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How to select the right booking system for your fitness studio?

Running a fitness studio—whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience—comes with its fair share of challenges. In Singapore’s fast-paced and competitive fitness industry, studios that fail to streamline operations often struggle to stay afloat. If you’re still managing bookings and memberships manually without a fitness scheduling software in place, you could be losing valuable time, increasing administrative costs, and missing out on growth opportunities.

Investing in the right fitness management software can significantly reduce your operational workload, automate bookings and payments, and allow you to focus on what truly matters—delivering high-quality classes for your clients.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of using a fitness booking software, along with essential factors to consider when choosing the best management system to suit your studio’s needs.

1. Pricing

For most fitness studio owners, pricing is a top concern when choosing a fitness booking software. Many providers require upfront subscription payments and lock you into annual contracts, which can create short-term cash flow challenges, especially when you’re just starting out and managing multiple expenses.

Additionally, fitness management software typically offers tiered pricing plans, where higher tiers unlock more features at a higher cost. This makes it crucial to carefully evaluate your options and choose a solution that strikes the right balance between affordability and functionality. If you plan to expand to multiple locations, scalability is another crucial factor to consider. Some fitness management platforms restrict usage to a single outlet unless you upgrade to a more expensive plan.

Below is a table outlining the prices of popular fitness management system providers. For more detailed information on the features available in each subscription tier, please click on the software names below or check out our blog here.

Fitness Management Software Monthly Basic Plan in ($SGD) Annual Basic Plan in ($SGD)
Mindbody From $250 From $3,000
Glofox From $250 From $3,000
Zingfit  From $199  From $2,388
Vibefam From $89 From $1,068
Rezerv From $44 From $528

💡 Tip: Some platforms have hidden fees or charge extra for advanced features. To avoid unexpected costs, look for a software provider with transparent pricing that aligns with your studio’s budget and needs.


2. Features

Secondly, the features of a fitness booking system play a crucial role in determining its suitability for your studio. Different fitness management platforms cater to different needs—what works well for a small boutique studio may not be ideal for a large-scale facility with multiple locations.

At a minimum, most fitness booking software should include the following core functionalities:

💡 Tip: Beyond these essentials, it’s important to assess your studio’s unique requirements. Here are some key questions to consider when selecting a fitness management software:

✅ Payment options – What payment methods (e.g., credit card, PayNow, GrabPay) do you want to offer?

✅ Third-party integrations – Do you need integrations with platforms like ClassPass, email marketing tools, or accounting software?

✅ User experience – Do you require a branded mobile app and/or a web-based booking system?

✅ Advanced features – Would features like AI-powered analytics, lead management, staff scheduling, or a robust CRM system improve your operations?

By identifying your studio’s specific needs, you can select a fitness booking software that not only automates administrative tasks but also enhances client experience and supports your business growth.


3. Availability of Customer Support

When technical issues arise, quick and efficient customer support is essential—especially for a fitness booking system that directly impacts your daily operations. Whether it’s a payment glitch, scheduling error, or login issue, both you and your clients need prompt assistance to ensure a seamless experience.

Larger platforms like Mindbody and Glofox often serve a global customer base, which can result in longer response times, sometimes taking weeks to resolve issues. Additionally, these platforms typically rely on support forms rather than direct communication channels like live chat or phone support, which can make it harder to get immediate assistance when you need it most.

In contrast, local or boutique providers may offer faster, more personalised support, ensuring that any disruptions are resolved swiftly.

💡 Tip: When evaluating fitness management software, consider the following:

✅ Response Time – How quickly does the support team address inquiries?

✅ Support Channels – Do they offer live chat, email, phone support, or a dedicated account manager?

✅ Availability – Is customer service available during your studio’s operating hours?

✅ Local Expertise – Does the provider understand region-specific needs, such as local payment methods?

Choosing a system with reliable, easily accessible customer support ensures that technical issues don’t disrupt your business, allowing you to focus on delivering the best experience for your clients.

Conclusion

With numerous fitness management software options available in the market, conducting thorough research is crucial, as the right choice can significantly impact your studio’s operations. To assist with your decision-making, platforms like Capterra can provide valuable insights, offering a detailed comparison of features and reviews from other studio owners.

For further assistance, feel free to explore our other comparison blogs:

🔑 Ready to elevate your studio? Schedule a call with our team to discover how vibefam can support your growth and streamline your operations.

 

This article is written by Jayden Ling.

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