General

Who uses BookingLive?

Our customers range from outdoor adventure centres and activity sports centres to local authorities and SMEs. Many of our clients choose to be discreet but references are available on request and testimonials can be found on the Testimonial page. Pretty much any professional business looking to take online bookings can use BookingLive, contact us to find out if we're the right fit for your business.

Does BookingLive have a Content Management System (CMS)?

Yes, we have a powerful and dynamic CMS which is fully integrated with our booking system to give you full control over the management of your website content - including metadata for improved search engine rankings.

Do you have an API to embed within our website?

Yes, we offer full integration API with customisable search and business widgets for your site, as well as white labelling services and solutions. Full instructions on integration options are provided upon completion of sign-up.

Can we integrate with a flights booking system?

Yes, we integrate with SkyScanner so your customers can view recommended flight dates and departures via BookingLive before they make their booking with you.

Can we have a copy of the software for our web server?

As BookingLive isn't priced as licensed software this is not possible. For various commercial reasons we'd have to license, on your behalf, some of our core infrastructure systems, of which we maintain only a handful of licenses for.

Why can't I just program my own booking system?

Writing a booking system is a long, complex and expensive process - believe us, we know. We've spent years building BookingLive to be simple, yet powerful, and suited specifically for various types of businesses. This is not an 'off-the-shelf' product. Our advanced features range from calendar integration to complex payment options. We're constantly adding new features such as mobile versions and accessibility support - things that would be complicated and expensive in a custom system. Our speciality is building booking systems, so before you consider writing your own, come and talk to us about how we can help instead.

Is this ecommerce?

Yes, making bookings online involves a commerce transaction.

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Key Benefits

What are the main advantages of BookingLive?

An excellent booking experience from our product is proven to create customers, not just visitors. With BookingLive you can reduce costs subsequently streamlining your administration, whilst also providing 24/7 access to your customers. BookingLive is the most comprehensive system available for activity centres and outdoor adventure companies and continues to innovate each month, putting our clients ahead of competing businesses.

What can BookingLive do for me?

If you are looking for a comprehensive system that manages your customers, sales and enquiries, e-marketing campaigns, bookings, staff, scheduling, finances, reports, promotional campaigns and more then look no further. BookingLive can do it all.

Why do I need BookingLive for my business?

Incorporating BookingLive into your business will provide a secure and robust method of processing bookings. It will help to reduce overheads, improve business administration, engage customers and increase turnover. With BookingLive your business will better service your customers and guarantee a competitive advantage.

Can BookingLive accommodate all our needs?

Yes, our experience with activity and sports companies has allowed us to construct a flexible and scalable modular based platform designed to integrate seamlessly with existing brands. Our framework offers our clients full control of their website with booking and customer management, alongside direction of all marketing activity and communication.

What can my customers use BookingLive for?

Customers can book multiple activities and courses online, purchase and redeem vouchers or ticketed events with pre-bookable extras, complete secure transactions and check event or activity availability. They can leave feedback after their activity and engage with other users through forums, photo galleries and social media – all within your own website.

Will BookingLive replace my paper based diary system?

Yes, BookingLive allows you to manage your scheduling, availability and diary system for activities and courses across many locations. Your data is stored online without risk and will improve your business efficiency.

Can you take telephone bookings on my behalf?

Yes, we can take telephone bookings for you on your behalf with a dedicated number specifically for the booking office hotline. Please contact us for more information.

Is BookingLive available internationally?

Yes, our CMS and Booking System is designed to fit international requirements including languages, currencies and locations.

Does BookingLive include Post Code lookups?

Yes, Auto Complete Post Code lookups are available as a core module and will auto complete the address once a post code is accepted, saving time and increasing accuracy.

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Getting Started

Can I try before I buy?

Yes, we're happy to demonstrate BookingLive at no charge to ensure it's suited to your requirements.

What do I need to use BookingLive/do I need other products or services to make this work?

The only requirements are a PC or Mac with a web browser and secure connection to the Internet. You don't need to purchase additional hardware unless you are implementing our membership software or external modules.

How long does it take to get up and running?

This can vary from 1 hour to several months depending upon your requirements. Each project is different and varies in accordance with factors such as scale, design process, data migration and module customisation.

Can I import and migrate my existing database?

Yes, we have inbuilt tools to import your customer's contact information. If you require specific data migration including schedule information, activities and courses from an existing database system, please let us know.

Can the software be customised?

Yes, let us know the details of your specific requirements and we will provide you with a quotation. We also encourage clients to make us aware of features they would like to see in future software releases.

Can we use our existing website design?

Yes, BookingLive can be seamlessly integrated to match the design of your business's current website. We also offer highly creative and user focused website design to compliment your online booking system.

Features

Can I sell and redeem gift vouchers?

Yes, you can create unlimited vouchers with pre-configured redemption rules such as expiry dates and activity, course and location specific. Gift agents can be setup with particular invoice rules and setup on an invoice system to further ease your financial administration process.

Can I set up special offers and promotions?

Yes, BookingLive allows you to setup percentage and fixed cost discounts with promotional codes, variable pricing or gift vouchers.

Can I assign different prices to different dates?

Yes, with the Variable Pricing module. Here you can create your entire season availability in just minutes as well as being able to then overwrite activity cost for specific day, dates or times.

Can I sell merchandise?

Yes, you can upload your merchandise for sale within the system. You can assign costs and special parameters such as expiry dates, size and colour.

Can I configure the users of the booking system?

Yes, our premium plans allow you to add additional users to your account who can be configured with different access rights. You also have the option to disable features such as exporting and reporting.

Is it possible to cancel the bookings and schedules?

Yes, you can easily cancel bookings and schedules. BookingLive will even give you options to send SMS and emails to your customers informing them of cancellations so they easily rebook.

Can I configure prerequisites for bookings?

Yes, pre-requisites can be configured to appear on the "Billing Page" if the customer has the product in their basket. This ensures custom pre-requisites are agreed at the time of booking for certain activities.

Can I avoid customers making double bookings?

Yes, your customer has 20 minutes to make their booking. If this time expires, the booking is cancelled and the time slot becomes available again. It is also possible to override the default 20 minute limit.

How long do booking notifications take?

Booking confirmations are processed instantly. If there is a heavy load on the server, booking confirmations are processed every 10 minutes, this includes sending emails and generating PDFs.

Can I force customers to book in advance?

Yes, you can set your product, activities and courses to have an advanced booking date requirement. You can also set an activity to only be available for X days, or only be available in X days from the current date.

Can I change the email confirmation message?

Yes, the content of the confirmation messages can be changed. When a booking is made, a confirmation is always sent by email and optionally via SMS to the customer. You can configure this message and additional content so it relates specifically to an activity or course.

Can I export information to Excel files?

Yes, BookingLive allows you to download and export all your data in CSV format which is readable by Excel.

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Support and Hosting

How secure is the booking system and online payments?

Your security is a priority of ours and we do our upmost to protect all of your data by storing it in a secure environment. Credit card details used for online payments are maintained with your chosen payment gateway provider. Premium accounts include advanced security scanning and firewall as well as being locked down with a 256 bit SSL certificate.

What security practices does BookingLive have?

Security is our first and foremost consideration. Premium accounts are locked down with a 256 bit SSL certificate which includes advanced security scanning and firewall. All your data is kept in a fully secure environment. Credit card details are maintained with your chosen payment gateway provider.

Is BookingLive PCI compliant?

Yes, our certificate is available to view online in our policies page.

Does the booking system require training or assistance?

Training is not a requirement due to its relativity to individual expertise and personal preference. If you do require training or assistance we are on hand to help. Whether you want to speak to someone in person or over the phone, email us, refer to our online user manual or visit a forum, we provide you with a multitude of readily available options.

Will you come to demonstrate and train us onsite?

We do appreciate some clients will wish to meet us to discuss the software in person, particularly if buying software at the higher end of the range. We are very happy to arrange this, please contact us for further details.

What if I need help?

Simply contact our support desk during working hours. You can also contact your personal account manager. For retainer agreements, please use our off-site emergency number for out of hours support.

Where can I find the Service Legal Agreement (SLA)?

We issue every client with a Service Level Agreement. Please contact us if you wish to see this in advance.

Is there a minimum contract?

No, you can cancel at any time within a 30 day notice period.

How easy is it to cancel my subscription?

The simple monthly rate you are charged when you sign up can be cancelled at any time without penalty, but we do ask you to contact us first so we can try our best to resolve any problems you may be having.

If I choose to leave, what happens to my data?

If you choose to leave and delete your account you can export your data in XML format anytime. We do not retain any data for longer than 30 days.

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Pricing

How much does BookingLive cost?

Pricing is based on the number of modules, widgets, disk space and services required. Most customers are happy to start small, use our creative and marketing services and develop from there.

Are there any hidden costs?

There are additional charges if you exceed your diskspace, bandwidth or support queries. There are also charges for third party applications. Please contact us for further information.

What is a booking?

A booking is a single completed order or transaction. It can contain any number of items and or people. Editing an existing booking doesn’t count as an additional booking.

Is there flexibility in the cost?

Our minimum level of engagement is on our pricing page. However we do try our best to help every customer and should you have a specific budget and requirements in mind, please let us know.

How do I get a merchant bank account?

You will need to apply to one of the Merchant Account providers. The best solution is to approach your own bank first and they will then refer you to their own Merchant Account section.

What methods of payment are included in BookingLive?

BookingLive seamlessly integrates into several popular payment processors including PayPal, Datacash and SagePay. Full or part payments (deposits) can be paid by debit or credit card, cash or cheque, provisionally and as an enquiry. If you have other requirements please get in touch.

Do the costs include VAT?

No, all costs quoted exclude UK VAT. If you are in the EU and are not a registered business on a premium plan you will need to notify us.

Do you take commission?

No, we do not take commission bookings, however should this be a requirement please contact us.

How much does each booking cost?

PayPal costs £20 a month, with a 3.4% fee per transaction. Shared Payments costs £0.50 per booking. Direct Payments (SSL) costs £30 per month with no booking fee.

How quickly can I receive payment?

This is dependent upon the banking merchant and payment gateway provider you choose.

Can I take deposits online?

Yes, the payment amount required can be configured in the administration system. This can be a fixed cost or percentage of the total amount which is useful for group bookings or pay-on-arrival activities.

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