Packages: Buy now book later on Shopify

In this blog post, we’ll explore how the Packages feature works, its use cases, and how it can create a significant impact for both customers and businesses. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate Shopify scheduling app or booking software, look no further — Easy Appointment Booking has you covered.

What Is the Packages Feature?

Packages enable merchants to sell bundles of services or appointments upfront, allowing customers to schedule them later at their convenience. This flexibility not only enhances the customer experience but also helps businesses secure booking revenue in advance.

How It Works

• Merchants create a package (e.g., “5 Yoga Classes” or “Consultation + Follow-Up”).
• Customers purchase the package upfront and redeem individual bookings over time.
• Merchants can track purchased packages, redeemed sessions, and remaining bookings directly in the Easy Appointment Booking dashboard.

Use Cases for the Packages Feature

1. Product + Service Consultations

For brands selling products that benefit from personalized consultations, Packages are a perfect solution. Imagine you’re a skincare brand offering personalized skincare routines. You could sell products bundled with a consultation, allowing customers to book the session after trying the products.

Customer Impact:

• Customers feel confident purchasing products, knowing they’ll receive expert advice tailored to their needs.
• The flexibility to schedule consultations at their convenience adds to the appeal.

Business Impact:

• Increased product sales, as consultations enhance the perceived value of your offerings.
• Boosted booking revenue with pre-sold consultation slots.

Example:
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"Buy our skincare starter kit and get a free consultation to design your personalized routine."

2. Gifting Opportunities

Packages are ideal for creating giftable experiences. Customers can buy a package of classes, spa sessions, or consultations and gift them to friends or family.

Customer Impact:

• Makes gifting easy and unique, providing more meaningful options than traditional physical products.
• The recipient has the flexibility to schedule the services at their convenience.

Business Impact:

• Attracts new customers who may not have purchased otherwise.
• Helps your brand tap into the gifting market, especially during holidays or special occasions.

Example:
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"Give the gift of wellness! Buy a 5-class yoga pack for someone special."

3. Bundling Services for Convenience

Businesses that offer recurring services, like fitness classes or therapy sessions, can bundle multiple sessions into a single package. Customers appreciate the simplicity and savings of buying in bulk.

Customer Impact:

• Encourages loyalty by locking in multiple bookings at once.
• Saves time and money, as bundled packages are often discounted.

Business Impact:

• Improved cash flow with upfront payments for future bookings.
• Reduced booking friction as customers redeem sessions at their convenience.

Example:
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"Commit to your fitness goals with our 10-class pack — book classes whenever you like!"

Customer and Business Benefits of Packages

Customer Impact

1. Flexibility: Customers can book services on their schedule, making it convenient for busy lifestyles.
2. Value-Added Experience: Combining products and services increases perceived value, creating a more holistic offering.
3. Giftable Option: Packages make unique gifts, allowing customers to share your services with friends and family.

Business Impact

1. Upfront Revenue: Secure payments before services are rendered, improving cash flow.
2. Higher Customer Retention: Packages encourage repeat visits, as customers return to redeem their bookings.
3. Flexible ways to Sell: Use packages for gifting, bundling, or new promotions that help drive Average Order Value (AOV), boosting overall revenue.

Impacts for Brands with E-Commerce Businesses

If you’re already running a successful e-commerce business on Shopify, the Packages feature can help you grow your product sales by integrating services into your offerings. Here’s how:

1. Increase Product Sales with Services

When customers see added value through consultations or service bundles, they’re more likely to purchase products. For example, a jewelry store could offer piercings as part of a bundle, or a fitness brand could include personal training sessions with equipment sales.

Example:
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"Buy a premium yoga mat and get 3 yoga classes to kickstart your practice."

2. Tap into New Revenue Streams

Expand your business model by offering services alongside your existing products. Whether it’s classes, appointments, or consultations, you can attract a new audience while growing your revenue.

Example:
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"A haircare brand could bundle haircuts or styling sessions with product kits, turning customers into long-term clients."

3. Loyalty and Customer Retention

By selling packages, you create opportunities for customers to return and redeem their sessions, keeping them engaged with your brand. This helps improve customer retention and builds loyalty over time.

How to Use the Packages Feature in Easy Appointment Booking

Using the Packages feature is simple and intuitive. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Create a Package: Define the services included, pricing, and any expiration dates.
2. Promote the Package: Highlight it on your Shopify store and market it to your audience.
3. Track Usage: Monitor purchased packages, redeemed sessions, and remaining bookings in your dashboard.
4. Engage Customers: Send reminders to customers about unused sessions or upcoming expirations.

For a detailed setup guide, check out our How-To Guide for Packages.

Why choose Packages with Easy Appointments for Shopify?

Easy Appointment Booking is the best Shopify booking software for merchants who want a seamless, flexible solution for scheduling and managing appointments. Here’s why:

• Built for Shopify: Unlike generic scheduling tools, Easy Appointment Booking integrates directly with your Shopify store, offering a smooth experience for both you and your customers.
• Customizable Options: Tailor the booking experience to match your brand’s needs.
• Powerful Analytics: Track the performance of packages, bookings, and customer retention.

Case Study: Real Results with Packages

The Wellness Studio

Business Type: Yoga and fitness studio
Challenge: Needed a way to boost revenue and secure repeat customers. They had been using EAB's events for drop in classes and bundles but needed a way to get additional revenue up front. For their Black Friday sale, they needed a new campaign and offering to secure revenue
Solution: They introduced a 10-class pack using the Packages feature, calling it the "Unwind 2024" deal. The 10-classes were discounted but offered a way to secure revenue right away.

Results:

• Revenue Increase: Sold 40 packages in the first week, generating $7,200 in upfront revenue (2.2X their typical month)
• Customer Retention: 80% of customers returned to redeem sessions within five days.
• Positive Feedback: Customers loved the flexibility and value of buying in bulk.

FAQs About Packages

1. Who can use the Packages feature?

The Packages feature is available for all Pro Plus customers of Easy Appointment Booking.

2. Can customers gift a package?

Yes! Customers can purchase a package as a gift, making it a great option for holidays and special occasions.

3. Can I track remaining bookings?

Absolutely. The dashboard provides detailed insights into purchased packages, redeemed sessions, and remaining appointments.

4. Is there an expiration option for packages?

Yes, you can set expiration dates to encourage timely bookings.

Transform Your Shopify Business with Packages

The Packages feature is more than just a booking tool—it’s a way to enhance your customer experience, grow your revenue, and offer more flexibility. Whether you are bundling services, increasing product sales, or tapping into the gifting market, this feature empowers you to create new opportunities for your business.

Ready to get started? Enable the Packages feature today and unlock the full potential of your Shopify store.

Explore Packages Now

Happy selling!

The Easy Appointment Booking Team

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