This guide will show you how to create an Add-on service, so you can connect one service to another and encourage your clients to book it as an add-on.
Feature in Testing
This feature is currently in testing but will be available very soon.
In this Article
What Are Add-on Services?
Add-on services are optional extras linked to a main (primary) service. They let clients personalize their booking by adding enhancements, such as a conditioning treatment or a lip mask.
Add-on Services can also be set to zero minutes if needed, so they don’t add any extra time to the appointment.
They’re designed to improve the booking experience and help you increase client spend per visit.
Linking Services as an Add-On
To select Add-on services, go to Manager > Services, then click the primary service you want to link add-ons to.
Next, open the Linked Addons tab and set the desired services to Linked to offer them as Add-ons.
These linked services will now automatically appear as add-on options when you create an appointment with the primary service or when a client books the primary service online.
The average number of suggested Add-on services is about 5, usually sourced from no more than 2 Service Categories. Offering more than that might make things a bit overwhelming for your clients and slow down your team's booking process.
Setting a Service as an Add-on Only
If a service should only ever be booked as an Add-on, you can toggle the Is this service an add-on only setting to Yes, then click Save.
This service will no longer appear in your main services menu, either in-house or online, and will only ever be bookable as an Add-on option.
For add-on only services, we suggest creating a new 'Add-ons' Service Category. This helps simplify booking and management, and makes reporting easier by allowing you to filter by that service category. Learn more about setting this up.
Services with Variable Timings
If a service is shorter or has no duration when offered as an add-on compared to the standalone version, you'll want to create a separate service with the shorter duration. Then toggle the Is this service an add-on only? setting to Yes, so this version is only booked as an add-on.
Add-ons with Zero Minute Duration
If you need to add a 'no time' Add-on, you can set the Duration to 0 min, provided the service is set to add-on only.
When booked, zero-minute Add-ons will be mentioned in a red banner on the existing appointment rather than appearing as a separate block booking.
Zero-minute duration Add-ons cannot be moved to another staff member and will always be booked with the staff performing the primary service.
Multiple Add-ons
If you book multiple zero-minute Add-ons, the banner will display the total number of Add-ons. When you hover your mouse over the appointment, you'll see the details of each Add-on.
Managing Add-Ons in Multiple Locations (Chain Library)
If you have multiple locations in Phorest, you can manage your Add-Ons at a business level by going to Manager > Chain Library > Services Library.
From here, follow the same steps mentioned earlier in this help article to apply your Add-On settings for each service. Any changes made in the Chain Library will automatically be updated across all locations in your business.
If you'd like the Linked Addons to differ for certain locations, open those locations and go to Manager > Services to adjust the settings for each service. Any changes made here will override the business-level settings from the Chain Library for that specific location.
Zero-minute duration must always be set at the business level and cannot be adjusted per location.
What Does Booking an Add-on Look Like?
Online Booking
When booking online, after selecting a primary service, the list of linked add-ons will be displayed.
Add-ons must be available online to appear in online booking.
In-House Booking on Desktop
When creating a booking in-house, primary services are labeled as 'With add-ons,' and the add-ons appear automatically during the booking process.
In-House Booking on PhorestGo
When creating a booking on PhorestGo, primary services show an 'Add-On' label, and the add-ons appear automatically during the booking process.
Other FAQs
Can I create retail product Add-ons
Currently, retail Add-ons are not supported.
Are there any scenarios where Add-ons can't be booked?
Add-ons cannot be booked with Group Bookings, including group Packages/Special Offers.
Do clients pay online booking deposits for Add-ons
Yes, if they have a duration. No, for zero-minute Add-ons.