21. Juni. 2012 | von Christopher Rudolf

Timecutter was the first to dare: Since 2011, both branches have been using zeitfest software, and customers book appointments with the smartphone app.

Since we began our collaboration with the hairdressers at Timecutter, we have endeavored to respond to the wishes of the employees. We have received many useful tips that have made working with the platform even easier. The boss is satisfied – but what do the employees think? We stopped by spontaneously on Boxhagener Straße and interviewed Sille in detail.

zeitfest: What was your first reaction when you heard about zeitfest?
Sille: We hoped everything would become a bit more organized. No more illegible handwriting, which you naturally develop in the rush. The calendar was supposed to become neater.

zeitfest: How was the transition from the paper calendar?
Sille: Surprisingly easy. Everything is preset in the system, you just have to enter it. Quick and uncomplicated!

zeitfest: Where do you see the advantages?
Sille: Everything is a bit more uncomplicated. You can also check the appointment schedule from home, move something or add something. Without any messy scribbling. Plus, you have the complete customer files ready in case something comes up.

zeitfest: What do the customers say?
Sille: They're enthusiastic. Many don't want to plan long-term. They spontaneously realize they need to go to the hairdresser and can still book an appointment after work. Especially the younger generation is delighted, since they have a smartphone in their hands anyway.

zeitfest: How important is Web 2.0 for service providers?
Sille: Super important. Nowadays, there's no other way around it. You already order a lot over the internet and have it shipped home. Facebook and Twitter were just the beginning for service providers.

zeitfest: What do you recommend to internet skeptics?
Sille: Try it! (laughs) If you don't like it, you don't like it, but you definitely have a lot of advantages.

zeitfest: What personal benefit do you have as employees?
Sille: I don't have to answer the phone as often, so I have more time for the customer. Of course, they notice that too. Besides, the software is faster and more efficient than an appointment book. When I enter something, I just type the first letters and I already get the customer as a suggestion – that saves a lot of time. And it's always legible!

zeitfest: Do you also use zeitfest from home?
Sille: Yes! Then I know right away what's coming up the next day.

zeitfest: How has your customer base developed?
Sille: There are many who perceive us better because of this – an app definitely makes an impression.

zeitfest: What percentage already book online?
Sille: So far it's about 30 percent – but it's always increasing. You can see that very clearly in the calendar.

zeitfest: Did zeitfest help you with your Groupon campaign?
Sille: Even if not everyone books at the same time, the system helped us a lot. We had a lot of activity on the platform.

zeitfest: How has the cancellation rate changed?
1-2 didn't show up, but that was the exception. If anything was the matter, they canceled in good time beforehand. Overall, customers have become more reliable.

zeitfest: How does a computer work in a hair salon?
Sille: Isn't that already normal? In any case, there are no disadvantages compared to an appointment book.