Overview

You can configure Packages & Subscriptions by Service Type, giving you a more direct and flexible way to sell packages for additional services such as walks, nail trims, enrichment activities, and training sessions.

However, some services - particularly variable rate services (for example, grooming or bathing where prices differ by pet size) - require special consideration. For those, businesses may choose to continue to use the System-Modified Package option. 

This article explains the difference between Fixed vs. Variable Rate Service Packages and provides instructions for setting up a System-Modified package where needed.

Important:  Please know that, because this is an alternative solution, if you choose to use it, it cannot be fully supported as are the intended features and functionality of the app. For Fixed Rate Services please see this setup: Create A New Package (How-To)

• You can only use the Quick Checkout Feature with packages if the reservation type of the package matches what the pet is checked in for. Quick Checkout will not work for additional services, so these credits must always be applied in the cart.

Fixed vs. Variable Rate Service Packages

Fixed Rate Services

These services always cost the same regardless of the pet.

• Examples: Daycare add-on (Kong treat), nail trim, nature walk.
• Best Practice: Create a standard service-based package (e.g., “5 Nail Trims for $50”).
• Benefit: Package credits always match the cost of the service.

Variable Rate Services

These services change cost based on the pet’s size, breed, or other factors.

• Examples: Bathing or grooming, where a small dog bath is $20 and a large dog bath is $50.
• Best Practice: Create separate packages by price point (e.g., Small Dog Bath Package = $100 vs. Large Dog Bath Package = $250).
• Risk: If you only sell one package, credit values won’t align correctly (e.g., $20 credits being applied toward $50 services).

Tip: Package credit value is always calculated as Package Price ÷ Number of Credits. For variable services, mismatched pricing can create revenue loss or reporting inaccuracies.

Recommended Setup for Variable Rates

Some services, such as grooming or bathing, have variable rates depending on factors like pet size or coat type. To ensure package credits remain accurate, the recommended approach is to create separate packages for each price tier.

Example: Bath Packages

• Small Dog Bath Package: 5 credits at $20 each = $100 package
• Medium Dog Bath Package: 5 credits at $35 each = $175 package
• Large Dog Bath Package: 5 credits at $50 each = $250 package

Why This Matters

• Accurate Credit Value: Each package credit aligns with the correct service price.
• Clear for Staff: No confusion when applying credits - staff select the package that matches the pet’s size.
• Transparent for Customers: Pet parents purchase the correct package for their pet without unexpected costs.

 Tip: If you offer these packages in the Customer Portal, use clear naming (e.g., “Large Dog | 40lbs+ | Bath Package”) so pet parents select the correct option OR do not offer purchase via the Customer Portal.

The “System-Modified” Option

For businesses that prefer not to create multiple packages for each price tier, Gingr still supports the System-Modified method.

This approach uses a 'dummy reservation type' as the anchor for the package, allowing credits to be sold and redeemed without building multiple service-specific packages.

Key Details

• Requires the global setting Allow packages/subscriptions on any type to be enabled.
• Staff must be trained to apply credits carefully — since any package credit can technically be used across services when this setting is on.
• Works well if you want a single package (e.g., “Bath Package – 5 Credits”) but are comfortable managing credit value differences manually.

Before You Begin

• Only users in the Admin group can configure packages.
• Integrated credit card processing is required if packages will be sold online (Customer Portal) or as subscriptions.
• Consider whether the service is fixed-rate or variable-rate before choosing your method:
  • Fixed = Service Package
  • Variable = Separate Packages or System-Modified Option

Create 'System-Modified' Variable Rate Services 

In this example, we will create a package for an Ice Cream Treat service. You can use this solution for any service for which you sell packages.

1. Create a service called Ice Cream Treat, and be sure it's allowable for any reservation types it can be added to. Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Reservations and Appointments » Reservation Types and Services Configuration » Create a New Additional Service.
    

2. Create a dummy Reservation Type called "Ice Cream Treats - Service Package". No services need to be allowable for this reservation type, as it is only a dummy. Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Reservations and Appointments » Reservation Types and Services Configuration » Create a New Reservation Type.

   Important:  Set this reservation type's settings so that "Allow New Reservations" is turned to no/off, and "Show on Customer Side?" is turned to no/off. This will hide the reservation type from customers on the portal and also not allow staff to book this reservation type on the business side.
   
    

3. Set a rate for the dummy reservation type. Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Reservations and Appointments » Location Default Rates.

   Important:  You must set the rate to be the same as the rate for the "Ice Cream Treat" service.
   
    

4. Create a package for the dummy reservation type. Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Shopping Cart and Point of Sale » Packages & Subscriptions.
    
5. Turn on "Allow packages on any type" on your Manage Packages page: Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Shopping Cart and Point of Sale » Packages & Subscriptions.

You can now sell this package like you would sell any other package and apply the package credits in the cart. This solution requires that the "Allow packages on any type" setting is turned on, this means that your staff must know to only apply package credits for the reservation types and services they are intended for. 

Related Resources

• Set Up Packages (Topic Outline)
• Packages (Topic Outline)