Let's take an honest look at your process.
The Charm of Free (and the Pitfall)
Let's be honest: a Google Form or a simple Excel list is wonderfully accessible. There are no costs, no complicated contracts, and you can get started right away. Perfect for a hobby project or a startup with three bookings a week.
But ask yourself this question: are you doing business, or are you mainly just plugging holes?
As soon as the phone rings more often, you run into the walls of a simple system:
- Craftsmanship: You're typing confirmations all day long.
- Payment puzzles: You have to manually check whether that invoice from Tuesday has already been paid.
- Error prone: Oops, two people in the same time slot. That not only costs you time, but also your reputation.
The power of i-Reserve: Software that works for you
Professional software like i-Reserve isn't there to complicate things, but to eliminate the clutter. We believe technology should serve you, not the other way around.
| What do you prefer to do? | Simple system (Manual) | With i-Reserve (Slim) |
|---|---|---|
| Books | Sending emails back and forth. | Customer books directly, you see the results. |
| Pay | Sending ticks and checking banking apps. | Arranged directly via iDEAL or credit card. |
| Overview | Puzzling in spreadsheets. | Your turnover and occupancy at a glance. |
| Integrations | Retype everything manually. | Your accounting and calendar talk to each other. |
A quick look: Is it time for the next step?
Grab a cup of coffee and consider these questions. Be honest:
- Do you ever get annoyed by a double booking?
- Do you spend more than 3 hours a week on administration?
- Are customers dropping out because they can't pay immediately?
- Is your price list becoming a maze of discounts and different times?
Did you nod "yes" two or more times? Then your current system is probably hindering your growth.
The next step
Switching to professional software isn't an added expense; it's an investment in your own freedom. With i-Reserve you can automate up to 90% of your administration. That means more time for your clients, or simply getting home on time for once.
Shall we see how much time you can save?