Why you should use time slot windows for scheduling

If you must go and see your clients in person and as you know that is not always necessary with FloQuote then you really should be using the time-slot window method for scheduling.

Firstly, let’s explain what it is.

Instead of giving your customers an exact time when you will be arriving for the quote or estimate you give them a window of time, for example 2 hours, say between 10am and 12pm when you will be arriving.

Why would you do this?

Because it is much easier for you to manage appointments this way. Let’s make an example. Bill has 8 appointments in a day all over Chicago. One at 9am, 10a, 11am etc etc. He goes to see his client at 9am and she is running late. She like to chat so it is now 9:40am before he leaves and he is already rushing to the next appointment. If he’s late he has already made a bad impression,. He also has to make a call. SO, at the start of the day he already on the back foot and it is only going to get worse as he now has a knock-on effect for all his other appointments.

Using the time-slot system makes this much less stressful for all parties, here’s why.

If Bill is booked in for 10am to 12, he can put 2 appointments in this slot depending on where they are geographically – he might put in more. He can afford to spend a little extra time with a client without worrying about the time. He is rarely late because he can arrive at anytime within those 2 hours. He can make appointment changes on the fly without having to make several calls.

Why it is better for your customers.

Although they often don’t see it because they want an exact time, this method is also better for the customer. Bill is not likely to be late, he will be less stressed and less worried about the time he can spend with the client. That is better customer service all round.

How to position it with the customer.

When you make the appointment you will invariably get some push-back when they ask what time the estimator is coming. Just explain briefly why you are using this system. It allows for better appointments throughout the day. And in fact, with many more home deliveries since the Covid pandemic, customers are more understanding about the delivery times and slots already.

It really is a WIN-WIN for all parties. Start doing it right away!