The first step in using Endear’s Appointment Scheduling feature is setting up your calendars. While most scheduling tools limit you to only syncing an external calendar, Endear allows you to create calendars directly within the platform or connect them from an external source like Google Calendar. This added flexibility makes it easy to create associate specific calendars as well as overall store calendars.

Once your calendars are activated, store associates can send out personal appointment links connected to their calendar, or use an overall store link. Plus, if your team wants to offer multiple types of appointments (e.g. virtual styling sessions or in-store product demos), these can be added for customers to select.

Store teams can then view all their upcoming appointments through a straightforward dashboard inside Endear. Events can be filtered by store location, associate, or event type, making it easy to stay organized and avoid double-bookings.

One of the biggest hurdles in scheduling appointments is the back-and-forth process of finding a convenient time. With Endear’s Appointment Scheduling tool, you can share your availability with customers as easily as sharing a link. Booking links can be inserted into Endear messages, embedded in your e-commerce site, or linked on your store locator page. 

Customers can then select a time that works best for them, automatically syncing that appointment to the associate’s calendar. This eliminates endless email threads or phone tag, ensuring a frictionless booking experience that aligns with your brand’s overall focus on clienteling.

Endear understands that different retailers have unique needs when it comes to appointments. Some may want 15-minute consultation slots, while others require full-hour appointments for personalized styling or clothing alterations. That’s why Endear offers customizable appointment types. You can define time lengths, segment the types of appointments you offer, and add any relevant notes or prompts. This tailored approach ensures your associates are fully prepared to address the customer’s interests and needs during each session.

To keep everyone on the same page and reduce no-shows, Endear enables you to send out appointment confirmations and reminders. Unlike other platforms which send out impersonal, no-reply emails, Endear’s automations are sent on behalf of the store associate assigned to that appointment. This allows customers to reply with any questions they might have, and also feel like they’re getting true one-to-one service.

Retail associates are also kept in the loop with notifications that highlight upcoming appointments, ensuring they know who they’re meeting and what to expect. All of these communications can be customized to match your store’s voice and aesthetic, reinforcing a consistent brand experience at every step.

One of the most powerful benefits of having an integrated CRM and Appointment Scheduling solution is the ability to see the full customer profile all together. Before heading into an appointment, store associates can use Endear to review a customer’s purchase history, past conversations, or even preferences captured during previous interactions. This empowers associates to tailor product recommendations, offer relevant upsells, or address any concerns the customer might have—all backed by real data. By having this information consolidated, teams can focus on building relationships and providing real value, rather than performing time-consuming administrative tasks.

What happens after an appointment is often just as critical as what happens during the appointment. Within Endear, associates can easily follow up with a personalized message, share product recommendations, or prompt feedback on the experience. If a sale occurs during or after the appointment, the transaction can be directly attributed to that specific session. This capability not only allows you to measure the ROI of your Appointment Scheduling efforts but also helps store managers and leadership understand which appointment types are most likely to lead to a sale.

For fashion retailers offering styling consultations, an organized appointment system is invaluable. Customers can schedule a fitting session at their preferred store location, ensuring staff availability and a dedicated dressing room. Associates, who have a complete view of the customer’s style history and purchase preferences, can prepare in advance. During the appointment, the associate can suggest outfits or accessories that align with the customer’s taste, and after the appointment, follow up with an email or text linking to the recommended items online. Tracking the sale back to that fitting session is seamless with Endear’s integrated analytics.

High-end or luxury retailers often host special trunk shows, collection previews, or VIP events; all managed by Endear’s new feature. By sharing a private booking link with select VIP customers, the store can ensure a high-touch experience that respects each customer’s time and preferences. Associates, knowing the value of these VIP shoppers, can tailor the experience to highlight items the customer is likely to love. If the appointment results in a significant purchase, it can be attributed to the event itself, providing leadership with clear data on the success of exclusive experiences.

Not every appointment needs to be a big ceremony! Many shoppers simply want guaranteed one-on-one attention during their store visit. By adding appointment booking options to your store locator pages, you can easily capture interested shoppers who are already looking to visit. Associates get a heads-up through Endear, giving them time to review the customer's profile before they arrive. The customer enjoys personalized service, and your team can follow up on items they loved but didn't purchase that day. It's a low-effort way to elevate everyday shopping trips while still tracking these interactions in your sales attribution.

If you have a tailor in house, Endear's appointment system streamlines the often chaotic alterations process. Customers can book their fitting times based on your tailor's actual availability, while associates add alteration details directly in the appointment notes. When garments are ready, a quick message through Endear brings customers back to the store – creating a perfect opportunity for associates to suggest new seasonal items that would complement their freshly tailored purchase.