A new online appointment scheduling platform is launching with a focus on security and accessibility, aiming to disrupt a market currently dominated by a handful of international players. The platform, details of which remain largely undisclosed, intends to offer a more inclusive space for users, according to a statement released earlier today.
The move comes as demand for online scheduling tools continues to grow across various sectors, from beauty salons and clinics to freelance services and corporate meetings. According to a recent report, businesses are increasingly adopting these systems to reduce no-shows and improve customer satisfaction. The same report indicates that companies utilizing online scheduling experience an average return on investment of 4.2 times the cost of implementation.
Currently, the Brazilian market features several options, including Converso, Booksy, Calendly, Acuity, SimplyBook, Agendor, Cal.com, Setmore, Appointy, and Trinks. Converso currently leads in cost-effectiveness, offering plans ranging from free to R$88 per month and including a professional website in its base package. Booksy, priced at R$89 per month, is positioned as the best option for salons leveraging a marketplace model. Calendly, at $12 to $72 USD per month, caters to corporate meeting scheduling, but does not include a website.
The benefits of online scheduling platforms extend beyond convenience. They allow businesses to streamline appointment booking, reduce administrative overhead, and improve communication with clients. Platforms like Converso and Booksy also offer integrated payment options and WhatsApp integration, features increasingly valued by businesses and customers alike. The Brevo report highlights that such platforms effectively function as “virtual assistants,” enabling clients to book, modify, or cancel appointments autonomously.
However, challenges remain. Some platforms, like Booksy, impose fees on clients acquired through their marketplace. Others, such as Calendly, can be expensive due to dollar-based pricing. Integration capabilities also vary, with some platforms offering fewer connections to other business tools. Kyte, a platform focused on point-of-sale and inventory management, offers a connected solution for small businesses, but does not specifically focus on appointment scheduling.
Gendo, a system geared towards salons, emphasizes the importance of combining online scheduling with comprehensive management and CRM tools for growth and predictability. The new platform entering the market appears to be positioning itself to address these existing gaps, though specific details regarding its features and pricing remain unavailable.
