Besides tangible and digital goods, you have the opportunity to vend services through your store. Whether you're instructing courses, repairing bicycles, or advising individuals globally, your online shop can serve as a platform to build clientele, market services digitally, and expand your enterprise.
Upon adding a product to your store, you may deselect the shipping option to signify that you're offering a service rather than a physical item. Your listings should always feature a comprehensive description detailing precisely what the purchaser will receive, the method of delivery, and the anticipated timeframe for delivery.
Table of contents
Incorporating a service
To offer a service, you must add it to your product catalogue and then deactivate shipping for that specific item.
To include a service and disable shipping via desktop:
- Navigate from your store admin to Catalog → Products.
- Select +Add New Product.
- Subsequently, input your service's name, description, and upload an image for preview.
- Specify the price, quantity, and SKU if applicable.
- Within the Shipping & Pickup segment of the product page, toggle off the This Product Requires Shipping or Pickup option.
- Save your changes by clicking Save.
To include a service and deactivate shipping via iOS or Android app:
- In the mobile app, head to Products, then tap + to introduce a product.
- Next, provide the service's name, price, and upload an image for preview.
- Incorporate description, quantity, and SKU if applicable.
- Under the Shipping and Pickup section, toggle off the Requires shipping or pickup option.
Acknowledging bookings
Embracing bookings is advantageous for small businesses or individuals engaged in appointment-based services such as disc jockeys, babysitters, interior decorators, rental services, and others. Automating the booking process saves time and reduces unnecessary emails and phone calls. Simply integrate your synchronized online calendar with your product page.
To accept bookings by integrating Google calendar with your product page:
- Begin by adding a service to your online shop.
- Then, in product details, proceed to Options and incorporate a “Date picker” input type, labeling the field as “Date.”
- Introduce a second input option labeled “Time,” comprising a simple text field. Here, clients can specify their preferred meeting time. Ensure both fields are marked as mandatory:
These steps empower clients to select a date and time for their appointment, leveraging your services. But how do they ascertain your availability?
- Include your online calendar in the description. For instance, if you're using Google Calendar, retrieve your calendar's code and embed it within your product description (ensure to click on < > on the far right to embed code).
- Append a brief instruction in the description, guiding clients on making a reservation. Encourage them to check your calendar before booking to ensure your availability.
And there you have it!
Optimal approaches: Crafting service descriptions
Service descriptions are pivotal in delineating the scope of services delivered to your clientele. They should clearly outline what's included, how, and when it's delivered.
Detailed service descriptions should cover:
- Deliverables: Clearly define what the customer will receive.
- Timeframe: Specify when the deliverables will be received by the customer.
- Special terms and conditions: Any unique terms or conditions applicable to your service.
Here's a sample service description from an online shop offering nutrition consultations or private cooking classes:
Exclusive Farm-to-Table Experience + Culinary Workshop
[Deliverables] Exploring the local Farmer's Market is exhilarating, but navigating through the abundance of produce can be daunting. Worried about overbuying or missing out?
Rest assured, you're not alone; navigating through the array of farm-fresh produce, proteins, and artisanal delights, we'll simplify the process with easy-to-follow techniques suitable for all skill levels.
[Timeframe] This experience starts with a market visit, followed by a hands-on cooking session lasting a couple of hours, crafting simple yet delectable dishes.
With most recipes comprising three ingredients and three steps or less, you'll discover the joy of crafting nutritious, delicious meals in minimal time!
* Cost of ingredients not included.
* Pricing subject to change based on travel distance.
*No refunds.