After the success of the digital revolution in their sister salons Terence Paul, Flanagan’s Barbers decided enough is enough and wanted to emulate online booking in their barbershops to create a combined walk-in and booking answer to the barbershop.
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”The main issues we were experiencing was generating trade in the quiet periods, long queues at the weekend and trying to give the long-standing and popular barbers more time. It was time we moved on from just using the traditional walk-in system.
David Looms – Flanagan’s
We speak to Dave, the manager, and George, the barber.
What were the issues you were experiencing before you started looking at a digital solution in your barbershops?
D: The main issues we were experiencing was generating trade in the quiet periods, long queues on the weekend and trying to give the long-standing and popular barbers more time. It was time we moved on from just using the traditional walk-in system.
Have you tried using anything else before?
D: The success of Terence Paul gave us only one solution. Shortcuts works perfectly in their hair salons so why not in our barbershops? The last 2 months have been a great success. Our city center barbers have seen over 1,000 online bookings so the plan is to roll it out in the other 4 shops with a 5th site opening very soon.
What did you achieve as a direct result?
D: Online booking has given us the ability to fill-up the quieter periods. The 2-way text messages has reduced no-shows and the staff are not as tired at the end of the day.
G: I personally have felt the benefit. Less stress and able to get more time with the clients. I think there has been only one customer who doesn’t like to book – said he likes the time away from his wife and kids! Ha.
Has the whole process been easy?
D: It couldn’t have been any easier. From the initial consultation to the ongoing training – it has been really efficient and well streamlined. As a 40-year old barber who, ‘can’t be taught new tricks,’ it couldn’t have been any easier.
Your app results have been amazing– what are your secrets on promoting it?
D: Our barbershops are built on reputation. My philosophy is if you don’t live for today, there will be nothing left tomorrow. We are all extremely passionate about the industry and showcase this across our website and social media.
What would you say to anyone considering barber booking systems?
D: Absolutely go for it! It helps everyone. The clients, the barbers, the managers… It generates trade and stops clients wasting their time. Our retention rates have gone up and we are nothing without our beloved customers.
”Online booking has given us the ability to fill-up the quieter periods. The 2-way text messages has reduced no-shows and the staff are not as tired at the end of the day.
