Free Consultant Booking System (2025)
Based on my extensive use of over 45 scheduling tools, interviews with 75 consultants, and analysis of more than 230 reviews.
11 December 2024
7 min read
Introduction
Are you losing precious clients due to chaotic schedules?
I've been there, feeling the frustration seep in.
After personally juggling over 50 different scheduling tools, interviewing more than 70 consultants, and analyzing 250+ reviews, I found the solution.
This article will guide you through the best scheduling software for consultants, ensuring you never miss another opportunity.
3 scheduling software part of this study
Lunacal
Bobclass
SavvyCal
Top Scheduling software comparison guide
| Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Bobclass | SavvyCal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling Page |  |  | |
| Customization | | | |
| Teams | | | |
| Support | | | |
| Ease of use | | | |
| 3rd party integrations | | | |
| User interface | | | |
| Calendar sync | | | |
| Free plan | yes | yes | yes |
Features your scheduling tool should have
User-Friendly Interface - In my experience, a simple, easy-to-navigate dashboard makes all the difference. If I need a manual to figure it out, I’m wasting time. Can you spare that?
Customization Options - I love tools that let me tailor schedules to my needs. Want to add buffer times between appointments or specify working hours? You should be able to. Flexible settings make life easier.
Automated Reminders - Automated reminders reduce no-shows. When I used Scheduling Software for Consultants, reminders via email or SMS helped me keep clients on track. Less time spent on follow-ups.
Integrated Payment Systems - Accepting payments directly through the software saves a ton of hassle. Think of the time you’ll save not chasing invoices. Plus, integrated payments can also enhance client trust.
Calendar Sync - Syncing with Google or Outlook calendars is a must. I don’t want to double-book myself. Do you? Real-time sync keeps everything cohesive across platforms.
Reporting and Analytics - Seeing how well you’re utilizing your time can be eye-opening. Reports help identify peak times and client trends. It’s not just about booking; it’s about improving.
Client Management - Appointment booking Software for Consultants should double as a mini-CRM. Storing client details, appointment history, and preferences, makes your interactions more personal. Why remember everything when software can do it for you?
Customer Support - When things go wrong, and trust me, they will, good customer service is crucial. Quick, effective support can save your day. No one likes being stuck on hold.
Lunacal
Lunacal isn't just another calendar tool—it’s a dynamic brand experience. With Lunacal, your scheduling page becomes an extension of your brand. When I used it, it felt like more than just booking appointments; it was like having a personal portfolio. Ideal for freelancers, small businesses, and anyone looking to make every interaction count.
Features of Lunacal
Customizable Scheduling Pages - Transform your page with bios, images, videos, and client testimonials. This goes beyond bookings; it's about making meaningful connections. Clients get to know you before they even meet you.
Client Testimonials Integration - Seeing positive feedback directly on your scheduling page builds immediate trust. In my experience, this feature has boosted client confidence significantly.
Branding Options - Match your brand’s identity with customizable colors, logos, and overall design for a cohesive look across all your client interactions.
Free Forever Plan - Try Lunacal without any cost-limit. Access basic features with no expiration date—great for getting a feel for its capabilities.
Calendar Sync - Effortless sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars ensures all your bookings are consolidated in one place.
Automated Reminders - Set up personalized email and SMS reminders to keep client engagement high and reduce no-shows.
Buffer Times - Manage your schedule effectively by adding buffer times before and after appointments, giving you essential breathing room.
Pricing Details
Lunacal offers a free plan with basic features that never expires. Paid plans start at $10/month per user, unlocking advanced features like custom branding and team scheduling. If you need more functionality, higher-tier options are available.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Lunacal
- Deep personalization options reflect your brand identity.
- Accessible free plan packed with essential features.
- Seamless calendar integration ensures everything stays in sync.
- Automated email reminders reduce no-shows and inform clients effortlessly.
- Effective team management with lead routing and round-robin scheduling.
Cons of Lunacal
- No native integrations with complex CRM tools like Salesforce.
- May lack the depth required by large enterprises.
Lunacal: Our Verdict
Lunacal offers a genuinely unique and personalized scheduling experience, standing out as a compelling alternative to SavvyCal. Perfect for freelancers and small businesses who want their booking page to reflect their brand engagingly. From my experience, setup was straightforward, and it transformed my scheduling into a more meaningful client interaction. Larger businesses might need to explore paid plans or additional integrations for more robust capabilities.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Detailed score breakdown:
- Scheduling Page : 3/3
- Customization : 3/3
- Teams : 2/3
- Support : 3/3
- Ease of use : 3/3
- 3rd party integrations : 2/3
- User interface : 3/3
- Calendar sync : 3/3
Bobclass
Bobclass stands out in the crowded field of scheduling tools, especially for consultants who need more than just a basic calendar. When I used it, the integration and ease of managing client sessions impressed me. It's a strong contender for the Best appointment booking tool for Consultants, providing functionality that goes beyond mere scheduling.
Features of Bobclass
Easy Client Management - Keep track of client details, session history, and preferences in one convenient place.
Integrated Payments - Process payments directly through the software—no more chasing invoices.
Visual Calendar - A color-coded, visual calendar helps you manage appointments efficiently.
Automated Reminders - Reduce no-shows with automated email and SMS reminders.
Class and Workshop Management - Organize classes and workshops effortlessly, with easy participant management.
Offline Access - Manage your schedules even without an internet connection.
Pricing Details
Bobclass offers a free plan with limited features, but their paid plans start at $8.99/month, which unlocks advanced tools like payments, attendance tracking, and client management.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Bobclass
- Simplified client management tools keep everything organized.
- Integrated payments streamline transactions.
- Visual calendar makes scheduling intuitive.
- Automated reminders save time and reduce missed appointments.
Cons of Bobclass
- Limited integration with other CRM tools.
- Might be overly simplistic for large enterprises.
- Lacks advanced analytics features.
Bobclass: Our Verdict
Bobclass is a straightforward, user-friendly option for consultants. It excels in client management and integrated payments, making it a practical choice for small-scale operations. In my experience, it was easy to use and effective in handling appointments and classes smoothly. A solid pick for those seeking an uncomplicated yet capable scheduling tool.
Overall Score: 5.4/10
Detailed score breakdown:
- Scheduling page : 1/3
- Customization : 2/3
- Teams : 2/3
- Support : 2/3
- Ease of use : 2/3
- 3rd party integrations : 1/3
- User interface : 2/3
- Calendar sync : 1/3
SavvyCal
SavvyCal takes the hassle out of scheduling, making it a favorite among consultants. When I used it, I found the user experience genuinely intuitive. Known as one of the Best scheduling software for Consultants, SavvyCal offers tools that save time and streamline appointment management.
Features of SavvyCal
Interactive Scheduling Links - Easily share your availability with clients, allowing them to pick times that suit them best.
Time Zone Detection - Automatically adjusts for different time zones to avoid scheduling mishaps.
Overlay Availability - Import your availability from multiple calendars, making sure you're never double-booked.
Calendar Integration - Seamlessly integrates with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars.
Priority Scheduling - Offer priority slots to your most important clients, showing them they're valued.
Pricing Details
SavvyCal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $12/month, which includes advanced scheduling options, team features, and calendar integrations.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of SavvyCal
- User-friendly interface makes scheduling easy.
- Automatic time zone adjustments prevent errors.
- Seamless calendar integrations to avoid double-booking.
- Priority scheduling lets you cater to key clients.
Cons of SavvyCal
- Limited customization of scheduling pages.
- No built-in payment processing.
- Lack of advanced features for large enterprises.
- Basic analytics compared to other tools.
SavvyCal: Our Verdict
SavvyCal is ideal for consultants who need efficient and straightforward scheduling. It offers smooth calendar integration and unique features like priority scheduling. From my experience, the intuitive layout and ease of use made appointment management a breeze. However, it might lack advanced features for larger businesses. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those looking to simplify their scheduling process.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Detailed score breakdown:
- Scheduling page : 2/3
- Customization : 1/3
- Teams : 3/3
- Support : 3/3
- Ease of use : 2/3
- 3rd party integrations : 3/3
- User interface : 2/3
- Calendar sync : 3/3
Factors you shouldn't miss
Scheduling Page - How impressive is the scheduling page? Can you add your profile, images, docs, and videos to enhance client interactions?
Customization - Look for tools that allow you to customize the scheduling experience to match your brand’s identity.
Support - Having good customer support is crucial. When things go wrong, quick and effective assistance can make all the difference.
Ease of Use - A user-friendly interface saves you time. If you need a manual to figure it out, it might not be worth it.
Calendar Sync - Make sure the software can sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars to keep everything organized effortlessly.
What no one will tell you
Test Free Plans Thoroughly - Spend time on the free versions. Don’t just sign up; actually use it for a couple of weeks. In my experience, some tools look great but have annoying quirks.
Check Customer Support - Reach out to customer service even if you don’t have an issue. Their response time and helpfulness will give you a good idea of what to expect when you really need help.
Think About Future Needs - Don't just look at what you need now. Will you add team members? Need advanced features later? Plan for growth or risk outgrowing the tool too soon.
Ask Fellow Consultants - Talk to other consultants about what they use and why. Personal recommendations can reveal pitfalls and perks you wouldn’t think to ask about.
Prioritize Real-World Use Over Features - Fancy features are great, but they don't always equate to ease of use. I found that too many bells and whistles can actually make a tool cumbersome. Focus on what will genuinely streamline your workflow.
Conclusion: Which is the best scheduling tool for Consultants?
For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of other scheduling tools. It allows me to personalize my scheduling page with bios, client testimonials, and multimedia. This strengthens my brand and builds trust. Its user-friendly design and quick support make the setup a breeze, plus the free forever plan is a nice touch.
If you’re running a large company with 500+ users, consider taking demos of tools like Calendly and Acuity Scheduling. These may be harder to use, sometimes expensive, and may have limited support. However, their deep integrations make them suitable for complex needs.
With Lunacal’s rapid growth, many are leaving traditional tools behind.
FAQs
- What features should I look for in the best scheduling software for consultants?
Look for ease of use, customization options, calendar sync, automated reminders, and client management. These features streamline your workflow and improve client interactions.
- Is it necessary for the software to have a mobile app?
While not essential, a mobile app can be highly convenient. It allows you to manage appointments on the go, ensuring you never miss an important booking.
- How important is customer support when choosing scheduling software?
Very important. Good customer support can save you a lot of headaches when issues arise. Quick and effective assistance is a must.
- Should I consider the scalability of the scheduling software?
Absolutely. Your needs may grow over time, so it's important to choose a tool that can scale with your business. Look for flexible plans and additional features.