COMPARISON · CLIENT OPERATIONS CRM VS STANDALONE SCHEDULER
FavCRM vs. Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling (Squarespace Scheduling) is a reliable calendar booking widget with intake forms. Coaches, clinics, tutors, and studios outgrow it when they need a real client CRM timeline, team WhatsApp follow-ups, digital wallet membership passes, or AI agent connectivity.
CHOOSE FAVCRM WHEN
- You want every booking tied to a full Client CRM (deals, notes, follow-up tasks, and retention segments) instead of an isolated appointment calendar.
- Your clients communicate on WhatsApp or buy multi-session packages, and you want balances updated automatically on check-in.
- You want OAuth 2.1 Scoped MCP for Claude, ChatGPT, or Cursor—or optional 24/7 QR self check-in for studio/court rooms.
CHOOSE ACUITY SCHEDULING WHEN
- Your site runs on Squarespace and you only need an embedded appointment calendar with basic email/SMS reminders.
- You rely on Acuity’s native QuickBooks/FreshBooks accounting connectors and do not need a client CRM or WhatsApp team inbox.
Side-by-side breakdown
| Capability | FavCRM | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Client CRM & follow-up tasks | Full Client CRM ($0 Starter forever) with unified timeline, deal pipeline, tags, and due-date tasks. | Client list limited to appointment history and intake form answers. |
| Booking & staff pricing | Simply Booking US$20/mo (up to 3 staff, 1-mo free trial); FavCRM Pro US$29/mo (up to 5 staff + CRM/packs/MCP). | Tiered by number of bookable calendars/locations ($20–$61/mo) without full CRM or WhatsApp inbox. |
| Deposits & session packages | Stripe Connect deposit holds (0% FavCRM commission) + Memberships & Session Packs with digital wallet cards. | Supports deposits, coupons, and package codes via Stripe/Square/PayPal. |
| Messaging channel | Company-owned Official WhatsApp Business API shared team inbox + transactional confirmations. | Email confirmations and SMS reminders; no native WhatsApp Business API team inbox. |
| AI agents & physical access | Hosted OAuth 2.1 MCP with Approval Guard + optional 24/7 QR door check-in add-on. | No MCP server or unmanned QR door hardware integration. |
Frequently asked questions
How is FavCRM different from Acuity Scheduling?
Acuity is a standalone appointment calendar widget, whereas FavCRM is a modular service CRM. On FavCRM, bookings, deposits, prepaid session packs, official WhatsApp conversations, and follow-up tasks all live on one client record—with OAuth 2.1 MCP access for your AI assistant.
Does FavCRM take a cut of my Stripe booking payments?
No. FavCRM charges 0% platform commission on bookings, deposits, and session packs—you only pay your standard Stripe processing rate plus your flat monthly workspace plan.
Can guests book without downloading an app?
Yes. Your Branded Client Portal opens instantly in any mobile or desktop browser so clients can pick a service, choose a slot, and pay a deposit in seconds.