A quick guide to getting started with DetailSlate as a service business or client.
What is DetailSlate?
DetailSlate is a booking and scheduling platform for appointment-based service businesses. Businesses can manage services, availability, customer records, bookings, payments, and more while clients can discover and book participating businesses.
Who is DetailSlate for?
DetailSlate is built for service businesses such as mobile detailers, groomers, nail technicians, barbers, tattoo artists, wellness providers, and fitness coaches. Clients can use it to find participating businesses and manage their bookings.
Do I need to be good with computers?
No. If you're comfortable using common social apps, you can use DetailSlate. Setup involves adding your services, setting your hours, and sharing your booking link.
Can I bring my existing customers over?
Yes. Use the client import wizard to bring existing customers over in bulk from CSV, Excel, or vCard files, or enter them manually with their essential service records, so switching tools does not mean starting from a blank slate.
What if my customers would rather just text me?
You can still take a booking by text and add it manually. DetailSlate also gives you a booking link for customers who prefer to browse services and choose an available time themselves.
What can the AI Phone Receptionist do?
The optional receptionist answers business calls using the business’s configured information and owner-written FAQs. It can book one or more services as a combined appointment, help callers reschedule or cancel with caller verification, and capture unresolved requests for follow-up. When enabled, callers can request a live transfer during configured hours; the caller and verified recipient must both confirm before the call connects. If the transfer is unavailable, callers can leave a message or request a callback. Callers can choose English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Portuguese, or French before the consent prompt.
How does phone setup and missed-call texting work?
A business can conditionally forward its existing line to a dedicated DetailSlate number or use that DetailSlate number directly; its current carrier number is not ported. Optional missed-call texts must be enabled by the owner and require an SMS-capable DetailSlate number plus Twilio approval for the enabled campaign. Texts come from the assigned DetailSlate number, not the carrier line. Forwarded calls must be routed to the receptionist; a direct DetailSlate number sends one initial text only after a busy, failed, or unanswered call. If the caller replies, the receptionist may respond for up to 24 hours; no additional text is sent if the caller does not reply. The cap is 100 outbound SMS segments per business per billing period, with no rollover or overage. Owner-enabled text storage makes the thread available in the shared inbox for the owner and inbox-authorized staff; only the owner can resume AI handling.
Can I book without creating an account?
Yes. Participating businesses can allow guests to browse services and book without a client account. Client accounts currently have no subscription charge and let you keep your appointment history and contact details in one place.
How do payments and deposits work?
The business sets its prices and deposit requirements. If online payment is configured and available for a service, the checkout screen shows applicable fees before you confirm. Payments are processed securely by Stripe. DetailSlate does not store full payment-card information. Questions about a specific service, refund, or cancellation should be directed to the business.
How much does DetailSlate cost for businesses?
The Workspace Subscription includes a 10-day trial, then renews monthly at the current base-plan price plus the current per-employee price for each additional team member. Standalone AI Concierge is billed separately; any available AI trial and the price that follows are shown before checkout. See the Platform Fees page for current amounts. Client accounts currently have no subscription charge.
Am I locked into a contract?
No. DetailSlate is month-to-month, with no long-term commitment. You can cancel at any time.
Does it work if my schedule changes from week to week?
Yes. You control your availability and can update it whenever your schedule changes, so customers only see times that are actually open.
Can a business manage more than one location?
Yes. Businesses can choose an operating model that fits their work, including mobile service, a set location, hybrid operations, and multiple locations where supported by their setup.
Is my customer data safe?
Customer and service records are handled according to our Privacy Policy. DetailSlate uses reasonable administrative and technical safeguards designed to protect personal information, but no system can guarantee absolute security. DetailSlate does not sell personal information or use it for targeted advertising.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
You can export supported customer and booking records as CSV/TSV before closing your account. Canceling your subscription does not prevent you from taking a copy of your supported business records. Review the Privacy Policy for retention details. Note that only DetailSlate's own exports can be previewed, validated, and restored within the platform.
I already pay for a booking tool. Is switching worth it?
If your current tool fits your business perfectly, it may not be worth changing. DetailSlate is designed for service businesses that need booking, customer and service history, job photos, payments, and booking details connected in one place.
How do I get help?
Signed-in users can use the support channel available in their DetailSlate account. For booking questions, contact the service business directly because each business controls its own services, policies, and availability.