About the author:
LeeAnn Miley is a salon owner based in Hastings, Nebraska, and the President and Executive Director of The Sovereign Stylist. Her personal experiences led her to advocate and educate stylists on proper worker classification. LeeAnn’s blogs are typically focused on tax compliance, worker classification, and general business practices. LeeAnn believes that laws and business are powerful entities when one has knowledge of them and has dedicated herself to spreading such knowledge to the industry she loves.
There is no question that technology has changed the beauty industry. The days of face to face consultation, calling the salon to book an appointment, and choosing a new look from a look book are few and far between. More and more stylists are connecting with their clients via text messaging and clients are heading to the web for inspiration photos.
It also seems that new salon software companies are popping up weekly. Currently there are over 100 different software companies geared toward the beauty industry. These software companies have developed apps & programs to simplify salon operations. These programs and apps feature schedules, client information databases, online booking, text/email reminders, credit card processing, check out services, salon menus, marketing, reports and so much more.
With over a hundred different options, how do you find the right program for you? Here are some things to take into consideration:
•Costs
•Features
•Free features
•Add-on Services
•Customer service
•Reliability
•Customer reviews
•Accessibility
•Device compatibility
In this blog, I am going to highlight the top 13 salon software programs. It is important, though, to know that the best way to find out if a particular program fits your business needs is to give it a test drive. Some programs require a monthly subscription, but offer a free trial period.
By: MINDBODY
Booker is cloud based salon software by MINDBODY. They do not offer a free trial, however they will give you a free guided tour of the program you request. There are three different plans and additional add-on services to choose from and there is a contract to sign. Prices range from $129/month to $349/month.
Booker offers:
Flat-rate pricing regardless of how many staff members you have
Multi-location business with any package
Online appointment book
Online booking
Email & text appointment reminders
Point-Of-Sale
Detailed customer records
Package, series, membership management
Inventory management
Gift certificates
Document storage
Detailed reports
Email campaigns
Login protection
Customizable drip campaigns
Customer feedback, ratings & reviews
Customer referral program
Branded mobile app (additional $249/mo)
Credit card processing
E-Commerce
Ability to charge cancellation & no-show fees
Marketing automations
Stylist Review:
“We use this at the salon I work in. We have had multiple issues from the system shutting down and not being able to take payment, it telling clients we don’t have availability for weeks or even not at all when we do. Not being able to re-book clients because it doesn’t recognize their name or number. It’s easy to use but there are lots of bugs.”
By: GlossGenius
Be your own boss, grow your business, maximize your income and stay in control, with automated appointment scheduling, next-day payments, client management and built-in marketing tools from Glossgenius. You can try it out for free for 14 days, a monthly plan will run you $24/month. Currently, Glossgenius is only available for single users, it is ideal for independent business owners (suite stylists, booth renters).
Glossgenius offers:
Mobile app with desktop access
Online appointment book
Recurring booking
Personal time blocks
Customizable business hours
FaceBook Booking
Online Booking
Automatic/push notifications
Email & text reminders
Confirmations
Personalized thank-you’s
Client notes & pictures
Social media & text marketing
Website tracking
Various reports
Business menus
Inventory management
Credit card processing (no contract)
Stylist Review:
“Love it..no problems at all, very low percentage 26-cent per (credit card) transaction. Just wish they had same day deposit option.”
“I use Glossgenius, now. I see where there could be some improvements, but I’m happy overall. I’m not even worried about having my money the same day.”
By: Millennium Systems International
Meevo 2 is a cloud based platform with everything needed to run a salon or spa business and is available wherever you are via their phone app. Meevo 2 offers stylist/owners a free 20 minute tour.
Monthly subscriptions start at $97 for up to 10 stylist and goes up to $297 for Unlimited users.
Meevo 2 Offers:
Millennium Academy: online toolbox with video guides, self-check tests, certification courses and more get-smarter resources.
Voice Recognition
Appointment Book
Customizable Online Booking
Waitlist
Membership Packages
Promotional Planner
Employee Time Clock & Scheduling
Employee Perks
Inventory
Barcode Reader
Purchase Orders
Multi-location Access
Mobile Register
Credit Card Processor
Smart Recommendation: keeps track of the products a client has previously purchased. It also lets you know when they're due to buy more for an easy sales boost at checkout.
Stylist Review:
“I currently use Meevo 2, it is very down to the last detail! Their customer service is amazing! It takes some time to get used to. It was one of the only systems that allowed me to put everyone in as an independent contractor/booth rent and they could also use the credit card system because they were all given a different merchant account numbers, which was awesome! They can print their numbers and it helps their business! We like it a lot!”
By: Photest Salon Software
Phorest is cloud based software that utilizes the drag-and-drop method. Stylists can download the PhorestGo app to their phones and have access to their business wherever they are 24/7. Phorest offers a free tour that is set up with their customer service team and is perfect for growing salons that have 3+ staff. There are 4 different plan choices that you can request a quote for.
Phorest Offers:
Appointment Calendar
Online Booking
Branded Booking App For Clients
Social Media Partnering
Wait List
Text & Email Reminders
Photo Editor
Salon Marketing
Online Reviews
Client Loyalty Program
Client Management
Multiple Salon Locations
Various Reports
Staff Scheduling
Payroll & Commission
Inventory Management
Barcode Scanner
Point Of Sale
Digital Documentation Forms
Credit Card Processor
Stylist Review:
“As a stylist (employee) I loved Phorest. Having the ability to book clients right from your phone was the easiest and most convenient!”
By: Floydware
Rosy salon Software is a cloud based system and was developed by the Floydware company. Their responsive design provides 100% availability from any device. Rosy gives you the power and the freedom to live life on the go.
Rosy offers a 30 free trial with no credit card needed. They offer two plans and add on features. Plans cost is determined by the number of users, but will run you between $29 and $37 a month.
Rosy Offers:
Appointment Scheduling
Online Booking
Text & Email Communications
Mobile Access
FaceBook/Google Integration
Inventory Management
Mobile App
Reports
Inventory Tracking
Rewards & Referrals
Email Marketing
Text Confirmation
Client Images
Point Of Sale
Stylist Review:
“I would never choose any other software. It’s the best for my salon, easy to handle, and very reasonably priced. The clients love all the online appointments and reminders!”
By: SalonBiz
SalonBiz is fully featured salon software management created for salon owners by salon owners. Whether you are a small salon or multi-location group with centralized management requirements, SalonBiz has you covered. You can schedule a free tour with their customer services team. Pricing is based on salon size and starts at $150 a month depending on your needs.
SalonBiz Features:
Online Booking
24/7 Mobile Sales
Centralized Multi-Location Data
Mobile Appointment Scheduling
Client Profiles
Confirmation Emails & Text
Consultation Forms
Stats, Goal Setting & Reports
Deposit Collection
Website/FaceBook Booking
Google Analytics
eCommerce
Credit Card Processor
Stylist Review:
“Pretty user friendly, kind of easy for people to make booking mistakes, the online booking for clients wasn’t amazing and there seemed to be more issues with confirmations.”
By: DaySmart
Simplify your salon operations and eliminate headaches with the newest all-in-one front desk solution from Salon Iris.
Salon Iris offered a free 14 day trial with no credit card needed. There are four different subscriptions to choose from starting at $29/month.
Salon Iris Features:
Color-Coded Appointment Book
Online Booking
Credit Card Processing
Reports
Memberships
Credit Card File
Deposits & Cancellation Fees
Customer Portal
Automated Marketing
QuickBooks Connect
Reputation Management
Payroll
Client Reputation
Mobile Apps
Point Of Sale
Stylist Reviews:
“It’s (Salon Iris) pretty simple and love the option to be able to pull all kinds of reports from sales statistics to clients by zip code etc. The online booking is easy for clients to use and I find the product log helpful for inventory. I also love the automated text message reminder option!”
“If you are looking for an all-in-one salon management software this is it…it is affordable, reliable and versatile for one stylist or thirty.”
“Salon Iris has helped the business stay organized and more professional. I appreciate Salon Iris for all their support in helping with the software”
By: SalonMonster Software Ltd
Spend less time running your salon business with Salon Monster. Developed in Canada by salon industry professionals for salon industry professionals. Get a free 30 day trial without using a credit card. Five different subscription levels ranging from free for 1 user to $99/month for unlimited users.
Salon Monster Features:
Free Migration
No Contracts
Online Booking
Appointment Management
Point Of Sale
Reports
Email & Text Reminders
24/7 Mobile Access
Client Management
Staff Management
Waiting Lists
Multiple Appointments Same Bill
Payroll
Crash Proof
Email Marketing
Tax Forms
Stylist Review:
“I have had nothing but positive feedback with the booking system, people like it because it’s simple and easy to use. Thanks for being awesome!”
“I use SalonMonster and love it!”
“I love this online booking service! Its easy to use and I truly think I have increased my bookings by 50%!"
By: Surge Ventures
Schedul is simple, flexible and powerful booking software for your salon business, it's totally FREE! It is cloud based software so it can be accessed from anywhere 24/7.
Schedul is backed by great investors that allows them to offer their subscriptions for free, at the moment. They are still in the testing phase for a lot of integrations & are rolling out with paid add-on features in select countries.
Scedul Features:
Scheduling Calendar
Online Booking
Book via Website & FaceBook
Point Of Sale
Mobile Apps
Client Management
Pre-Book Clients
Automates Reminders
Invoices, Receipts & Taxes
Inventory
Advanced Security
Barcode Scanner Compatible
Credit Card Processor
No-Show Protection
Deposits
Stylist Reviews:
“I love it! I’ve used Shedul for years with no issues! It’s sends text reminders for me and I can edit the verbiage. It gives me the monthly reports I need to keep track of income. And it’s free, can’t beat that!”
“Shedul does everything I need to own/run a salon plus booking. It runs all the reports I need, tracks inventory, client database, scheduling, text/email reminders to clients, so many new features come out monthly. There isn’t a POS integrated yet but they say it’s coming. Each stylist has their own login. Amazing all around!”
By: SquareUp
Square Appointments is a flexible solution for all your booking and payment needs all on a cloud system.
Square Appointments is free for individuals and affordable for multiple users without contracts.
Square Appointments Features:
Online Booking
Appointments Schedule
Appointment Confirmation
Credit Card Processor
Automated Email & Text Reminders
Credit Card Deposits
Booking Website
Google/Instagram Booking
Integrated Payment: get paid whenever, however
Payment When Booking Option
Professional Invoices
Email/Text Receipts
Reports
Quickbooks Link
Cancellation Fee
Inventory
Multiple Staff/Locations
Business Debit Bank Account
Save Credit Cards
Client Profiles
Loyalty Points Program
Marketing Emails
Rewards/Discounts/Memberships
Stylist Reviews:
“I chose this platform as it seemed to be what the majority of my clients were familiar with and trust using and also what most small businesses in my area are using. I like that I can link it directly to my QuickBooks for tax time and to quickly see my monthly margins/reports.”
“I used this for booth rent and loved it, also loved I could link it to quick books self employed for tax time! Their customer service is awesome.”