zenpagePrice of appointment booking software for therapists: what budget to plan
How much does appointment booking software cost for a therapist? Cost items, traps to avoid and a worked example with a free plan and a Pro plan.
The budget for booking software rarely fits on a single line. Between the subscription, options and payment fees, two tools at the same displayed price can cost very different sums over the year. Here are the items to compare and a worked example.
The five cost items
- The subscription: free, or a monthly amount depending on the plan.
- Options: SMS, several calendars, several locations, advanced customization.
- Payment fees: charged by your provider (Stripe, for example), not by the tool.
- Commissions: to check, see our article on commission-free tools.
- Your time: a long setup or manual follow-ups also cost.
A worked example with Zenpage
| Item | Free plan | Pro plan |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | €0 | €19.90 excl. VAT per month |
| Commission on your sessions | None | None |
| Online payment fees | Stripe fees | Stripe fees |
| SMS | Option via your Twilio account | Option via your Twilio account |
Over a year, the Pro plan represents €238.80 excl. VAT, which is less than two €60 sessions a month if you take payment per session. The features included in each plan are detailed in the subscription documentation.
A paid plan is justified when it avoids a loss greater than its cost. A reminder that avoids two missed appointments a month has already paid for the subscription.
The traps to avoid
- A free plan without payment or reminders, which forces you onto the paid plan from the first week.
- A trial period that switches to a subscription without warning.
- An annual commitment with automatic renewal.
- A la carte options that double the bill.
How to choose your plan
- List your real needs: booking, payment, reminders, video, several locations.
- Start with the free plan and test on real clients.
- Move to the paid plan when a feature is missing and costs you time.
For an overview of the criteria, read the guide to choosing your online calendar, and to limit no-shows, our article on missed appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Is there truly free booking software?
Yes, some tools offer a free plan. Look at what it includes: number of services, online payment, reminders, customization. Zenpage offers a free plan to start.
What is the price of Zenpage's Pro plan?
€19.90 excl. VAT per month. SMS is optional via your own Twilio account, billed by Twilio according to usage.
Do I pay fees on top of the subscription?
If you take payments online, your payment provider (Stripe) charges its bank fees. Zenpage takes no commission.
When should I move from a free plan to a paid plan?
When a paid feature saves you more time or money than it costs: reminders that reduce no-shows, payment at booking, several locations.
