How to receive payments online for appointments

The future of booking transactions

As the number of internet users grows and more services go online, consumers have started to expect booking platforms that offer multiple payment options. According to BBVA, cash usage has been in decline for the past 30 years thanks to the introduction of debit cards and mobile banking. This shift towards cashless transactions has been accelerated even further by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced consumers online.

For both product and service businesses, it has become increasingly important to accept payments online in order to secure customers and reach a wider audience. Find out how online booking and payment software can help you cater to changing demands and take your business to the next level.

Get paid for appointments in advance

Setting up an online payment gateway takes time-consuming administrative tasks off your hands. You can save yourself the hassle of manually issuing receipts or chasing late payments. Request prepayment for appointments prior to confirming, just as you would in-person.

How to receive payments online for free

By integrating your with an online payment platform, your customers can quickly use their credit or debit cards to reserve spots on your calendar. It’s convenient for both you and your client, plus, clients are more likely to attend appointments when they’ve already paid. So long, no-shows!

Are you on a Setmore Free plan? Connect your account with Square to process card transactions from your calendar or Booking Page. Pro or Team customers can also opt to integrate with Stripe and Paypal.

Read our step-by-step support article on how to accept credit card payments online.

How to accept payments online for a remote service

Does your business offer virtual consultations, classes or webinars? If so, enable advance payments for sessions so all you have to do is show up!

With Setmore, your attendees can self-schedule and purchase a spot at your event without the back and forth emails. You’re notified as soon as a booking is confirmed, giving you full visibility on the number of people attending. Your customers are also sent a digital receipt plus automatic email confirmations and reminders.

1. Log in or sign up for your FREE Setmore account.
2. Head to ‘Apps & Integrations’ and select ‘Zoom’
3. Click the ‘Activate’ button and choose which of your services should be video-enabled.

1. In Setmore, head to ‘Apps & Integrations’ and select ‘Zoom’.
2. Enter your Zoom login details and click ‘Sign In’.
3. Choose ‘Assign Zoom User’ next to your chosen Setmore staff profile.
4. Pick which of your services or classes should be video-enabled and click ‘Finish’. A Zoom meeting link will be created each time a video-enabled appointment is booked.

In-store mobile payments just got easier

Imagine the frustration of motivated customers when they hear “cash only” at checkout. If you run a mobile business, it might be the fastest way to lose potential clients.

In this new decade, there are new rules. Many consumers prefer not to carry cash and expect to have a choice of payment options. Don’t miss out at the point of sale after you’ve attracted a prospect.

Mobile credit card readers allow you to process transactions directly from your Android or iOS device. Take card payments on-the-move, at your trade stall, event or brick and mortar premises.

Learn how to accept credit card payments on your mobile phone with Square >

Download the Setmore mobile app for iOS or Android.

Free online cash register

Activate Setmore Cash Register to track and manage your business’ cash transactions. It takes less than three minutes to switch on. Log cash payments and generate receipts from your smartphone or desktop.

1. Log into your Setmore account or sign up to start.
2. Head to > Settings > Payments.
3. Under ‘Payment settings’ select ‘Cash Register’.
4. Click ‘Activate Cash Register’ and you’re sorted.

Gain an edge over your competition

The digital age has revolutionized the way we do business. Gone are the days you were tied to your desk or restricted by timezone. The power of automation takes the limits off where you do business.

Land more bookings and manage your business calendar from Anywhere with all-in-one online booking and payment software. By empowering clients to self-schedule and pay for your services online, you open your business up to a global client base.

Leave Setmore to take bookings around-the-clock and let details land in your calendar automatically. Your Booking Page can be customized for customers around the world. Showcase your availability in your visitors’ local timezone, show fees in different currencies, and display your Booking Page in multiple languages - all for free.

Keep up-to-date financial records

An online payment gateway lets you store and centralize your transaction information so it's easier to track your revenue.

Put an end to tracking unpaid invoices or finding a home for your paper receipts. Customer payment details are instantly recorded in Setmore, so you have access to a real-time view of your cash flow.

Learn how to track payment history in your Setmore account >

Automate your bookkeeping by connecting your online booking system with leading accounting software. The QuickBooks and Xero integrations enable you to accept online payments and automatically export details to your accounting system.

• Track every transaction for appointments, classes and events
• Centralize your customer and payment information
• Automatically sync payment details for any booking
• Reduce time spent on routine financial tasks
• Monitor your revenue from appointments
• Digitize your business’ financial data and store back-ups

Turn online traffic into paying customers

Adding a payment gateway to your online Booking Page instantly increases your chances of getting booked.

With the Facebook and Instagram integrations, your online visitors can schedule and pay for appointments directly through your social media. Simply add a ‘Book Now’ button to your business pages. With one tap, customers are directed to your Booking Page where they can confirm an appointment.

Get discovered by new customers and collect likes, follows and new appointments. Connecting your business pages with your online booking and payment widget allows you to:

• Increase your online sales channels
• Display your full service menu and availability
• Showcase your services with photos and videos
• Let followers access your Booking Page without leaving their social apps
• Direct ad traffic to your Booking Page

Here’s how to add a ‘Book Now’ button to your Facebook and Instagram business pages. Give new followers the chance to book your services right away, and turn scrolling into scheduling.

Payment gateway for website bookings

A free booking button can also be added to any number of pages on your business website. The free booking widget links directly to your Booking Page where you can showcase your services to a worldwide audience. Encourage online traffic to schedule and pay for your services right away, while they’re most engaged.

Why you should add a payment system to your website.

• Link web visitors to your full online Booking Page or a specific service
• Choose whether your Booking Page opens in a pop-up window or new tab
• Become more competitive by offering a direct link for reservations
• Let visitors self-book appointments and cut the back-and-forth
• Grow your customer base by capitalizing on global traffic
• Gain behavioral data on your traffic with the Setmore-Google Tag Manager integration
• Connect Google Analytics with your Booking Page and use audience insights to inform your marketing efforts

Revolutionizing men’s grooming

Fais Shariff, the co-founder of Haar Bros, a bespoke gentleman’s grooming lounge in London, has used an online booking and payment process to create memorable experiences for his customers.

Unlike traditional barber shops, Haar Bros operates a self-scheduling and cashless payment model. iPads and Square payment terminals are available at every chair, empowering each client to tap and pay before they leave.

The business’s digital approach has not only garnered glowing feedback from customers, it has allowed the business to centralize their transactions and run more efficiently.

Read how Haar Bros uses booking and payment software from Setmore to create a tech-led barbering business. By choosing a barbers appointment app to take care of the payments and paperwork, you get to spend more time on fresh fades.

Building deeper client relationships

According to Real Business, life coaching is now the second fastest growing industry in the world. Thanks to the digitization boom, distance learning has become an accessible option for people who want to maximize their personal or professional potential.

For leaders in the digital coaching space, efficient appointment booking and payment software is crucial to securing clients in a competitive market. Laura Gomez, a business coach and founder of the TDC Digital Agency, tells us giving clients an easy way to schedule is essential to standing out.

Like many coaches, Laura posts content promoting her services across multiple online platforms. By adding a payment system for her website, she empowers prospective clients to reserve seats at her workshops right away. Setmore’s zoom video meeting integration then gives her the power to host 1-click virtual events with her clients.

Are you a consultant or coach? Find out how consultant scheduling software can help you fill your calendar faster and take your services online.

Finding the right online payment gateway for your business

Your Setmore booking system connects with Square, Stripe or Paypal, allowing you to accept credit and debit card payments online. Empower your web visitors to schedule and pay for appointments anytime, Anywhere.

Available on Free Setmore plan

Available on Setmore Premium & Pro

Contactless payments

Accepts credit card payments

Processing fees

• 2.6% + 10¢ for contactless payments. Learn more about Square payments
• 2.9% + 30¢ Learn more about Stripe payments
• 2.9% + $0.30¢ Learn more about Paypal fees

POS mobile app

Android app

iOS app

Text and email reminders

Integrates with accounting software

Integrates with your website, Instagram and Facebook

Android app

How to set up an online website that accepts payments

Ready to add payment processing to your Booking Page? Sign up for your Setmore account to start. For further support on how to add a payment system to your website, social media and more, read our support guides:

• Learn how to receive payments online with Square and Stripe.
• Explore website payment processing and more with PayPal.
• Activate Booking Page payments to get paid in advance for appointments, classes and events - whether they’re in-person or virtual.
• Accept and record cash payments with the Setmore Cash Register tool, available on both the web and mobile apps.
• Process card payments directly from your Android or iOS device with Square mobile app payment processing.
• Embed a ‘Book Now’ button on your Instagram and Facebook business pages to receive payments online through social media.