Bookster – WordPress Appointment Booking Plugin vs Quill Booking – Appointment Scheduling & Event Management Solution

Managing appointments through phone calls, texts, and emails is chaotic. You lose track of bookings, double-book appointments, and spend hours on scheduling instead of serving customers. Bookster turns your WordPress site into a 24/7 booking system. 🌐 View All Demos Customers book appointments themselves, see real-time availability, and receive automatic confirmations. You manage everything from one dashboard. 📌 Documentation | Core Pro vs All Access 💫 Perfect For Hair salons and barbershops Spas and beauty clinics Massage therapists and wellness centers Personal trainers and fitness coaches Consultants and coaches Tutors and education services Medical and dental practices Any service business that takes appointments 💙 How It Works Customers visit your booking page, choose a service, pick their preferred staff member, select an available time slot, and book instantly. You receive an email notification and can view all appointments in your calendar dashboard. No more back-and-forth scheduling. 🔥 Key Features (100% Free) Unlimited Bookings & Services Create unlimited services with custom names, descriptions, and photos Set individual duration and pricing for each service Add taxes, fees and discounts to bookings No limits on number of appointments per month Offer service add-ons and upsell options Smart Scheduling Set your working hours for each day of the week Configure different availability for different services Add buffer time between appointments (e.g., 15-minute cleanup) Block off days for vacations or holidays Set minimum advance notice for bookings (e.g., require 24-hour notice) Customer Booking Experience Clean, mobile-friendly booking form that works on all devices Multi-step process: choose service → select staff → pick time → enter details → confirm Customers see only available time slots (no double-booking) Optional customer account dashboard to view and manage their bookings Customers can cancel or reschedule appointments themselves Payment Options Accept cash/check for in-person payment Accept PayPal payments online (customers pay when booking) Stripe integration available via premium addon for credit card payments Mark bookings as paid or unpaid manually Track revenue in the analytics dashboard Automatic Notifications Email confirmation sent to customers immediately after booking Reminder emails sent before appointment Email notifications sent to admin when new bookings arrive Customize email templates with your branding All emails sent automatically – no manual work required Admin Dashboard View all appointments in Bookster → Calendar menu Switch between day, week, and month calendar views Click any appointment to view or edit details instantly Filter appointments by status (confirmed, pending, cancelled) Search for specific customers or appointments Drag appointments to different dates to reschedule Color-coded by service or staff member for quick overview Analytics & Reports Track total bookings and revenue right from dashboard View performance by service (which services are most popular) Monitor individual agent performance Make data-driven decisions about staffing and services Premium Addons (Optional) Upgrade your booking system with these customizable options: Staff Management Add unlimited team members from Bookster → Agents menu Set individual working hours for each staff member Assign specific services to specific team members Let customers choose their preferred agent or assign automatically Track performance and bookings per agent Booking Form Customize booking form steps (reorder, add, or remove steps) Add custom fields to collect specific information Enable recaptcha, brand logo, timezone selector, and more for your booking system. Advanced Features (coming in future addons) Group bookings and classes Recurring appointments Multiple locations management SMS notifications via Twilio Design Toolkit for Block Editor and Elementor Getting Started Adding the Booking Calendar to Your Site Method 1: Shortcode (Works Anywhere) Add [bookster_booking_form] to any page, post, or widget area. Method 2: Block Editor 1. Edit the page where you want the booking form 2. Click the + button to add a block 3. Search for “Bookster” 4. Select the Bookster Booking Form block 5. Publish the page Method 3: Classic Editor Paste [bookster_booking_form] directly into your content. Viewing and Managing Appointments Go to Bookster → Calendar in your WordPress dashboard You’ll see all appointments in calendar format Click any appointment to view details or make changes Use the view buttons at top to switch between day/week/month views Use filters to show appointments based on agents or booking status Creating a Manual Booking (For Walk-Ins or Phone Bookings) Go to Bookster → Calendar Click the + New Appointment button (or click an empty time slot) Select the service and staff member Choose date and time Enter customer information (name, email, phone) Select payment method Click Create Appointment Customer automatically receives confirmation email Troubleshooting Booking calendar not showing on my page Check 1: Verify the shortcode Make sure you added [bookster_booking_form] exactly (with square brackets). Check 2: Clear cache If using a caching plugin, clear your cache: WP Rocket → Clear Cache or similar. Check 3: Theme conflict Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (Twenty Twenty-Five) to test. If it works, there’s a theme conflict. Customers not receiving email confirmations Check 1: Email settings Go to Bookster → Integrations → Email tab and confirm email notifications are enabled. Check 2: Check spam folders Ask customers to check spam/junk folders. Add your domain to their contacts. Check 3: WordPress email issues WordPress email can be unreliable. Install an SMTP plugin like YaySMTP to improve email delivery: 1. Install YaySMTP plugin 2. Connect it to Gmail, SendGrid, or Mailgun 3. Send a test email to verify Check 4: Test with yourself Create a test booking using your own email to confirm emails are sending. Time slots not showing as available Check 1: Working hours configured Go to Bookster → Settings → Schedule and verify hours are set for the day in question. Check 2: Agent availability If using staff members, check Bookster → Agents and verify the agent works on that day. Check 3: Minimum advance notice Check Bookster → Settings → General → Restrictions, if you require 24-hour notice, today’s appointments won’t show. Check 4: Service duration If your service is 2 hours but only 1 hour remains before closing time, that slot won’t appear. Double bookings happening This shouldn’t happen with Bookster. If it does: Check 1: Multiple admin users If multiple people manage bookings, ensure everyone refreshes the calendar before creating appointments. Check 2: Contact support If this persists, contact Bookster support with specific examples. PayPal payments not working Go to Bookster → Settings → Payments tab Verify your PayPal email address is correct Confirm PayPal is enabled (toggle should be blue/on) Test in PayPal sandbox mode first Check if PayPal account is verified and can accept payments Review PayPal transaction logs for error messages Calendar showing wrong timezone Go to Settings → General in WordPress Set your city timezone correctly (e.g., “New York” or “Berlin”) Save changes Go to Bookster → Settings and verify timezone matches Clear browser cache and reload Third-Party Services Bookster uses these external services to provide full functionality: FullCalendar.io Purpose: Renders the interactive booking calendar Privacy: No personal data sent to FullCalendar Terms: https://fullcalendar.io/license Stripe.com (Optional – only if using Stripe addon) Purpose: Process credit card payments Data shared: Customer name, email, payment amount Privacy: https://stripe.com/privacy PayPal.com Purpose: Process PayPal payments Data shared: Customer name, email, payment amount Privacy: https://www.paypal.com/privacy When customers make payments, they’re redirected to Stripe or PayPal’s secure servers. Bookster does not store credit card numbers. Support Need help? We’re here for you: Documentation: Visit Bookster’s detailed guides Support Forum: Post questions in the WordPress.org support forum Email & Live Chat Support: Contact us through the Bookster website Video Tutorials: Watch setup videos on our YouTube channel Response time: We typically respond within 4 hours on business days and 12 hours on weekends. We’d Love Your Feedback ❣️ If Bookster helps your business, please leave us a review on WordPress.org! It takes 60 seconds and brightens our day. Click here ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to share your experience. Have a feature request? We’re actively developing new features based on user feedback. Submit your ideas here. Compatibility Works With All Major WordPress Themes: Brandy WP Shadcn GeneratePress OceanWP Divi Avada And thousands more Page Builders: Elementor Gutenberg (Block Editor) Classic Editor Beaver Builder WPBakery What’s Next? After installing Bookster: Run the setup wizard Add the booking calendar to a page Create a test booking to see the customer experience Customize email templates with your branding Share your booking page link with customers Start accepting appointments 24/7! Your new booking system is ready to help you grow your business. Welcome to Bookster! 🚀

Quill Booking delivers a comprehensive, professional-grade scheduling solution that streamlines appointment management for businesses of all sizes. Built with enterprise scalability in mind, Quill Booking transforms how organizations handle client appointments, team meetings, and event coordination. Our platform combines intuitive design with powerful functionality, enabling service providers to focus on delivering exceptional client experiences while our system handles the complexities of scheduling, notifications, and payment processing. Configure your availability preferences, integrate with your existing workflow tools, deploy your booking interface, and process payments seamlessly. The result? Enhanced client satisfaction and operational efficiency that drives business growth. Official Website || Live Demo || Documentation 🚀 CORE ADVANTAGES ✓ Enterprise Security & Compliance: Full GDPR compliance with advanced data protection protocols ✓ Versatile Meeting Architecture: Support for individual consultations, group sessions, team rotations, and exclusive events ✓ Flexible Location Management: Virtual, physical, telephonic, and hybrid meeting configurations ✓ Intelligent Notification System: Multi-channel automated reminders via email and SMS to minimize no-shows ✓ Dynamic Availability Control: Sophisticated scheduling with custom overrides, buffer periods, and timezone optimization ✓ Comprehensive Integration Ecosystem: Seamless connectivity with calendars, payment processors, communication tools, and business systems ✓ Advanced Booking Customization: Tailored intake forms and client experience personalization ✓ Real-Time Synchronization: Webhook-powered automation for instant data updates across platforms ✓ Business Intelligence Dashboard: Comprehensive analytics and performance metrics for data-driven decisions 🎯 TARGET MARKETS & USE CASES Quill Booking serves as the definitive scheduling solution for professionals and organizations requiring reliable, scalable appointment management capabilities. Professional Services: Consultants, advisors, and specialists delivering personalized client engagements Enterprise Sales: Revenue teams managing complex prospect and client meeting workflows Marketing & Strategy: Agencies coordinating team collaboration and client presentation sessions Education & Training: Institutions and educators facilitating virtual and in-person learning experiences Customer Success: Support organizations providing structured client assistance and relationship management Human Resources: Talent acquisition teams streamlining interview processes and candidate management Wellness & Beauty: Spas, salons, and personal care providers optimizing service delivery schedules Healthcare & Medical: Practitioners managing patient appointments with regulatory compliance requirements Veterinary Services: Animal care professionals coordinating pet owner consultations and treatments Professional Services: Field service organizations managing technician deployment and client visits Fitness & Wellness: Gyms, studios, and personal trainers delivering customized health and fitness programs Automotive & Maintenance: Service centers providing scheduled maintenance and repair consultations ⏰ AVAILABILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Experience sophisticated scheduling control designed to optimize both provider efficiency and client convenience. Our availability management system adapts to complex business requirements while maintaining simplicity for end users. • Configure comprehensive weekly availability patterns with granular time control • Define availability windows using date ranges, rolling periods, or perpetual scheduling • Offer multiple session durations to accommodate diverse service requirements • Implement date-specific overrides for holidays, special events, or schedule modifications • Create detailed service descriptions and naming conventions for clear client communication • Establish flexible session parameters to match various service delivery models • Configure optimal meeting environments based on service type and client preferences • Implement buffer periods for preparation, travel, or administrative tasks • Apply booking frequency controls and duration limits with advanced timezone management • Deploy custom intake questionnaires to gather essential client information and preferences • Automatic timezone conversion ensures accurate scheduling across global client bases 👥 MEETING TYPE ARCHITECTURE Our flexible meeting framework supports diverse organizational needs, from intimate one-on-one consultations to large-scale group events. This architectural approach ensures optimal resource utilization while maintaining service quality standards. Individual Consultations: Private, focused sessions designed for personalized service delivery and relationship building Group Sessions (Professional): Multi-participant meetings enabling collaborative discussions, training sessions, and team coordination Team Rotation Management (Professional): Intelligent load balancing system distributing client meetings across team members for optimal resource utilization Exclusive Events (Professional): Specialized single-occurrence events including workshops, seminars, and limited-availability offerings 🌐 LOCATION FLEXIBILITY FRAMEWORK Accommodate diverse client preferences and operational requirements through our comprehensive location management system. Support modern work patterns while maintaining professional service standards. Video Conferencing: Integrated support for leading platforms including Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and custom solutions Physical Locations: In-person meeting coordination with address management and client direction systems Telephonic Consultations: Voice-only sessions for clients preferring traditional communication methods Direct Online Access: Streamlined web-based meeting access with simplified joining procedures Custom Configurations: Bespoke location settings with personalized descriptions and specialized access requirements 📧 AUTOMATED COMMUNICATION SYSTEM Eliminate missed appointments and enhance client engagement through our intelligent notification infrastructure. Multi-channel communication ensures consistent client touchpoints throughout the booking lifecycle. Email Automation: Comprehensive email workflows including booking confirmations, schedule modifications, cancellation notices, approval requests, and follow-up communications SMS & Messaging (Professional): Advanced text messaging capabilities including SMS and WhatsApp integration via Twilio platform for immediate client communication ⚙️ ADVANCED CONFIGURATION OPTIONS (Professional) Extend beyond standard scheduling with enterprise-grade features designed for sophisticated business operations and enhanced client experiences. • Custom post-booking redirect URLs for seamless client journey management • Manual approval workflows with configurable notice periods for quality control • Granular cancellation and rescheduling policies with client-specific restrictions • Frontend integration options for seamless website incorporation • Advanced booking restrictions and business rule implementation 📋 CUSTOM BOOKING FORMS Leverage our partnership with leading form solutions to create sophisticated intake processes that capture essential client information and enhance service delivery preparation. • Integration with existing form builders for seamless data collection • Advanced calendar field integration within form structures • Comprehensive input customization options for tailored client experiences • Centralized data management with booking detail integration 🔗 INTEGRATION ECOSYSTEM Transform Quill Booking into a central hub for your business operations through our extensive integration library. Connect with industry-leading platforms to create unified workflows that enhance productivity and client satisfaction. 📅 Calendar Synchronization (Professional) Maintain scheduling accuracy across all platforms with real-time calendar integration. Prevent double-bookings and scheduling conflicts through automated synchronization with your preferred calendar systems. • Google Calendar • Apple Calendar • Microsoft Outlook 💳 Payment Processing (Professional) Streamline revenue collection with integrated payment solutions that allow clients to book and pay in a single transaction. Provide secure, convenient payment experiences that enhance client satisfaction. • Stripe • PayPal • Google Pay • Apple Pay 📱 SMS & Messaging (Professional) Maintain consistent client communication through automated SMS and messaging systems. Reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations while keeping clients informed about their upcoming appointments. • Twilio Integration 🎥 Video Conferencing (Professional) Seamlessly integrate with leading video conferencing platforms to deliver professional virtual meetings. Automated meeting link generation and distribution ensure smooth client experiences. • Zoom • Google Meet • Microsoft Teams 🛍️ E-commerce Integration (Professional) Transform services into bookable products through e-commerce platform integration. Enable clients to purchase and schedule services through familiar online shopping experiences. • WooCommerce 📝 Form Builder Integration Create sophisticated booking experiences through advanced form integration capabilities. Capture essential client information and map data for enhanced service delivery. • Quill Forms 🔧 Additional Platform Integrations (Professional) • Zapier [Coming Soon] • Make (formerly Integromat) [Coming Soon]