This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:12:36
The video comprehensively evaluates Microsoft Bookings and Calendly to help users choose a scheduling tool that best fits their needs. The comparison covers key features, pricing, customization, and integration capabilities of both platforms. Microsoft Bookings, included with Microsoft 365, supports various meeting types and complex workflows, especially when integrated with Power Automate, but lacks built-in payment processing. Calendly, on the other hand, offers straightforward payment integrations with Stripe and PayPal, advanced customization options, and unique features like meeting polls, which are not available in Bookings. While Bookings has less aesthetic customization flexibility and lacks advanced post-booking actions, it remains cost-effective for Microsoft 365 users. The video concludes by recommending businesses regularly evaluate their built-in tools like Bookings to potentially reduce reliance on third-party services.
00:00:00
In this segment, the speaker addresses common questions from users about whether to choose Microsoft Bookings or Calendly for scheduling meetings. They compare key features and pricing of both platforms to help users decide. Microsoft Bookings is included in the Microsoft 365 subscription with most features, and additional features like SMS reminders and follow-up communications are available with a Teams Premium upgrade for $10 per user per month. Calendly offers four pricing tiers with increasing levels of functionality, ranging from a free basic tier to a $16 per user per month tier with advanced options. Both platforms allow users to automate meeting scheduling through a web page, with Bookings supporting different types of meetings, including multi-participant options and virtual meetings via Teams.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter compares Microsoft Bookings and Calendly, focusing on features, customization, and pricing. They highlight that Microsoft Bookings can mimic Calendly’s various meeting types (one-on-one, group, collective, and round robin) through service setup, presenting an advantage as Bookings includes these options without requiring a higher subscription tier. Calendly allows sending links for one-off meetings and offers a unique feature called a meeting poll, which is not available in Bookings but is within Outlook in Microsoft 365.
Additionally, Bookings is described as less customizable compared to Calendly, especially in terms of booking page aesthetics and post-booking actions. Calendly’s free version has limited branding options, but the $12/month tier unlocks extensive customization, including redirecting guests to custom webpages and passing booking details via URLs. Calendly also excels in customizing messages and reminders, whereas Bookings offers basic customization without the same level of polish or flexibility, and lacks customizable SMS messages.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the capabilities and integrations of Microsoft Bookings versus Calendly, particularly focusing on complex workflows and payment systems. They highlight that Microsoft Bookings, when paired with Power Automate, can handle intricate tasks like sending event materials and interactive SMS messaging, though it has a steep learning curve. Bookings’ main advantage is its integration within Microsoft 365, which avoids adding complexity and potential issues that come with an additional system like Calendly. However, Bookings lacks built-in payment processing for meeting bookings, requiring workarounds with Power Automate. In contrast, Calendly offers straightforward integration with payment systems such as Stripe or PayPal, allowing easier payment processing during booking, especially on its $12 a month tier. For those needing integrated payment capabilities, the speaker recommends Calendly, as custom-building similar functionality in Bookings would be significantly more costly.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses various integration options for booking systems, notably how web hooks and Power Automate can be utilized. They explain that while many enterprise-grade integrations are available through monthly packages, power automate integrations can be more complex. The speaker advises clients on these projects and highlights that the main advantage of using power automate with bookings is for broader business integrations, despite potential complications.
The discussion then shifts to comparing booking tools like Bookings and Calendly, emphasizing that unless a specific niche feature is needed, Bookings often suffices, especially given its cost-effectiveness through Microsoft 365. Both tools integrate with Outlook calendars, allowing for selective deployment within the same team. The speaker notes that Bookings should not be dismissed as inferior to tools like Calendly and urges businesses to regularly evaluate built-in Microsoft 365 tools to potentially save on third-party services and reduce system management complexity.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter emphasizes the benefits of using Microsoft 365’s apps for a seamless onboarding and support experience, owing to their frequent updates. They question the viewer’s current preferences between using a calendar or a booking system and encourage the audience to share their thoughts in the comments. The video concludes with a thank you and a farewell message, expressing hope that the information provided was useful.