94 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown
94 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown
Here’s the **deterministic, zero-cost system for Kat’s Pet Sitting**, designed to automate bookings, client intake, and pet care tracking—while maintaining a personal touch:
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **🐾 Kat’s Pet Sitting Automation Stack (100% Free)**
|
||
**For the solo pet sitter who:**
|
||
✓ Needs **clients to self-book** around existing visits
|
||
✓ Wants **pet profiles upfront** (meds, quirks, vet contacts)
|
||
✓ Avoids **payment chasing** with deposits
|
||
✓ Automates **check-ins/photo updates** for clients
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **🔧 The Free Tech Stack**
|
||
| **Tool** | **Pet-Sitting Specific Use** |
|
||
|----------|------------------------------|
|
||
| **Google Sites** | Mobile-friendly booking page with service options (e.g., "Overnight Stays" vs. "Drop-Ins") |
|
||
| **Calendly Free** | Shows real-time availability (blocks buffer time between visits) |
|
||
| **Stripe Payment Links** | Takes 50% deposit at booking (refundable if canceled >48h out) |
|
||
| **Google Forms** | Pet intake form (meds, feeding schedule, emergency contacts) |
|
||
| **Trello Free** | Tracks: *"New Booking → Vet Info Received → Visit Confirmed → Completed"* |
|
||
| **Google Drive** | Shared folder per client (pet photos, visit logs, vet records) |
|
||
| **Zapier Free** | Connects tools (e.g., new Calendly booking → auto-sends intake form) |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **📌 Step-by-Step Workflow**
|
||
|
||
#### **1. Booking Flow (Client Scans QR Code)**
|
||
- Lands on Kat’s **Google Site** with:
|
||
- **Service menu**:
|
||
- *30-min Drop-In: $25*
|
||
- *Overnight Stay: $75/night*
|
||
- **Embedded Calendly** showing only available slots (with 30min buffers between visits).
|
||
- *"Required: 50% deposit to hold dates."* (Stripe Payment Link in confirmation email).
|
||
|
||
#### **2. Pet Intake (Automated)**
|
||
- After booking, **Zapier triggers**:
|
||
- **Google Form** to client:
|
||
- *"Upload a photo of your pet"*
|
||
- *"Vet name/number"*
|
||
- *"Medication schedule (if any)"*
|
||
- **Trello card** auto-populates with responses → Kat reviews before visit.
|
||
|
||
#### **3. Visit Day**
|
||
- **Kat checks Trello "Confirmed" column**:
|
||
- Pet’s photo, vet info, and notes pinned to top of card.
|
||
- Uses **Google Sheets** (linked in Drive) to log:
|
||
- *Food given*
|
||
- *Medications administered*
|
||
- *Behavior notes*
|
||
|
||
#### **4. Client Updates (Hands-Off)**
|
||
- **Zapier automates**:
|
||
- **Photo updates**: Kat snaps pet pics → auto-saves to client’s **Drive folder**.
|
||
- **End-of-visit report**: Generates a PDF log (Google Docs template) → emails client.
|
||
- **Re-booking reminder**: 1 week before last visit, sends:
|
||
*"Fluffy misses you! Reserve your next dates here."* (Calendly link).
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **🚨 Edge Cases Solved**
|
||
| **Problem** | **Fix** |
|
||
|------------|--------|
|
||
| Client forgets vet info | Google Form requires field before submission. |
|
||
| Pet has emergency | Trello card shows **red border** if meds/allergies flagged. |
|
||
| No-shows | Deposits cover first visit; recurring clients pay upfront. |
|
||
| Last-minute cancellations | Stripe refund rules auto-apply (e.g., "<24h = no refund"). |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **📌 Physical Touchpoints**
|
||
- **QR Code Locations**:
|
||
- **Business cards**: *"Scan to book + access Fluffy’s portal!"*
|
||
- **Keychain tag** (left with clients): QR links to visit logs/emergency contacts.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **💡 Scaling Up**
|
||
- **Upgrade 1**: **Calendly Premium** ($8/mo) → Add "Priority Rebooking" for loyal clients.
|
||
- **Upgrade 2**: **Airtable** ($20/mo) → Track pet preferences (*"Whiskers loves feather toys"*).
|
||
- **Upgrade 3**: **Twilio** ($0.0075/SMS) → Auto-text clients during storms/extreme temps.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **🐶 Client Experience Script**
|
||
> *"Scan here to book! You’ll pick dates, pay a deposit, and fill out Fluffy’s profile—all before I arrive. You’ll get photo updates and a report card after every visit!"*
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
### **🎯 Why This Works for Pet Sitters**
|
||
1. **No missed details**: Pet profiles are locked in before visits.
|
||
2. **Trust-building**: Automated updates reassure clients.
|
||
3. **Time savings**: 80% of admin (scheduling, forms, payments) happens pre-visit. |