How to use Pludor Service Booking: step-by-step guide

How do I use Service Booking, step by step?

Bookable services with a calendar, deposits and quotes. You need a Pludor store - free to create.

1. Set the store type: In Settings, set your store to Services & Booking; turn on Mobile Service Area if you travel to clients.
2. Add services: Add each service with duration, price and optional deposit.
3. Set availability: Set working hours in the Answering calendar settings.
4. Share your booking link: Share your store link - customers pick a service and a real free slot.
5. Let AI book calls: Turn on AI Answering so callers are booked into the same calendar.

How do I set up online booking for my services step by step?

Start by setting your store type to Services & Booking in Settings, then add each service with its duration, price and an optional deposit. Set your working hours in the Answering calendar settings, and share your store link so customers can pick a service and a real free slot. On Pludor this all lives in one place, and you can turn on AI Answering so phone callers get booked into the same calendar.

Can I take a deposit instead of full payment when someone books an appointment?

Yes - each service can require a deposit to hold the appointment slot. On Pludor you set the deposit when adding the service, and it's collected at booking through the built-in checkout, so you don't need to set up a separate payment integration or chase clients manually.

How much does an online booking system cost for a small service business?

It varies a lot by platform, but on Pludor Service Booking is on for every store including the Free plan - you get a free amount of bookings each month (30), then pay only for what you use at 1 credit = 1 cent. There's no card needed to start. Other tools typically charge a flat monthly subscription per user or per calendar.

How do I let clients book appointments over the phone without answering every call myself?

Turn on an AI receptionist that answers your calls and books directly into your calendar. On Pludor, go to pludor.com/answering, add your hours, prices and common questions in Settings, list your services with duration and price, pick a voice and greeting, then forward your calls. Every call, text and booking lands in one inbox and calendar, and the first 100 AI replies and 10 calls a month are free.

Is Pludor Service Booking better than Calendly or Acuity?

It depends on your needs. Calendly and Acuity focus on calendar booking; on Pludor, booking, deposits, quotes and the AI receptionist all feed the same calendar and inbox. Deposits are built into checkout rather than needing separate payment setup, phone callers can be booked by the AI receptionist, and quote requests land in a built-in leads pipeline instead of a separate CRM. If you only need simple calendar slots, a dedicated booking tool may be enough.

How do I take bookings if I travel to clients instead of working from a shop?

Use a booking tool that supports a mobile service area. On Pludor, turn on Mobile Service Area in Settings after setting your store to Services & Booking - customers can then book your travel-to-them services the same way. This suits home-service trades, cleaners, photographers and similar businesses.

How do I handle quote requests from clients who want custom work?

Let customers submit quote requests and treat each one as a lead to follow up. On Pludor, custom-quote requests land as leads in the CRM leads pipeline, where you can move each lead from new to won and set Nudges as reminders. You can also save templates for quick replies to common questions.

What's the best way to stop no-shows for appointments?

Require a deposit at booking - it's the most reliable way to make clients commit to the slot. On Pludor, each service can require a deposit, collected through the built-in checkout when they book. You can also set automated reminders: use Automation Rules with a trigger like a new booking to send a template message before the appointment.

Do I need a paid plan to accept appointments online?

No - on Pludor, Service Booking is on for every store, including the Free plan. You get a free amount of bookings every month, then pay only for what you use in credits (1 credit = 1 cent). New stores also get 500 free credits, and your store, checkout and orders never switch off for lack of credit.

How do I connect my bookings, messages and payments in one place?

Look for a platform that unifies them rather than stitching separate tools together. On Pludor, bookings feed the shared calendar, WhatsApp/SMS/email/chat conversations land in one Inbox, and payments run through Stripe with payouts visible in Finance. Automation Rules can then trigger actions like sending a template or tagging a lead when a new booking or missed call comes in.

Can I take a deposit instead of full payment?

Yes - each service can require a deposit to hold the appointment slot.

How much does Pludor Service Booking cost?

On for every store, including the Free plan - a free amount every month, then pay only for what you use (1 credit = 1 cent).

How do I get started with Pludor Service Booking?

1. Set the store type 2. Add services 3. Set availability 4. Share your booking link 5. Let AI book calls Full step-by-step guide: pludor.com/tutorials/booking-services

How does Pludor Service Booking compare with Calendly, Acuity, Square Appointments, Jobber?

Booking, deposits, quotes and the AI receptionist feed the same calendar and inbox. Deposits: typically payment integration to set up; on Pludor, built into checkout. Phone bookings: typically you answer and type them in; on Pludor, aI receptionist books them. Quotes and leads: typically separate CRM; on Pludor, leads pipeline built in.