5 Scheduling Platforms With Rewards Program Integration

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Online scheduling platforms give businesses an easy way to cut down on customer phone calls and reduce the workload on overburdened front desk staffers. What many business owners don’t realize, however, is just how much data they’re collecting about their customers when they use these platforms, and how that data could be effectively utilized in future online marketing efforts.

By integrating existing scheduling platforms and with newer rewards programs, businesses can use the information they already have at their fingertips to increase customer loyalty, decrease client drop-off rates, and promote continued engagement at their establishments. Here are five integrated scheduling platforms and loyalty programs that small businesses can try.

1. Perkville and Mindbody Online
Local businesses that use the Perkville loyalty platform can get more clients involved in their programs by connecting to MindBody Online’s scheduling software. By integrating the two platforms, businesses in the yoga and fitness industry can reward clients for registering for classes and showing up on time, even without requiring those clients to sign-in to redeem their rewards. Businesses can also use the contact information their customers enter into MindBody for enrollment in their loyalty programs, thereby eliminating a barrier to entry and ensuring that nearly every student takes part. Perkville programs cost merchants between $19 and $69 per month.

2. GramercyOne
Rather than integrating with a separate loyalty platform, GramercyOne has decided to create its own. The cloud-based business management system for spas, salons, yoga studios, medical facilities, and hotels has is known for its suite of scheduling tools. However, businesses that are also interested in customer retention can use GramercyOne’s loyalty and membership programs to reward their most frequent customers with special discounts on products and services. Businesses can also enroll their clients in loyalty points programs to incentivize repeat visits even further. GramercyOne offers variable pricing that ranges from free to upwards of $250 per month.

3. OpenTable and Savored
Restaurants looking to increase the number of customers who book dinner reservations online can link their OpenTable accounts to Savored, the limited-time deals platform. Diners are rewarded for reserving tables through OpenTable with up to 40%-off their total bills at participating restaurants, and because their reservations were made through OpenTable’s online interface, they don’t have to present any coupons or printed vouchers to redeem their discounts. OpenTable’s fees for restaurants vary, however most establishments pay around $650 to get set up and $270 per month for the platform’s terminals and table-management software.

4. Groupon Scheduler and Groupon Rewards
Businesses running daily deals with Groupon can get more longevity from their campaigns by using the company’s merchant tools to schedule customer appointments and manage loyalty rewards. Merchants who’ve worked with Groupon can invite deal purchasers to book appointments through the Groupon Scheduler system, creating an easy way to collect customer contact information and track appointment histories. Meanwhile, those customers who come back frequently and use the same credit or debit card for each transaction can earn loyalty points, which can be redeemed for special rewards. Both services are available at no cost to Groupon merchants.

5. Schedulicity and SocialGuides
Aimed at solo service providers and “tiny” businesses, Schedulicity users can accept bookings via their websites or Facebook, and communicate with customers through text or email. By adding a SocialGuides loyalty tab to their Facebook pages, Schedulicity clients can offer fan-exclusive content and launch online marketing campaigns through Facebook. Schedulicity’s merchant prices range from $19.95 to $39.95 per month.

Know of other scheduling platforms with loyalty program integration? Leave a description in the comments.

Stephanie Miles is an associate editor at Street Fight.

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Stephanie Miles is a journalist who covers personal finance, technology, and real estate. As Street Fight’s senior editor, she is particularly interested in how local merchants and national brands are utilizing hyperlocal technology to reach consumers. She has written for FHM, the Daily News, Working World, Gawker, Cityfile, and Recessionwire.