Personal stylists: preparing first sessions from bookings

A first style consultation goes further when you already know who's coming and why. Use the booking itself as your preparation: a dedicated first-session service whose description asks a few questions, a note where the client answers them, and photos sent by email before the day. You arrive with ideas instead of starting from zero, the session fits its slot, and the follow-up is booked before you part.

On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page, and each slot belongs to one service, sits within one day and has its own capacity. Keep the first consultation separate from follow-ups, so it can have its own length and price.

Durations and prices are examples: set your own.

The description is what clients read before they book. List the three or four things you need, so their note answers them:

The booking form takes first name, last name, email and phone, plus an optional note that reaches you in the new booking email and appears in the client's calendar file. The note holds the short answers; for photos of outfits they love or never wear, ask them to email you after booking.

A first consultation often runs long when the client opens up. Make the slot long enough, and leave a gap after it before the next booking. If the first session happens at the client's home, include travel time in the slot and ask for the address in the note. Video consultations are their own service; Book doesn't create video links, so send yours by email.

The day before, read the note in your bookings list, look through the photos and sketch two or three directions. Your calendar is synced with Google, iPhone or Mac, so the session and the client's name are on your phone.

At the end of the session, agree the next step, such as a wardrobe edit or a shopping trip, and book it yourself from your list. First and last name are enough; if you enter the client's email, they get a confirmation with a calendar file.

Clients can't move or cancel online: they contact you, and you move the session from your list. Book doesn't take payments or send reminders. Book costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract.