How to charge for consultations: paid bookings, packages and subscriptions
Short answer: Pick a price, make clients pay when they book, and sell sessions in bundles. Use a scheduling app connected to Stripe or PayPal so payment happens at the moment the client picks a time. No invoices, no chasing, fewer no-shows.
Step 1: Pick a pricing model
| Model | Example | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Per session | $120 for 60 minutes | One-off advice, first-time clients |
| Package | 5 sessions for $500 ($100 each) | Coaching with a set outcome |
| Subscription | $400/month for 4 weekly calls | Ongoing coaching and retainers |
| Free intro, paid follow-up | Free 15 min, then paid sessions | Turning leads into clients |
Packages and subscriptions get you paid upfront and keep clients committed. A discount per session (for example $120 single, $100 each in a 5-pack) gives people a reason to buy the bundle.
Step 2: Set your price
Start from your target: monthly income goal ÷ sessions you can deliver per month = price per session. Want $6,000 a month and can do 50 sessions? That is $120 per session. Raise it once your calendar stays full.
Step 3: Take payment at booking
In TidyCal:
- Go to Booking types and create a new booking type.
- Set the duration and enter a price. Each booking type can have its own currency.
- Go to Integrations → Payments and connect Stripe or PayPal. Clients pay when they book and the money goes straight to your account.
Fees to know: Stripe and PayPal charge their normal processing fees. TidyCal adds a 1% platform fee on Stripe bookings on the Free Plan and lifetime plans. Pro has no platform fee, and PayPal bookings carry none. On a $120 session, 1% is $1.20.
Step 4: Sell packages and subscriptions
- Packages: offer 3, 5 or 10 sessions at a bundle price. The client pays once and books each session when ready.
- Subscriptions: the client is charged automatically each period and bookings renew.
- Coupons: give launch or referral discounts with a code.
All three are included on every TidyCal plan, including free.
Step 5: Cut no-shows
- Charging upfront is the biggest fix. People show up for what they already paid for.
- Turn on email reminders. Add SMS reminders on Agency Lifetime or Pro (US and Canada numbers).
- Set a cancellation window and a no-show fee (paid plans).
Step 6: Share your link everywhere
Put your booking link in your social bio, email signature, website and proposals. TidyCal also gives you a booking website with your bio, testimonials and reviews, so the link sells for you.
Which tools take payments on the free plan?
| Tool | Payments on free plan | Cheapest plan with payments |
|---|---|---|
| TidyCal | Yes (Stripe, PayPal) | $0 |
| Calendly | No | $10/seat/mo yearly (Standard) |
| Acuity | No free plan | About $20/mo |
FAQ
Should I charge before or after a consultation?
Before. Payment at booking removes invoicing and reduces no-shows.
Should my first consultation be free?
A short free intro call (15 to 20 minutes) works well to qualify leads. Keep the real work in paid sessions.
Can I take payments without a paid scheduling plan?
Yes, on TidyCal's free plan through Stripe or PayPal. See other Calendly alternatives that take payments.
Get booked. Get paid.
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