The Core Workflow

Understanding the recommended workflow for CloudBridal will help you maximize the platform's capabilities. Each bridal shop is unique, so feel free to adapt this workflow to your specific needs. CloudBridal is flexible, and your subscription tier may determine which features are available to you.

Customer Journey Overview

1. Initial Customer Contact

Customers typically begin their journey in one of these ways:

• Online Appointment Booking: Customers book an appointment through your website using CloudBridal's appointment scheduler.
• Walk-in Customer: You can quickly create a walk-in order directly from the orders page without creating a full customer profile first.
• Phone Inquiry: You manually create an appointment for the customer in the system.

2. Customer Profile Creation

• When an appointment is confirmed (either automatically or manually), the system creates a customer profile.
• Alternatively, you can create prospect records manually for walk-ins or phone inquiries.
• If you've enabled customer self-registration, customers can complete their profile before their appointment, providing valuable information like event dates, preferences, and measurements.

3. Pre-Appointment Engagement

• Inventory Showcase: Customers can browse your inventory showcase and mark favorite items before their appointment.
• Self-Registration: Customers can pre-register, which allows them to provide additional information like preferences and other details.
• Automated Communication: Appointment reminders are sent automatically based on your settings.

4. The In-Store Appointment

• When the customer arrives, access their profile to view their information, favorites, and appointment details.
• During the appointment, add measurements, notes, and track favorite items they try on.

5. Creating an Order

• To create a sale, locate the customer's profile and click New Order.
• Select the appropriate order type:
• Special Order: For items not in stock that need to be ordered from vendors
• From Inventory: For items currently in your shop
• Rental: For items the customer will return after use
• Enter all relevant order details, including item selection, size, color, and price.
• Generate an order document (receipt/agreement) for the customer to review and sign.
• Process the payment/deposit (with Stripe integration or your existing payment processor).

6. Managing the Order Process

• Special Orders: Use the purchase order system to track orders with vendors. Changes to purchase orders automatically update the customer's order status.
• Order Status Tracking: Follow the order through its lifecycle (New → Ordered → Arrived → Completed).
• Customer Communication: Send automated updates about order status or use SMS/email for custom communications.

7. Follow-ups

• Schedule follow-up appointments for fittings and pickups when items arrive.
• Process additional payments as needed for alterations or balance payments.

8. Order Completion

• When the dress or items are finalized and picked up, change the order status to "Completed".
• Generate a final receipt and pickup confirmation.
• Ensure all payments are recorded in the system.

9. Post-Completion Follow-up

• Send thank you messages and request reviews. Consider using the Email & SMS Communications automation system to create rules-based automated communications.

Additional Workflow Features

CloudBridal offers many specialized workflows for different aspects of your business:

• Payment Plans: Create structured payment schedules for customers making payments over time.
• Tasks System: Create and assign tasks to staff members related to customers, orders, and general tasks.
• Purchase Orders: Manage orders from your vendors, including customer and stock orders.
• Prom Registry: Track formal wear selections by school to prevent duplicate dresses sold to the same school.
• Client Portal: Give customers access to their information, payments, and orders.
• Staff Scheduling & Time Tracking: Schedule your staff members, including clock in/out.
• Much more! Just browse through the documentation to see the different features we offer. If you're a new client or prospect, consider booking a demo to learn how CloudBridal can help you with your specific business needs.

Refer to the specific documentation sections to learn more about each feature and how it can enhance your workflow.

Updated on: 03/07/2025