4 ms·

That doesn't sound right. I think you'd pay something like $99 per month for a SaaS product that manages bookings and provides an API. That's how much the avera

That doesn't sound right. I think you'd pay something like $99 per month for a SaaS product that manages bookings and provides an API. That's how much the average receptionist earns in one day ($12.25 per hour.)

salehhamadeh 8y ago
And $20,000 to get someone who knows how to install such a system to do the job.
- indemnity 8y ago
  What is installed when using a SaaS solution?
  - FatalBaboon 8y ago
    Well there is initial setup at the very least. Hooking up whatever landline the client has with the SaaS solution. Then whenever a significant change is required, you need to call back your "expert". New location? xk$, etc. But I think the biggest concern is that suddently the owner does not understand how his reversation system works. He used to be able to call Joe and know what's going on...
    - TeMPOraL 8y ago
      Also, whatever the SaaS system is, I bet you it's significantly less efficient than a receptionist using paper and desktop software. Web systems are almost never built for productivity.
  - dzhiurgis 8y ago
    It is customised against each business model. Some are same, some are different. The issue isn't universal API, but universal data models which is probably impossible.
hug 8y ago
Things that you appear to be missing from your post (but probably totally already know and are just not bothering to mention): * Most businesses already have a receptionist. * Most receptionists do not spend measurable fractions of their day answering phonecalls asking when the business is open. * Taking bookings is really also not the majority of their day. * Receptionists are capable of a bunch of things that your SaaS booking program is not. Like ordering catering and picking up office supplies. * A SaaS booking program that is looked over by a human doesn't have to have AI-systems, because they just have I-systems. A human receptionist. * The inevitable job-post catchall "Other duties as required." * I had a receptionist bring me a beer once while I was waiting and I'm pretty sure none of your SaaS solutions will do that.
s73v3r_ 8y ago
Someone needs to maintain that API; update it with the schedule of the stylists or update it for holiday hours, or remove availability for bookings done the old fashioned way.

salehhamadeh 8y ago

And $20,000 to get someone who knows how to install such a system to do the job.

indemnity 8y ago
What is installed when using a SaaS solution?
- FatalBaboon 8y ago
  Well there is initial setup at the very least. Hooking up whatever landline the client has with the SaaS solution. Then whenever a significant change is required, you need to call back your "expert". New location? xk$, etc. But I think the biggest concern is that suddently the owner does not understand how his reversation system works. He used to be able to call Joe and know what's going on...
  - TeMPOraL 8y ago
    Also, whatever the SaaS system is, I bet you it's significantly less efficient than a receptionist using paper and desktop software. Web systems are almost never built for productivity.
- dzhiurgis 8y ago
  It is customised against each business model. Some are same, some are different. The issue isn't universal API, but universal data models which is probably impossible.

hug 8y ago

Things that you appear to be missing from your post (but probably totally already know and are just not bothering to mention): * Most businesses already have a receptionist. * Most receptionists do not spend measurable fractions of their day answering phonecalls asking when the business is open. * Taking bookings is really also not the majority of their day. * Receptionists are capable of a bunch of things that your SaaS booking program is not. Like ordering catering and picking up office supplies. * A SaaS booking program that is looked over by a human doesn't have to have AI-systems, because they just have I-systems. A human receptionist. * The inevitable job-post catchall "Other duties as required." * I had a receptionist bring me a beer once while I was waiting and I'm pretty sure none of your SaaS solutions will do that.

s73v3r_ 8y ago

Someone needs to maintain that API; update it with the schedule of the stylists or update it for holiday hours, or remove availability for bookings done the old fashioned way.