SimplyBook.me November Newsletter – Updates and New Features

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The world of small and medium-sized businesses is dynamic and challenging, demanding versatile solutions that not only keep pace but also drive growth. Catering to this need, SimplyBook.me has announced a range of updates and features, further solidifying its status as a comprehensive appointment scheduling and business management system. Let’s dive into the October updates and what’s to come in November.

Streamlined Payments and Invoicing

The latest feature that’s generating buzz is the ability to print invoices/receipts directly from the SimplyBook.me admin app. This functionality, compatible with Bluetooth-enabled thermal printers, supports 50mm and 80mm invoice/receipt printing. It marks a significant leap in onsite client servicing and sales processes.

Particularly for beauty salons, fitness studios, and driving schools, this translates to streamlined, professional, and efficient checkout experiences. Adding to this, when deposits are being used invoices will now show both the deposit and the remaining amount. This simplifies payment tracking for both providers and clients.

Enhanced Tip Functionality

Addressing the nuances of service-based businesses, SimplyBook.me now allows the addition of tips during on-site payments through its mobile app. This is a thoughtful nod to sectors like beauty and wellness, where tipping is a common practice, providing clients a seamless way to express their gratitude for exceptional service.

With this addition, clients can now either add tips during the online payment process or when they finalise payment during check-out after receiving the service. Being a flexible, versatile system, users can of course choose whether to activate this feature. They can also decide if they want to offer tips during online check-out or not.

Accounting and Invoicing Integrations

In a big move to simplify accounting workflows, SimplyBook.me has integrated with leading accounting software like Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. These integrations promise to make sales transaction entries more fluid, directly benefiting businesses that prefer using specific invoicing or accounting platforms. This connectivity fosters a more cohesive ecosystem, allowing for better financial tracking and management. While Quickbooks and Freshbooks can automatically sync with SimplyBook.me, Xero users can export formatted reports. They can then import these reports directly into their Xero accounting software.

Addition of Payment Labels

The addition of new payment labels – Terminal, Recurring, Online, and Manual – in SBPay.me, enhances payment tracking and categorisation. These labels offer business owners more granular control over transaction reporting and analysis, aiding in better financial management. These labels are a new addition to the labels clients can be labelled with for grouping of clients for detailed reporting.

Widget Code in REACT Format

For businesses embracing modern web technologies, the updated widget code now available in REACT format, signals SimplyBook.me’s commitment to technological advancement and user convenience. Additionally the widget code has also been cleaned up for easier use and understanding for users. Users can find details in the help center about how to use widgets on their own sites. This update empowers businesses to integrate and customise booking widgets more efficiently.

Time Zone Clarity for Global Appointments

In our interconnected world, SimplyBook.me addresses the challenges of international appointments and daylight savings discrepancies. A new warning system during the booking process for clients greatly reduces the chances of missed or mistimed appointments, ensuring smooth scheduling across different time zones during daylight transition, the small time frame when time change of clients and providers is not in sync between some countries – a crucial feature for global consultants that want every client to attend at the right time.

Booking Changes Without Client Notifications

This one has been requested by many of our users! Respecting the need for discretion, SimplyBook.me introduces an option to alter bookings without automatically notifying clients. This feature provides businesses with greater control over their scheduling communications.

Organising Packages by Filters

We have now added filters to packages page on the client side. This update aids in better organisation and presentation, enhancing the user experience.

Various Small Changes

Various small changes have been updated over the last weeks such as: custom durations for packages, set zero prices for products and add-ons, visibly indicating free offerings, and selecting not to send change notifications to clients during appointment updates.

Early November Releases

In the upcoming November release, SimplyBook.me is set to unveil a highly requested feature from our users: Products as standalone items. This feature allows businesses to sell products separately from services, enhancing their offerings and customer convenience. Users can enable the ‘Products for sale’ option, showcase a dedicated products menu on the booking site, and even categorise their offerings for easier navigation. With options for delivery details and customised notifications, the purchase process is streamlined for both client and company, notifying both parties upon order completion​​. This addition is poised to expand the e-commerce capabilities of our users significantly.

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Experience these features firsthand and discover how SimplyBook.me can elevate your business efficiency and customer satisfaction. Explore more or visit our help center for in-depth guides and support.