Choosing a Branch Type
Understand the difference between Private Space and Service Provider branch types and choose the right one for your business.
Choosing a Branch Type
In the very first step of the setup wizard, you'll choose your branch type. This is a key decision that affects how the entire booking system works for your customers.
The branch type cannot be changed after creation. Please take a moment to review this page so you choose the right type for your business.
Two Branch Types
Reservine offers two basic branch types. Each is designed for a different type of business and provides a different booking experience for customers.
Private Space
This type is ideal for businesses where customers book an entire space for a specific time. The customer selects a time range (from-to) in the calendar that works for them.
Typical use cases:
- Sports courts (tennis, badminton, squash)
- Rehearsal rooms and recording studios
- Meeting rooms and conference spaces
- Escape rooms
- Photography studios
- Event rooms and party spaces
- Coworking spaces
How it works for customers: The customer opens your booking calendar, sees available timeslots, and with a single click marks the start and end of their reservation. No need to select a specific employee - the space is booked as a whole.
Service Provider
This type is designed for businesses where customers choose specific services and optionally an employee. The booking process has multiple steps - the customer first selects a service, then a time (and optionally a preferred staff member).
Typical use cases:
- Hair and beauty salons
- Massage and wellness studios
- Medical and dental offices
- Veterinary clinics
- Legal and financial consulting
- Auto repair and tire shops
- Training centers and workshops
How it works for customers: The customer first selects a service (e.g., "Haircut + blow-dry"), and the system automatically shows available times based on the service duration and employee availability. The customer can also choose a specific staff member if you offer that option.
How to Decide?
Ask yourself these questions:
| Question | Private Space | Service Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Do customers book a specific space? | Yes | No |
| Do customers choose from a catalog of services? | No | Yes |
| Does the customer determine the booking duration? | Yes | No (the service determines it) |
| Are specific employees important? | No | Yes |
| Is the price based on time? | Usually yes | Usually based on the service |
If you run multiple types of businesses (e.g., a sports center with courts and massage services), you can create multiple branches in Reservine - each with a different type. One branch can be a "Private Space" for tennis courts and another a "Service Provider" for massages.
Still Not Sure?
If you're still undecided, consider the following:
- Does the customer specify a time or a service? If the customer says "I'd like to book a court from 4 to 5 PM," it's a Private Space. If they say "I'd like to book a haircut," it's a Service Provider.
- Does it matter who performs the service? If yes (a specific hairdresser, doctor), then it's a Service Provider.
- Does the customer determine the booking duration? If yes (1 hour, 2 hours at a rehearsal room), it's a Private Space. If the duration is determined by the service type (haircut = 45 min), it's a Service Provider.
Next step: Setup Wizard