Set up salon booking software in Nigeria with a clear service menu, realistic appointment times, staff availability and a deposit policy customers can understand. This checklist is for independent hair salons, barbers, nail studios and lash businesses moving enquiries from messages into an organised booking page.
1. Turn your price list into a bookable menu
Write one clear entry for each service a customer can choose. Include the result, what is included, the price and the time needed. Separate services that need different preparation: a fresh nail set and removal of an old set should not silently take the same appointment time. Explain whether hair, extensions, accessories or removal are included. Avoid a low headline price that only becomes meaningful after several compulsory extras.
Use pictures you have permission to publish. If you show a client's face or identifying details, obtain their permission first. A small set of accurate images is more useful than a large gallery that does not represent the service being booked.
2. Reserve enough time for the complete visit
A customer may choose several services. Add their durations before deciding how much time the appointment needs. For example, a 90-minute service plus a 30-minute removal needs at least two hours. Allow for any preparation and clean-up within your scheduling workflow; do not assume a short menu label means a short appointment.
Test your last available slot against closing time. If your studio closes at 6 pm and a service takes two hours, check that the booking flow does not offer a start time your team cannot finish. Appointment durations and actual staff availability should be reviewed together.
3. Check business hours and professional schedules
Set the days the business opens, then check each professional's working hours and service assignments. Opening the salon on Sunday does not make a professional available if that person's Sunday schedule is still closed. Where supported, customers may select a named professional or any available professional. Only assign services to people who can deliver them.
For Nigerian appointments, check that dates and times use the intended Africa/Lagos time zone. Clearly state the studio location and any arrival instructions on your own business page so a customer does not confuse an online booking with an online service.
4. Explain deposits before customers transfer money
Choose whether customers pay in full, pay a percentage deposit or pay at the appointment, subject to your plan and payment configuration. An illustrative 50% deposit on a ₦30,000 service is ₦15,000 now and ₦15,000 later. Publish the balance deadline and your cancellation, rescheduling and lateness rules before checkout. This example is not a price or policy imposed on your business.
For bank transfer, show the correct business account name, bank and account number. Ask customers to use the booking reference and upload clear payment proof. Verify the actual credit in your bank account before marking a payment received. Keep receipts in the protected review flow instead of a public gallery.
Each Bookly business configures its own customer payment methods and receives those payments directly. Bookly's software subscription is a separate charge. Available online payment channels depend on the connected provider and the business's account eligibility.
5. Make booking status clear
Verified online payment confirms an available booking automatically. For bank transfers, review the receipt and actual bank credit before accepting: acceptance records the required payment and confirms the appointment. A deposit leaves the remaining balance due. An uploaded receipt alone does not confirm a booking. Use Reschedule to choose another available date, time or professional; customers receive an email when the booking changes. Refunds are arranged directly with the business.
Keep your business email and contact number current. Where configured, customers can open a prepared WhatsApp booking message and choose to send it themselves. The message helps a conversation start; it does not replace payment verification or appointment acceptance.
6. Share one clear booking link
Add your booking-page link to your Instagram bio, WhatsApp Business profile and relevant customer replies. A helpful reply is: “You can view our services and available times here: [your booking link]. Please read the payment and arrival instructions before submitting.” Ask permission before sending unrelated promotional messages, and avoid posting the same advertisement repeatedly in groups.
Before you share: a five-minute checklist
- Service names, prices, inclusions and durations are accurate.
- The chosen professional is available during business hours.
- Deposit instructions explain the amount due now and the balance.
- The page, calendar and payment instructions are readable on a phone.
- Contact details, location and cancellation rules are current.
- Your team knows where to review payment proof and accept appointments.
Start with the Bookly guide for Nigerian service businesses. Compare current plans and feature limits, browse real business booking pages, or create your Bookly account. For setup help, visit the help centre or email [email protected].
[email protected] · Lagos, Nigeria