How to Remove Your Old Booking Platform on Launch Day
A step-by-step shutdown sequence for winding down your previous platform the right way — protecting members from double-bookings and pointing them to Zipper.
Before You Start
- Zipper is fully configured and tested
- All members have been imported and invited to Zipper
- Migration announcement has been sent to your member base
- Payment methods transferred (or claim links sent for affected members)
The Shutdown Sequence
Do these steps in order on the morning of launch day.
Step 1: Disable all classes on the old platform
Log into your old platform as admin and turn off, hide, or unpublish all upcoming classes and appointments.
Why first: Prevents new bookings from going to the wrong system before you’ve finished the transition.
Step 2: Create a redirect placeholder class
In the old platform, create a new “class” entry with:
- Name: “Book at [Your Studio Name]”
- Description: “We’ve moved to a new booking system! Book here: [your Zipper booking URL]”
- Set it to appear at common class times
Why: Any member who visits the old platform by habit will see the redirect and get to Zipper.
Step 3: Disable all products and packages
Archive or turn off all memberships, booking credits, and event registrations in the old platform.
Why: Prevents new purchases from going to the wrong system.
Step 4: End all active subscriptions on the old platform
Cancel or end all recurring subscriptions.
Why: Subscriptions have already been migrated to Zipper. You don’t want both systems billing the same member.
Only do this after confirming those subscriptions are active in Zipper.
Step 5: Verify Zipper is live
Before announcing, confirm:
- ✅ Classes are showing in Zipper
- ✅ At least 3 members can log in and book
- ✅ Test payment processes end-to-end
Step 6: Send your “We’re live!” announcement
Send members the Zipper booking URL via email or SMS. Update your website, social media bio links, and any printed materials.
After Launch Day: Cancel the Old Platform
Wait 2–4 weeks before canceling your old platform subscription.
Why wait: You may need access to historical reports, transaction data, or old settings for reference.
Before canceling: export any reports, customer data, or transaction history you want to keep.
Timing Reference
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Disable classes | First thing on launch morning |
| Add redirect placeholder | Same morning |
| Disable products | Same morning |
| End subscriptions | After Zipper subscriptions confirmed |
| Cancel old platform | 2–4 weeks post-launch |
Tips
- Double-check subscription migration: Before ending subscriptions in the old platform, spot-check that each active subscriber shows up correctly in Zipper.
- Update all the places your booking link lives: Website footer, Google Business profile, email signature, social media bio, Yelp, etc.
- Check your cancellation notice period: Some platforms require 30 days notice. Submit the cancellation request early so it takes effect after your buffer window.
Troubleshooting
Member was charged by both platforms. Issue a refund from whichever platform charged them in error (likely the old one). Contact your onboarding rep if you need help identifying what happened.
Can’t cancel the old platform immediately. That’s fine — keep it in read-only mode during the buffer period. The important thing is that new bookings and purchases can’t happen there.
Need a hand?
Email our team at support@joinzipper.com and we'll usually reply within a few hours.
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