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Setup Guides: Google Calendar & Payment Gateways for BookingsUK
Set up Google Calendar and payment gateways for your BookingsUK account with our easy-to-follow guide.
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Streamline your appointment management and payments with BookingsUK’s easy-to-use tools. Whether it’s integrating Google Calendar or setting up payment gateways, we make the process simple and efficient.
Effortless Scheduling & Secure Payments for Your Business
Managing appointments and payments effectively is key to success. BookingsUK simplifies the process with:
✅ Real-time Google Calendar syncing to prevent double bookings.
✅ Automated confirmations and reminders to reduce no-shows.
✅ Secure payment options, offering flexibility for businesses and customers.
✅ A fixed service fee model to streamline transactions and improve cash flow.
This guide will walk you through setup steps, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to maximize BookingsUK’s features.
Connecting Google Calendar with BookingsUK ensures smooth appointment management, reducing missed bookings and scheduling conflicts.
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Step 1: Create & Manage Your Own Google Calendar
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Step 2: Share Your Calendar with BookingsUK
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Step 3: Adjust Calendar Settings for Team Access
Businesses set up and manage their own Google Calendar accounts. If needed, BookingsUK can assist with setup.
Steps to Create a Dedicated Business Calendar:
1️⃣ Visit Google Calendar and log in.
2️⃣ Click “+ Add Other Calendars” → “Create New Calendar.”
3️⃣ Name it (e.g., “BookingsUK Appointments”) and add a short description.
4️⃣ Select the correct time zone for your business.
5️⃣ Click “Create Calendar.”
✅ Example: Lisa, a freelance photographer, creates a “Photography Appointments” calendar to keep her bookings organized.
Once your Google Calendar is set up, share its details with us so we can link it to your BookingsUK listings.
How to Share Your Calendar:
1️⃣ Open Google Calendar and go to “Settings.”
2️⃣ Under “Settings for My Calendars,” select the calendar you want to link.
3️⃣ Scroll to “Access Permissions” and ensure it’s set to allow sharing.
4️⃣ Copy the calendar’s shareable link or invite BookingsUK’s designated account via email.
5️⃣ Send the link or invite details to us, and we’ll connect it to your listings.
✅ Example: Jake, a mobile fitness coach, shares his Google Calendar link with BookingsUK. We sync it with his listings so new bookings automatically update his schedule.
If you have a team, ensure they have access to view or manage bookings.
How to Share with Team Members:
1️⃣ In Google Calendar, go to “Settings” → “Share with Specific People.”
2️⃣ Enter the email addresses of your team members.
3️⃣ Set permissions (e.g., “Make Changes and Manage Sharing” if they need to edit).
Google Calendar Troubleshooting Tips
🔹 Authorization Issues: Ensure sharing settings allow BookingsUK to access the calendar.
🔹 Sync Errors: Verify that you’ve sent the correct calendar link and that it’s active.
🔹 Regular Updates: Keep your Google Calendar updated to maintain compatibility.
By integrating your Google Calendar with BookingsUK, you can manage bookings effortlessly, reduce scheduling conflicts, and automate appointment tracking.
Setting Up Payment Gateways on BookingsUK
At BookingsUK, we offer two payment options for businesses: Direct Provider Payments and Online Pre-Booking Payments for Premium Listings. This gives you the flexibility to choose how you receive payments while ensuring a seamless experience for customers.
1. Direct Provider Payments (Standard Listings)
For most bookings, customers pay providers directly. When a client books your service, we attach your payment instructions to the order notes, ensuring they have the details needed to complete the transaction.
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How to Set Up Direct Payments
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How We Attach Payment Details to Orders
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Ensuring a Smooth Payment Process
To accept payments, simply send us your preferred payment details or links during setup. These can include:
🔹 Bank transfer details
🔹 PayPal links
🔹 Stripe payment links
🔹 Square invoices or payment pages
✅ Example: Alex, a mobile beauty therapist, provides a PayPal link and a Stripe payment page. Customers receive these details in their booking confirmation, allowing them to pay instantly.
Once you’ve shared your payment instructions, we add them to each client’s booking order on BookingsUK. This ensures customers can pay you directly, giving you full control over your transactions.
✅ Example: Rachel, a wedding planner, shares her business bank details and a Stripe link. Clients receive these in their order confirmation, making deposit payments hassle-free.
To avoid payment issues, make sure:
- Your payment links are always up to date.
- You specify accepted payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, card payments, PayPal).
- You confirm payments with customers once received.
✅ Example: Ben, a mobile mechanic, offers customers a choice between PayPal and Square. Clients receive both options in their booking order notes and can pay before the service begins.
2. Online Pre-Booking Payments (Premium Listings)
For businesses that opt for online prepayments, we process payments directly through BookingsUK, allowing customers to pay at checkout. This provides guaranteed income and reduces cancellations.
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How Online Prepayments Work
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Fees for Online Prepayments
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Benefits of Online Prepayments
1️⃣ Customers pay for their booking online at checkout.
2️⃣ BookingsUK processes the payment and deducts a small service fee.
3️⃣ The remaining amount is transferred to the provider.
- Payment Processor Fee: 2.9% (Stripe/PayPal processing cost)
- Service Fee: £0.50 per booking
- Total deduction: 2.9% + £0.50 per transaction
✅ Example: Sophie, a tutor, enables online prepayments for her virtual classes. When a student books a £50 session, the fees are deducted as follows:
- Payment Processor Fee (2.9%) → £1.45
- Service Fee → £0.50
- Amount received: £48.05
- Guaranteed Income – Reduce no-shows with upfront payments.
- Customer Convenience – Allow clients to pay instantly online.
- Automated Process – No need to manually send payment details.
✅ Example: Ben, a mobile mechanic, chooses online prepayments so customers can confirm their bookings instantly, reducing cancellations and last-minute changes.
By offering both direct payments and online prepayments, BookingsUK ensures flexibility for businesses while providing customers with a smooth and secure booking experience.
Let us know which payment method works best for your business!
Security Tips for Payment Gateways
- Use Strong Passwords – Ensure all accounts are secured with unique, strong passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Add an extra layer of security to your payment accounts.
- Regular Monitoring – Frequently review transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.
Why Choose BookingsUK?
At BookingsUK, we are committed to supporting your business with tools designed to simplify operations and enhance your customer experience.
- Unlimited Customization – Tailor your booking solution to fit your needs.
- Flexible Payment Options – Choose how you receive payments with minimal hassle.
- Client Retention Tools – Utilize booking systems, marketing support, and analytics to grow your client base.
- Dedicated Support – Access expert assistance whenever you need it.
Take your business to the next level with BookingsUK!
Join BookingsUK & Simplify Your Booking Process!
Simplify your booking and payment processes with BookingsUK. Whether you’re integrating Google Calendar or setting up payment gateways, our tools are designed to save time, reduce administrative tasks, and boost your business’s success.
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