My barber doesn’t have online booking or phone booking. You walk in and take a seat, or wait in the line if it’s busy.
I asked him why not. He told me that he used to take bookings, and stopped for a few reasons:
1. A lot of people book appointments and don’t show up, or show up late, causing him down time and reduces his income. If a regular client shows up late for his 30 minute appointment does he make another customer - also booked - wait?
2. He can cut some people’s hair in 15 minutes while others it might take 40. By having booking it limits this flexibility. He can also charge more or less depending on how long it takes.
3. Walk ins are self regulating. People know when it’s likely to be busy and when it’s likely to be quieter. If they don’t mind waiting they come at a busy time. If they want to be in and out quickly they go off peak.
I asked him why not. He told me that he used to take bookings, and stopped for a few reasons:
1. A lot of people book appointments and don’t show up, or show up late, causing him down time and reduces his income. If a regular client shows up late for his 30 minute appointment does he make another customer - also booked - wait?
2. He can cut some people’s hair in 15 minutes while others it might take 40. By having booking it limits this flexibility. He can also charge more or less depending on how long it takes.
3. Walk ins are self regulating. People know when it’s likely to be busy and when it’s likely to be quieter. If they don’t mind waiting they come at a busy time. If they want to be in and out quickly they go off peak.