zenpageCommission-free appointment software: what it changes for a therapist
Commission-free online appointment software for therapists: what a commission really costs, how to check, and how to keep 100% of your sessions.
When an appointment-booking tool advertises "free", the useful question is: how does it earn its money? Sometimes through a subscription. Sometimes through a share of each session. Here is how to tell the difference, and quantify the impact on your revenue.
The three ways of earning money
| Model | What you pay | Point of attention |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed subscription | An amount per month, whatever your volume | Predictable, advantageous if you have many sessions |
| Commission | A percentage or an amount per appointment or per payment | Rises with your activity |
| Mixed | Subscription and a share on some operations | To be read in the detail of the terms |
What a commission is worth over a year
Take a simple example, to adapt to your case. You do 20 sessions a week at €60, about €4,800 a month. A 2% commission represents €96 a month, so €1,152 a year. A subscription at €19.90 excl. VAT per month represents €238.80 excl. VAT per year. The gap becomes visible as soon as activity stabilizes.
Multiply your monthly number of sessions by your average rate, then by the advertised percentage. Compare with the annual cost of the subscription. The result depends on your volume: a practice that is starting out doesn't have the same equation as a full practice.
How to check that there isn't one
- Read the pricing page, then the terms and conditions.
- Find the payment section: who collects? Into which account?
- Make an end-to-end test payment, then see what arrives in your account.
- Ask in writing whether a percentage is taken on bookings.
How it works at Zenpage
Zenpage takes no commission on your sessions. You connect your Stripe account: the client's payment arrives directly with you, with Stripe's usual bank fees. The free plan lets you start, the Pro plan is €19.90 excl. VAT per month. SMS is optional via your own Twilio account.
To activate payment, follow the online payment guide and, to limit no-shows, the deposit at booking.
What to keep in mind
Commission-free doesn't mean cost-free: a subscription, payment fees and options exist almost everywhere. What matters is knowing what you pay and being able to predict it. For an overview, read how to choose your online calendar, or the criteria for a Doctolib alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Does commission-free mean no fees at all?
No. Commission-free means the tool takes no percentage of your sessions. Your payment provider's fees, such as Stripe's, are still due. So is any subscription.
How do you know whether a tool takes a commission?
Look for a mention of a percentage or a cost per appointment on the pricing page, in the terms and in the payment section. If in doubt, ask in writing.
Do my clients pay more?
No, you set your rates. What changes is what you keep: the session amount arrives in your account, with no share taken by the tool.
Can I get paid without online payment?
Yes. You can let the client pay at the practice, or ask for a deposit only. Online payment is not mandatory.
