Comparisons / WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
WhatsApp and a spreadsheet, or Coachfront?
Lots of personal trainers book clients on WhatsApp and track packs in a spreadsheet. It's free and everyone already has it. This page shows what changes if you move bookings, packs and payments into Coachfront.
Each job, both ways
Booking a session
- Coachfront
- You send a few times on WhatsApp. The client picks one and it goes in your diary.
- WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
- You agree a time in the chat, then add it to your calendar.
Sessions left
- Coachfront
- A session comes off the pack when it is booked, and goes back if they cancel in time.
- WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
- You update the spreadsheet after each session.
Who owes you
- Coachfront
- One list of who owes what, with a pay link for each.
- WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
- You check your bank against the sheet.
Running low
- Coachfront
- Clients with one or two sessions left show on your Today screen.
- WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
- You notice if you remember.
Late cancels
- Coachfront
- Clients see your rule before they book. A late cancel uses the session.
- WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
- You decide each time, then ask for the money.
Training notes
- Coachfront
- You log the session as you coach. Clients see their workouts and personal bests.
- WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
- A notes app or paper.
Cost
- Coachfront
- No monthly fee. 1% of online payments, never more than £49 a month.
- WhatsApp and a spreadsheet
- Free. Card payment links cost the card fee.
Questions
Do I have to stop using WhatsApp?
No. Keep chatting with clients on WhatsApp. Bookings, pay links and reminders each have a button to send them on WhatsApp.
How do I move my clients over?
Paste your list, one client a line, with their name, email and sessions left. For example: Sam Taylor sam@gmail.com 6/10. You check it before it saves.
When is WhatsApp and a spreadsheet enough?
If you have a few clients who pay by the month and never cancel, a spreadsheet is fine.