Ovatu

Avantages

I like how I have been able to build the system to suit my business needs it’s not a case if one software suits all.

Inconvénients

I would like to be able to customise the book now platform more and I don’t like how you get charged 5 credits for a txt message.

Avantages

I absolutely love how all of my most used items are contained in one place! Extremely flexible schedule, invoicing, appointment reminders, client reviews, online scheduling - it's fantastic. I spent so much less time going back-and-forth for scheduling with most of my clients because they can very easily add themselves to my schedule through my website. I can open up the Ovatu app on my smart phone and easily check my schedule for updates. Fantastic! I recommend Ovatu to everyone and couldn't be happier with customer service as they are always polite and prompt returning my questions.

Inconvénients

There are only 2 areas in which I think Ovatu could be tweaked:

1) adding in some way to track a few more types of expenses to reflect on the bottom line for revenue (items such as rent, insurance, payroll cost, etc. which is a little bit more of a job for accounting software) to give a more accurate overall picture in the Reports section.

2) An improved note-taking system to allow for a little bit more flexibility.
I'd love to have a way to store private SOAP notes after each consultation that can include PDF attachments or diagrams, and, at the same time, another section of semi-public notes (between me and that particular client only - through their log-in) that clients can log-in and see through the mini-site which would contain recommendations for them to complete between appointments.

Avantages

This software is super easy to use and manage. Once it has been setup it pretty much runs itself which gives me time to get on with my business. The online booking feature leaves me free to treat clients without having to spend time taking calls or replying to emails. My clients love the reminder service and ease of use. I integrate with Stripe and Paypal so my booking and checking out process is seamless. I love the fact that everything is digital and I am 100% paperless and compliant for GDPR.

Inconvénients

There isn't anything I dislike about the software. I would like to see some integration of accounting software to make tax and end of year a little easier. It would be ideal if this could be an all in one package. I would also like to see an option to sell products as well as services through the booking process. The software already holds my stock data so this would certainly be a benefit as all sales would be handled in one area.

Avantages

It's quite a daunting thing having your whole business on a bit of software but the team at Ovatu have been incredible support and know the product inside out so when I call for guidance they give step by step advice and email through a video to refer to afterwards.

Inconvénients

I don't dislike anything, it does everything I need

Alternatives envisagées 

Booksy Biz et Treatwell

Pourquoi passer à Ovatu

I got recommended Ovatu

Avantages

Love, love, LOVE Ovatu's customer service! I've received responses back as quickly as within a few minutes, but always within a day, even given our 14 hour time zone difference. I was born before personal computers existed (!), and I don't find these programs intuitive, but cust support rep and his crew have been nothing but welcoming and patient with each of my many questions. They are also very open to requests for improvements, and have made small program tweaks for me right away on a couple of occasions.

Once I got the scheduler integrated into my website, I rarely need to interact with my clients before they come in for their appointments! I've had more than a few clients mention that they selected my business precisely because they COULD schedule online, without any phone tag delays. Clients really appreciate the email and text message appointment reminders, too (and I appreciate the lack of no-shows), and I love the automatic birthday reminder and review solicitation email follow-ups.

The pricing is very affordable and, for everything that is included, is a bargain. I cannot recommend Ovatu enough. I am an extremely satisfied and very happy customer!

Inconvénients

If I knew more about computers/coding, I think there are more features I could take advantage of. It took me a while to understand that there are some things that can't be done on the app and need to be done on the pc, although this is gradually changing. I'll sometimes see verbage on a form that doesn't make any sense to the layperson in me, but if I send in an inquiry to Customer Service, I get a clear answer.

Avantages

The software has completely taken me out of the loop for booking appointments, saved me a huge amount of time

Inconvénients

The help guides could cover more troubleshooting, but once I got used to how the system works it got easier.

Avantages

I love everything about this product! It is the lifeline of my business. The booking reminders that are sent automatically are brilliant and certainly saves cancellations. It is so easy to use. Keeping all my customers updated, birthday reminders (nice touch), the way I can see at a glance the different treatments I have booked each day, being so user-friendly on my phone and laptop is essential.

Inconvénients

There isn't anything I dislike about this software. It certainly ticks all the boxes for me and my business.

Avantages

Ease of client use. Significant reduction in time spent on the phone. Integration with payment system prevents no shows. Continual development and improvement of the software. Tech support is fantastic. Adaptable

Inconvénients

Invoicing and receipts: It would be great if the send invoice or receipt option on the app included the full business header complete with tax numbers etc. At the moment, in order for the receipts or invoices to have enough information on them for taxation purposes, I have to login to my account on my computer, find the customer, select the appointment individually, open full sale, select print, select view full sale, select open pdf in my Preview application and then email each sale individually from Preview.

Many of my patients request receipts at the end of a course of treatment so they can claim from their insurers. At the moment I can only send them individual receipts, which means I may have to send up to 10 emails per person if they had 10 treatments. It's time consuming and can't be done during clinic time. It would be great to be able to send one email for a date range that has all their payments, itemisation of sales and all my business header and tax info.

It would be great to be able to get more specific Waitlist info from patients i.e specific dates and times e.g Jo Bloggs waitlists for Tues morning, Wed after 5pm, Thursday 1-3pm

Avantages

Ovatu is so easy to use. I can see my weekly diary easily and booking appointments is so easy.

Inconvénients

The joy thing Ovatu is missing for me is time segments for clients. For example having evening clients in a segment so only they are able to book appointments after 5pm

Avantages

I love the fact that I can login from anywhere no matter if I lose my phone my tablet my computer crashes etc., I can login from anywhere in the world or any device and check my appointments no matter what they cannot be lost. I love the fact that I can put in my prices I love the fact that it’s color-coded, and it will give me a detailed description and how much I’m making that week how much I have made in the past breakdown every single category and how many I’ve done and how many I have made doing that from years ago. I’ve had this for many many years and I am still a huge fan,it’s very affordable also.

Inconvénients

I think the only con would be that it takes just a little bit more time than you normally would to make an appointment but the rewards in the end or so so worth it.

Avantages

Ovatu is amazing. It makes managing bookings a snap and is very user friendly. With the option for me to book in patients or for patients to use the mini site as well as options of emailing campaigns, sms reminders and even taking payment. It is the only way I would want to run my clinic as it has been the smoothest system I've had the pleasure of using in the last 5 years (at other clinics and my own). It is also worth mentioning that the tech support and customer service are phenomenal. The Ovatu team really cares for their customers and are always on hand to assist with any problem I have had.

Inconvénients

The minisite was a bit of a nightmare to set up (I have zero tech ability) but with the new updated site and also the constant customer support - this soon became one of the best features of Ovatu.

Avantages

This software has everything I need and use for me as a self employed user of Ovatu. When I first started a couple of years or so ago I only used parts of the software and I gained my confidence through the staff members to use the software more, I don’t use everything but maybe I will further down the line. The whole setup is just perfect they seem to have thought of everything.

Inconvénients

Nothing is difficult when you know how on this site but I am not technically minded so I had to ask many questions.

Avantages

Having the option to send reminder texts/emails to clients is such a life-saver ! If I had to spend all my time after work texting & reminding people I would be exhausted. It is so nice knowing that a personalized reminder is always sent on time to them so that I don't have to! I also love the feature to save their formulas or pictures of my client's hair. The re-book feature is also great! No more counting weeks on a calendar, just hit 6 weeks and it tells you to the day where that is. I also love that everything is BACKED up! I had a phone crash on me years ago with all of my client's formulas and info on it, that was awful, never again!

Inconvénients

A few things I've noticed that could be tweaked are, on the app it doesn't say the month in the header and when rebooking or looking ahead for an appointment it would be nice to know right away which month it is. Also, not sure if this is available & maybe I haven't utilized it yet but it would nice to have a report of which clients haven't made an appointment in (insert time requirement i.e. 12 weeks) and be able to send specifically those clients a personalized "we miss you, here's %10 off" message. Something along those lines.

Avantages

ease of use for my patients, simple for me. i don't have reception so it helps me with my time. i don't book many appointments by phone anymore.

Inconvénients

making the forms was a bit of a chore, i don't understand all the terminology so I'm not sure what some of the stuff is for. But that's a me issue i think.

Avantages

It is easy to use and logical, however the stand out feature that prompts me to write this review is the people in the support team. There are help tutorials for everything but when I can't see the wood from the trees, they are quick to respond in live chat, or email and essentially stay patient and professional when they must honestly want to bang their heads against a brick wall, when I have clearly missed something simple or made an obvious error I couldn't see. Last night I suggested a change (one of my finer moments!) and within a few hours they had actually implemented it - and I appreciate so much a) that they were still listening and b) implemented it! as it will greatly benefit the experience of my clients. I was so pleased I told my husband said "omg how much did you pay them, or do you pay them for their software - where on earth do you get that sort of service these days!"

So thank you to [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] and anyone else who has helped this switch from my previous provider! you are all legends!

Inconvénients

Not a lot at all, and the one thing that could be improved they did!

Avantages

The best thing about Ovatu is that clients actually use it. They speak of how easy , simple, and straightforward it is to engage with. These are individuals aged 17 to 71 from all different technological eras. This says something about the design and implementation. The biggest compliment to it's interface is that throughout the booking process, a client doesn't have to leave the experience to verify their email (and then re-log in). They see a booking, enter their details, and they are done. Customer support has always been stellar. High marks all around.

Inconvénients

Would like to have certain elements (specifically on screen instructions during the booking process) be personalised. Would like to see the review system was better integrated with Google review guidelines.

Avantages

Brilliant features!

Forms are super helpful especially when they automatically send out!

Online booking is great, I love how it integrates into my website seamlessly.

Gap minimiser is wonderful too!

Inconvénients

It would be easier if we could select multiple services to make a change ie buffer times or resources.

Alternatives envisagées 

Booksy Biz et Timely

Pourquoi choisir Ovatu 

Fresha's pricing was confusing, expensive and the support was awful. As soon as I trialled ovatu I knew I needed to switch.

Logiciel antérieur 

Fresha

Pourquoi passer à Ovatu

A combination of pricing and features. Ovatu doesn't feel like a huge company just trying to make money, it feels like you're here to support and grow small businesses like mine.

Avantages

Economical, cloud based, works like 2 members of staff. I use it on my MAC, iPhone and iPad. The update releases just get better and better and looks seriously clean and easy to navigate. They respond very quickly with queries too.
Clients can book 24/7 it has full functionality too love love love it!
Now with the improved waitlist option its even better. I can develop my own consent forms which are sent when a client books online.

Inconvénients

There is nothing at all I do not like. Ive been with this company for many years now and as they grow and develop the product it gets better and better.

Avantages

Ease of use : Very easy to navigate the app. I love the reporting. Easy to see my profit for the day. I also get a quick response from customer support. My client enjoy receiving their reminders.

Inconvénients

I find it easier booking clients using the app on my phone than on my computer. Too many boxes to click through before I can place the booking. I don't like the way the date is set out that I need to confirm a booking next to each time. Sometime it pushes times out to eg: 2:05pm instead of 2pm. It would be easier to put in a time at the top of the booking instead of scrolling down to find the time. Hope this makes sense!

Avantages

Very user friendly , I picked it up right away, no tricky learning curve.
Super easy to customise by adding your services and prices etc and not too time consuming either.
Excellent reminder system, sends out reminder email 48hrs before to minimise no shows.
Easy to view scheduling
I love that the IPhone version can be used offline to take bookings etc then automatically syncs up when it has signal
easy to store client information
excellent customer service, very quick to reply and have always answered all my questions and solved all my issues within days if not hours,

Inconvénients

annoying that the google compatible version doesn't seem as advanced, wanted to upgrade to the Google pixel phone but the Ovatu app wasn't as good so had to stick to iPhone

Avantages

It is extremely easy to set up. Even if you are not good with computers the step by step guides are really easy to follow and the support online and over the phone is amazing!! It makes life so much easier as customers can book their own appointments online rather than messaging back and forward trying to organise a time that suits both of us. Customers are never waiting for me to get back to them as they can see everything they need to online and I can enjoy my days off. Also the new app is brilliant!!

Inconvénients

Only bad thing about it is that it charges for sending texts to customers. If there was a way for it to link up to my own network provider and use my own allowance then it would be perfect.

Avantages

Simple, effective & has saved me money from reduced cancellations & no-shows.
I now wake up to multiple bookings each morning.
Information is stored securely & helps keep everything streamlined. It syncs well to programs like Mailchimp also.
The text reminder & follow up texts & emails are brilliant.
These features have taken my business to a more professional level.
I'm able to run reports & see where my business is.

Inconvénients

When you click on the customers appointment you can't see their details. You have to manually search

Avantages

I have been with Ovatu for years.
I am very impressed with the software and all the features that make running a salon much easier.
The Ovatu team goes above and beyond to make the Ovatu experience easy and effective. Any assistance that is needed, not only are they more than happy to help but the speed in which they do this always amazes me.
You won’t be disappointed in Ovatu!

Inconvénients

So far Ovatu has addressed all my needs.

Avantages

Saves all the clients info and makes future bookings a snap! It emails appointment reminders to clients! The software is easy to use, and anytime I've ever had a problem or concern, I got an email back from Ovatu within just a few hours

Inconvénients

If I had to pick a Con for this software, there would be two. 1: there aren't enough free text message send outs included in my plan, so I don't use them at all.
2: on the print screen when printing your daily schedule from the iPhone app, the "print" button or link is almost impossible to see. A different font color would fix that. But those are minut.

Avantages

This software makes my life bliss. It has such advanced rules I can set for appointments, e.g. I can allow a a service type to be booked only at given times frames, that can be different each day, then on top of that, it works out what digital forms to send at a set time prior, and then goes a step further to pop up a form on the time of the appointment for staff to fill in. Customer love the booking site, the ease of use, the slick interface.

Inconvénients

The form designer is a bit clunky, and needs to support pictures, and some better layout options, but I did find it responds to HTML tags so made the best I can.

Avantages

It has only been a couple hours of use and after numerous trials and use of other booking software, I am very pleased with Ovatus setup! Best in comparison, in my opinion.

Inconvénients

It’s a huge bummer there is limited integrations/no fields for client reference photos in the intake forms. That’s a huge ding for me, but I will settle for using Jotform as another service in addition to Ovatu. Would be awesome to have it all in one place though.

Avantages

User friendly interface, good and useful functions, excellent web area with so many useful functions. This application made my life easier with a 60% reduction in my incoming phone calls.
OVATU You is a perfect application as well as I try to force my patients to use it.

Inconvénients

Language support for HUNGARIAN would be a great value as (unfortunately typical in Hungary) nearly half of the patients cannot speak English.
Sometimes duplicated booking is available. However I don't know the reason for it.
Mass email for a specific day's patients is not available.

Avantages

The fact I could keep everything in one place. I could link a payment method and email customers direct.

Inconvénients

Took me a little getting used to when I changed over but I enjoyed using it.

Alternatives envisagées 

Acuity Scheduling et Fresha

Pourquoi choisir Ovatu 

Liked the look of what Ovatu could do and it was recommended by my business coach [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN]

Pourquoi passer à Ovatu

Thought it was best suited to my business.

Avantages

I like that it's easy for me and my clients to use, with the apps available. It's versatile and I can use it on all of my devices. It's easy to incorporate in to my website and the features are being updated all the time.

Inconvénients

I would like to be subscribed to a newsletter outlining new features and how to use them, as nice as it is stumbling upon a new feature

Avantages

I like that I can manage all appointment scheduling and products for all aspects of my business. I like that the app is available on my phone as well as iPad. I love the automatic sms confirmations sent to my clients.

Inconvénients

I would like to see a way to integrate my products with my webpage, so that I did not have to manage 2 product systems. I also would like to see Ovatu integrate the Square payment system. It would make the system even better if the web-based version and the app had the same functionalities.

Avantages

Cost. Ease of use. Automated email reminders. Even though the customer service is through email, Dave and his staff have always been very prompt and responsive about taking care of any issues.

Inconvénients

I wish it functioned with a better cc system like PayPal or venmo or customers could set up to pay from their bank as a transfer of funds.

Avantages

easy to use and set up to your needs. well done A++++++
Particularly, for hairdressers I think, when it comes to colour services, being able to set it up so you can automatically have your colour application time and processing time and finishing time all automatic once you have easily set it up Super!!

Inconvénients

That its not linked directly to square. Square is great and easy to use without the monthly fees!! It would be amazing if Ova2u could link up with square to we didn't have to jump out of one program and into another, as all our prices are set up in ova2u it would totally top it off if it was supported by square.

Avantages

My schedule is right there! And i love how detailed the reporting options can be. Tech support is mostly quick but always responsive!

Inconvénients

Changing a booked appointment; have to scroll through my entire list of services. Search option would be great. Having to go back and back to reach main toolbar. Having tool bar remain visible would be great! ie. on schedule page then wanting to see roster for that week.

Avantages

Easy to use
Great reporting
Ovatu You app
So many great features and functions at a great price for small businessess

Inconvénients

Only set to weekly roster , fortnightly would help us greatly
Waitlist feature is great but if it had an automated reply feature to the customers when appointments became available that they requested it would be a great help

Avantages

Accessibility anytime anywhere
Patient appointment reminder messages.

Inconvénients

Can't look at specific lists by the touch of button.
No Active Birthday reminder for the practitioner.
Keeps deleting the discounts after they have been set.
Have to open the appointment to see names as sometimes hidden in 10 minute slots on the mobile app.
Can't add pics via mobile app to marketing emails as photos on phone incompatible.

Avantages

It's like a member of staff at the fraction of the cost. I love that the team will develop areas of the system to work for your clinic and I've been with OVatu almost from the start

Inconvénients

I love it cant think of any cons- except when there's an apply upgrade sometimes bugs appear on system.

Avantages

So pleased I decided to go with ovatu! Not only are the staff so helpful and fast at replying to emails, but the details you can set on the booking system is amazing, for example I can set certain treatments to only be booked during certain days and times by using the recourse option, which might I add no other online booking system has! You can literally tailor every detail to how you want it! The only thing I regret is I did not sign up sooner and feel guilty of all the family time I have missed out on as a result of booking my own diary!
THANK YOU!

Inconvénients

The only thing I feel could be added is the option to automatically send out cancellation appointments for a longer period of 1 week.

Avantages

I think I have been using Ovatu for approximately 10 years, I had a couple of problems and contacted them they got back with me and fix my problem with in 24 hours. It was very easy to contact them and very easy to work with him.

Inconvénients

The thing that I do not like is when my customers respond to a text it does not come to me in the form of a text it comes to me in the form of an email.

Avantages

easy to use . very happy with the product

Inconvénients

nothing. i love it all. would reccommend to anyone

Avantages

Reliability!!!!hardly ever had a problem and when we have it's been sorted out very quickly. We would not change to another product because this is 100% the one for ourselves.

Inconvénients

Nothing at all love it, so easy to use and all my staff would not want me to change to any thing else.

Avantages

Value for money for ALL these features the app is giving us. The easy way/steps for customers to book OnLine and be informed.

Inconvénients

Perhaps some features/filters more to be come in reports tab just to have easily and fully the option to dig and help us in data analysis.
the option to have in my language (Greek) the SMS

Avantages

Easy to use, and user friendly. A app for my iphone! I can book appointments anywhere. Happy clients, happy me!

Inconvénients

Would like more options like paying for services and gif certificates on-line. My clients find if they don't save there reservations emails they can't rebook or review my service.

Avantages

Love it!
Very user friendly and whenever you need clarification, customer support is readily available to you

Inconvénients

Email notifications to customers could be “fancier”.
I’m just reaching for something here because it’s requiring me to lol

Avantages

The support from Ovatu is world class. Questions are prompltly responded to, training is great. The sotware is easy to use for salon and clients. Ovatu generates detailed information which has literally have my admin time. The reminder and follow up emails are invaluable to my business.

Inconvénients

Android app takes a bit of getting used to and is less user friendly than iOS or desktop versions. Some procedures in android app require several steps which can be a little time consuming. However Ovatu are very responsive and are working towards shortcuts.

Avantages

Love that this is an app and able to use online also and all my devices. Wish i would have used this app years ago.

Inconvénients

Wish i could tap a time to book appts from the appointment calender vs scrolling down to find a time.
Also would like an easier check out process online without having to open up sale so i can add tip.

Avantages

I like that it works consistently well. I have had no real problems. When I have had a small problem or was unsure of how to do something, the customer service has been good and fast.

Inconvénients

I use it for scheduling golf lessons. I wish that it had some features that made scheduling groups easier.

Avantages

Keeps me running to schedule and manages a large part of my business, allows us to all synchronise even though we are all in different parts of the city every day.

Inconvénients

Wish there was a more in depth customer reporting function... such as by last appointment, money spent, services used etc.

Avantages

Simple layout simple job entry without having to enter quotes. Easy employee use so everyone knows what is booked for the next day

Inconvénients

Needs some adaptation for mobile house call style bookings but works well enough. Can only edit customers on computer not devices but again not a major problem

Avantages

The online booking system is the best I've found and takes papal deposits that you choose the amount or % Easy intigration to your website and no need for customers to have their own app!

Inconvénients

You can't scan out professional stock for inventory so I need to use a whole separate system for this, also the reports can be glitchy and off.

Avantages

Customer service: we have had every question answered (even though we are in the US) within the day. This company has made modifications to our individual program to suit our needs! They have been wonderful! We also love the reminders, it keeps our clients from cancelling last minute, and we have less "no shows." Easy to use, easy to read!

Inconvénients

There are some additional features I'm sure we could be using, however not being super tech savvy, I haven't learned how to use them yet! Along the same lines we are trying to set up a barcode scanner to use for our sales, and haven't figured that out yet, due to linking/ syncing/ compatibility.