PocketSuite

What do you like best?

The rate for processing credit cards through PocketSuite is a flat, simple, and competitive 2.7% for ALL transactions (at the time of this review). This rate includes payments processed via automatic payment. Since many of my transactions process in this way, getting a good rate on this specific type of transaction was very important to me.

My previous software did a great job of hiding the fact that I was paying an exorbitant rate for processing automatic payments. When I decided to look elsewhere, another software system I nearly signed up for had me fooled until I read the fine print very closely. That was a major bummer because it was very promising right up to that moment. My experience with Pocket Suite has not been like that at all. Pocket Suite is completely transparent with their rate. What you see is what you get.

In my initial research, I stumbled across one of their old webpages that had a processing rate that was no longer being offered. Obviously, I was bummed to see something I couldn't have. Nevertheless, the 2.7% rate they offer on all transactions is still lower than most. The rate is the same regardless of your sales volume.

What do you dislike?

1. No computer/desktop option

2. Limited options for sign-up/check-in and making it into a display

3. Icons for functions are sometimes confusing

4. Account balances for partial payments can be a little confusing

5. "Smart campaign" feature Cost

I wish they had a desktop app/site. Yes, the main selling point of Pocket Suite is that everything can be done via mobile device. I appreciate the convenience of it having that ability when it's needed, but I very much prefer to work behind a computer given the choice.

Reports can be exported from Pocket Suite and then used on a desktop in other programs, but I would still wish I had the ability to set things up and work with PocketSuite's primary functions (like my client list, packages, subscriptions, etc.) on a desktop.

2. I want my students/clients to be able to sign-in via iPad when they arrive. Clients aren't able to check-in like this with PS. I believe Pocket Suite (& every developer) wants you to download their app. As a user, ot everyone wants to download yet another app. This may have something to do with privacy & PCI compliance. Nevertheless, I really wish PS had this option.

3. Pocket Suite has an incredible amount of functions, especially considering that all of them are done via mobile device. Many of these functions are used when interacting with clients in a message thread. Because of this, the icons are small in size and until you get really used to each of them, it can be easy to mistake what each of them is for, especially if you don't use a particular function on a regular basis.

4. It's quick to write up a generic invoice and send it to someone. However, if you don't do a complete itemized set-up within the app or at least write a specific note on the invoice you send (and your client is making a partial payment instead of paying for a package in full) you'll have figure out the remaining balance another way.

5. The Smart Campaign feature built into Pocket Suite looks & sounds incredible. Unfortunately, it's also a costly add-on if you choose to use it. They'll give you free credits to try it out I still haven't utilized it because I want to make sure I get the most out of the free credits because of what they cost if the time comes that I want to use it and pay for it. I'm not sure what their costs are to have it on their platform, but I think Pocket Suite would stand head & shoulders above anyone else out there if this feature was included without an additional cost.

Recommendations to others considering the product:

It's a great option if you're looking to lower your credit card transaction fees and get more functionality on a mobile device. Figure out what you need your system to do. You'll probably see if PS can do what you need it to after using it for a day or two.

What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?

Pocket Suite did the main thing I was looking for when I wanted to leave Mindbody--decrease the ridiculous fees that I was paying on recurring automatic payments.