Summary

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

Some services need extra care. These are variable rate services, such as grooming or bathing, where the price depends on pet size. For these, you can use the System-Modified Package option. This article explains the difference between fixed and variable rate service packages. It also shows you how to set up a System-Modified package.

Important: This is an alternative solution. If you use it, Gingr cannot fully support it the way it supports the intended features. For fixed rate services, see Create a New Package.

You can use Quick Checkout with packages only if the package's reservation type matches what the pet is checked in for. Quick Checkout does not work for additional services, so you must always apply those credits in the cart.

Before You Begin

• Only users in the Admin group can set up packages.
• You need integrated credit card processing to sell packages online (in the Customer Portal) or as subscriptions.
• Decide if the service is fixed rate or variable rate before you pick a method. Use a service package for fixed rate. Use separate packages or the System-Modified option for variable rate.

Fixed and Variable Rate Service Packages

Fixed rate services always cost the same, no matter the pet. Examples are a daycare add-on (Kong treat), a nail trim, and a nature walk. Best practice is to create a standard service-based package, such as "5 Nail Trims for $50." The package credits always match the cost of the service.

Variable rate services change in cost based on the pet's size, breed, or other factors. An example is bathing or grooming, where a small dog bath is $20 and a large dog bath is $50. Best practice is to create separate packages by price point, such as a Small Dog Bath Package for $100 and a Large Dog Bath Package for $250. If you sell only one package, credit values do not line up. For example, $20 credits could pay for $50 services.

Tip: Package credit value is always Package Price ÷ Number of Credits. For variable services, mismatched pricing can cause lost revenue or reporting errors.

Recommended Setup for Variable Rates

To keep package credits accurate, create a separate package for each price tier. For example, for 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

This helps in three ways:

• Accurate credit value: Each package credit matches the right service price.
• Clear for staff: Staff pick the package that matches the pet's size when they apply credits.
• Clear for customers: Pet parents buy the right package for their pet and get no surprise costs.

Tip: If you offer these packages in the Customer Portal, use clear names, such as "Large Dog | 40lbs+ | Bath Package," so pet parents pick the right one. You can also choose not to offer them for purchase in the Customer Portal.

About the System-Modified Option

If you do not want to create several packages for each price tier, Gingr still supports the System-Modified method. It uses a "dummy reservation type" as the anchor for the package. You can sell and redeem credits without building many service-specific packages.

• It needs the global setting Allow packages/subscriptions on any type turned on.
• Staff must apply credits with care. When this setting is on, any package credit can be used across services.
• It works well if you want one package, such as "Bath Package – 5 Credits," and you are comfortable managing credit value differences by hand.

Steps

This example creates a package for an Ice Cream Treat service. You can use the same steps for any service you sell packages for.

1. Create a service called Ice Cream Treat. Allow it on every reservation type it can be added to. Go 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." You do not need to allow any services on it. Go to Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Reservations and Appointments » Reservation Types and Services Configuration » Create a New Reservation Type.

   Important: Set Allow New Reservations to no/off and Show on Customer Side? to no/off. This hides the reservation type from customers in the portal. It also stops staff from booking it on the business side.

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

   Important: Set the rate to match the rate for the "Ice Cream Treat" service.

4. Create a package for the dummy reservation type. Go to Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Shopping Cart and Point of Sale » Packages & Subscriptions.

5. Turn on Allow packages on any type on the Manage Packages page. Go to Left-hand Navigation: Admin » Shopping Cart and Point of Sale » Packages & Subscriptions.

   

You can now sell this package like any other package and apply the credits in the cart. This setup needs Allow packages on any type turned on, so staff must know to apply package credits only to the reservation types and services they are meant for.

Related Articles

• Set Up Packages Topic Outline
• Packages Topic Outline