Do I need a website to take online bookings?
No. A standalone booking link can be shared on Facebook, WhatsApp, a business card or an existing website. A website is useful when customers also need your services, prices, photographs, coverage and contact details in one place.
If your customers already find you through recommendations and social media, booking setup may be the smaller first step. If people struggle to understand what you offer or how to contact you, start with a clear website. Explore TradeFlow booking setup.
How much do a website and booking setup cost?
Our website package costs £499 setup plus £29/month. Booking setup without ongoing management costs £249, plus your chosen software subscription. Managed TradeFlow and the combined package include ongoing help.
| Package | Setup | Monthly service |
|---|---|---|
| Website | £499 | £29 |
| Booking setup only | £249 | None from us; software separate |
| Managed TradeFlow | £299 | £59 |
| Website + managed TradeFlow | £699 | £99 |
We are not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to our service prices. Managed TradeFlow and the combined package include up to £15/month towards the actual agreed booking-licence cost, including supplier VAT. Domains, business email, payment processing, paid messaging and optional integrations are separate. A higher software plan may cost more; your quote confirms the total and limits before you commit. See full prices, scope and terms.
What does the monthly service include?
The website plan includes hosting, maintenance and 20 minutes of small monthly content changes. Managed TradeFlow includes 30 minutes of routine monthly help and the software allowance.
The combined package includes 60 minutes of edits and support, a monthly check from website to booking, and a quarterly review within that month’s allowance. The booking setup-only option has handover and a first-month check-in, with further help quoted separately. New features and larger changes are separately scoped.
Invoices, receipts, payments, certificates and annual rebooking reminders are optional additions. Each must be agreed and tested before activation; they are not included automatically in starter booking setup.
Will online booking suit my business?
Online booking works best when the service, time needed, price and eligibility can be agreed clearly. Our starter scope is one person’s booking diary, one location or agreed coverage area and up to six appointment types.
- Hair stylists: longer colour work, consultations or patch tests may need a separate process.
- Dog groomers: breed, size, coat condition and handling needs can affect suitability and duration.
- Chimney sweeps: appliance details, travel, access and the professional’s documentation requirements need checking.
- Carpet cleaners: room size, material, access and stains can affect the quote and appointment length.
Where those details change the job significantly, use an enquiry or approval step before confirming. A simple calendar cannot replace that judgement. Explore four fictional business examples; their bookings and messages are demonstrations.
Can TradeFlow help if I quote before booking?
Yes: the process can start with an enquiry rather than an instant appointment. Customers describe the work, you review the details or arrange a site visit, then agree the price and job date. This may suit decorating, landscaping, building work or bespoke professional services.
A quote request is not a confirmed job. Quote preparation, acceptance, follow-ups, invoicing and their connections to the diary depend on the chosen tools and are separately scoped, priced and tested. The starter prices above cover booking setup; the current demo does not create or send quotes. Discuss your quote-led process.
Do you only build websites for the four example businesses?
No. Our four fictional businesses demonstrate styles and customer journeys, not a limit on who we work with. We welcome other trades, consultants, tutors, shops, hospitality businesses and local organisations.
Your website might help people understand your services, browse what you offer, request a quote or simply get in touch. You do not have to add online booking. The starter website scope is up to four information pages; e-commerce and complex systems are quoted separately.
Can I keep my existing website and business identity?
Yes. A booking button or link can be added to an existing website without rebuilding it. Whether an embedded form is suitable depends on the site and chosen provider.
The customer-facing setup uses your business name, services and agreed branding. We explain any provider branding or plan restrictions in the quote. You retain your domain and supplied content; website-use rights, record exports and any transfer charges are agreed before payment. We retain reusable templates and components.
Do you work with businesses in Dorset and Hampshire?
Yes. David is based near the New Forest and supports independent businesses across Dorset and Hampshire, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Southampton. We can also work remotely with businesses elsewhere in the UK.
You deal directly with David for scoping, setup and handover. Email support has a target initial response within two UK working days. A launch date is agreed once the scope and required content are ready.
About this guide and its sources
This guide explains our own packages and approach, rather than a market-wide price benchmark. Prices and inclusions come from our published package details. The website service and TradeFlow service pages describe delivery scope. Review the written quote for your business before ordering.