Compare
CourseCloud vs running your training business on spreadsheets and email
Most training providers start with a spreadsheet of dates, an inbox of bookings and invoices made in Word. It works until it does not: a course overbooks, an invoice is missed or a certificate cannot be found. Here is how the two compare, task by task.
Side by side
| Spreadsheets and email | CourseCloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Taking bookings | By email or phone, then typed into a sheet | Booked online through your booking site and the marketplace, or entered by your team, all in one ledger |
| Places left on a date | Updated by hand, so courses can overbook | Live capacity on every date |
| Quotes and invoices | Made separately, then chased by hand | Raised and sent from the booking, with Xero and Sage export |
| Card payments | A separate payment link, matched up later | Optional Stripe checkout, paid straight to you |
| Registers on the day | Paper registers, typed up later | Taken on the day, with signatures and ID checks |
| Certificates | Made one by one in Word | Issued with a QR check, downloadable in bulk |
| Renewals | Relies on someone remembering expiry dates | Expiring certificates prompt the rebooking (Autopilot add-on) |
| Cost | Tools you already have, plus your time | Free for up to 25 people a year, then by size from £30 a month |
When spreadsheets and email may suit you better. If you run a handful of courses a year for one or two clients, never take public bookings and do not issue certificates, a spreadsheet may be all you need.
Questions
Can I move my spreadsheets into CourseCloud?
Yes. You can import courses, customers, people and past bookings from Excel or CSV files, or set up from your website. Imported history does not count towards your size and does not email anyone.
Do I have to change how my customers book?
No. Your team can keep entering bookings that arrive by phone or email. Online booking, card payments and the marketplace are there when you want them.
Try it with your own courses
Free for up to 25 people a year. Set up from your website in one sitting.
Start free