Blog Archives - DaySmart https://www.daysmart.com/blog/category/blog/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:58:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://www.daysmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/favicon.svg Blog Archives - DaySmart https://www.daysmart.com/blog/category/blog/ 32 32 The Best Appointment Booking Apps for Barbers in 2026 https://www.daysmart.com/salon/blog/best-appointment-app-for-barbers/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:58:32 +0000 https://www.daysmart.com/salon/blog/best-appointment-app-for-barbers/ Find the best scheduling app for your barbershop based on your needs.

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While the barbering world may seem cut and dry, staying at technology’s forefront is necessary for survival and growth. Adopting appointment applications has marked a significant transformation in barbershop operations, while classic shops may prefer to keep it old-school.

Picture a busy barbershop morning: phones constantly ringing, TV on in the background, someone’s Spotify playlist floating out of a speaker in the corner, barbers juggling between haircuts and managing appointments, and customers are waiting (some patiently, others not so much). The ambiance is friendly and connected, with just a hint of frustration. 

Technology bridges the gap between busy schedules, ticking deadlines, and the barbershop’s “let’s have another cup of coffee” vibes. Appointment scheduling apps have emerged as the simplest solution for effortless efficiency and customer service excellence.

Why? 

Because appointment apps streamline operations, elevate the customer experience, and substantially boost business efficiency. 

Stepping into 2026, the role of these scheduling apps in the barber industry will become increasingly crucial. If you want your business to stay relevant, you’ve got to adapt to rapid changes and heightened client expectations. 

This guide will explore the importance of appointment scheduling apps, their benefits, and the best solutions for barbers in 2026.

The Importance of a Reliable Appointment Scheduling App for Barbershops

Still think your answering machine is enough to keep your books full? Maybe it is…

Or maybe there’s an easier way- one that involves less work for everyone. That means more time for barbers and clients to swap stories and enjoy their time together.

Imagine a client who wants to book an appointment with their favorite barber. It’s late at night, and the barbershop is closed. While they could call and leave a message after hours, they’d have to wait for confirmation the next day. And that back-and-forth takes valuable time! 

With an efficient all-in-one barbershop management software, clients can book their appointments online, hassle-free, at their convenience. Barbers can even sync their schedules, making booking a breeze. Modern barbershops must aim for this kind of customer empowerment and operational efficiency. 

As the online landscape of barber services and customer expectations evolves, having a reliable scheduling system becomes indispensable. Not only for flexibility, but also a seamless experience for both barber and client.

Best appointment scheduling app for barbers

Top Benefits of Appointment Apps for Barbers 

In the hustle and bustle of a barbershop, an easy-to-use appointment app can transform how services are rendered. By automating scheduling, reducing administrative overhead, and allowing barbers to focus more on their craft instead of managing bookings.

Integrating the best barbershop software for your business unlocks a TON of benefits, including:

  • Time Management: Think of a specific barber in your shop. We’ll call them Pat. Pat used to spend hours every week manually scheduling appointments and calling clients for reminders. But now that the shop started using a barber scheduling app, Pat has free time to handle more clients or take a well-deserved break. With apps handling scheduling and management efficiently, barbers can focus on their clients and craftsmanship.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Consider Charlie, a client who always forgets their appointment time and constantly runs late. An appointment app can send timely reminders, and the hassle-free booking process means that rescheduling isn’t a hurdle for clients or barbers. Barbershops that offer the convenience of a streamlined booking experience greatly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. On top of this, some scheduling apps like DaySmart Salon allow clients to leave reviews after their appointment is complete. Satisfied customers can lead to five-star reviews, another huge bonus for your barbershop.
  • Business Growth: Efficient scheduling picks up a lot of marginal gains along the way and can lead to significant business growth. More efficient time management means you can accommodate more clients, and a reduction in no-shows leads directly to higher revenue generation. Your business’s ability to grow is closely related to the final benefit we’re about to discuss since the data collected by your new app and the better choices you’re able to make with this new data play a crucial role in contributing to business expansion and client base growth.
  • Data Management: Speaking of data, barbershop appointment apps are a goldmine for client data. Tracking customer preferences, history, and appointment patterns are just a few invaluable pieces of information you can use to expand your business. For instance, a barbershop can use customer data to identify the most popular services and peak appointment times, helping optimize staff scheduling and promotional efforts.

Adopting an appointment app into your barbershop operation will revolutionize how your business runs. From just the benefits explored above—hardly an exhaustive list—these apps offer a comprehensive solution to many challenges faced in modern barbershops. 

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Appointment App for Barbers 

We’ve established that an appointment scheduling app is crucial for the future of your barbershop. What next? Well, now comes the hard part: picking the best appointment scheduling app for you! 

When selecting the best appointment app for your barbershop, consider the following factors:

Features

The best appointment apps are packed with options for efficiency, calendar integration, notification systems, client management tools, digital front desk assistants, and online booking options. But, when researching the right app for you, look behind the features themselves. It’s not just about getting the most but about how these options can be customized to fit your barbershop. Think about a barbershop specializing in intricate hair designs. This business might prefer an app that lets clients upload photos of their desired haircut when booking. This allows barbers to prepare beforehand.

Pricing

We know small and medium-sized barbershops aren’t made of money, so pricing is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a scheduling app. You want to find a barbershop booking app that offers the right balance between cost and functionality. A subscription model might work for some with a predictable monthly income, while others might prefer a one-time purchase as they build a reliable client base. The goal is to ensure that the investment in the app translates into tangible benefits for the business.

Try out our ROI calculator to see how much money (and time!) you can save with barbershop software.

Integration

The quicker an appointment app can integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) and accounting software, the better. If your barbershop already uses a specific POS system, research to see if there’s a compatible barbershop software. Better yet, you may also find an appointment scheduling platform that offers built-in technologies to streamline your business processes. Some appointment solutions for barbershops, such as DaySmart Salon, also offer capabilities like credit card processing, email and text marketing, review management, and reporting to help businesses keep on growing.

User-Friendliness

Ease of use cannot be overstated: an intuitive interface for both staff and clients is essential. Consider Chris, a barber who was initially hesitant to adopt new technology. After choosing an app known for its user-friendly interface, Chris knew the transition would be smooth for staff and clients. 

Remember, the app should simplify the booking process for clients and make managing bookings straightforward for staff. A user-friendly app makes the initial transition to new technology much less painful while reducing errors, saving time, and improving the overall customer experience.

When choosing the best appointment scheduling app for your barbershop, take all these factors into account. You need the perfect blend to ensure you’ve invested in the right app for your barbershop. By considering the factors that most affect your business, you can select an app that streamlines operations and enhances the overall experience of being in your barbershop.

The Best Appointment Apps for Barbers in 2026 

Without further ado, we’ve begun your research for you. Below, enjoy a curated list of the best appointment apps for barbers for 2026.

DaySmart Salon 

DaySmart Salon is a comprehensive barbershop management software that includes a full suite of tools for scheduling, point-of-sale, customer relationship management, and marketing

Its robust scheduling and management features make it a good choice for large barbershops or those with multiple locations. Plus, pricing begins at just $29/month, making it an affordable choice for small barbershops and salons as well. 

Setmore 

Setmore is a user-friendly and affordable online booking platform known for its ease of use and affordability. A solid choice for small barbershops or those starting out with online booking. However, it doesn’t offer as many features as some of the other apps on this list. 

Booksy 

Booksy is an online booking platform that allows clients to schedule appointments, pay for services, and manage their profiles online. Known for its online booking features, it’s a good choice for barbershops that want to increase their online bookings. But it isn’t the most customizable barbershop scheduling software, so keep that in mind when researching your business needs.

Genbook 

Genbook is a flexible scheduling and online booking platform that allows barbershops to tailor booking processes to specific needs. Known for its customizable scheduling options, it’s a good choice for barbershops that want more control over their booking process. Yet, it can be more complex to set up and use, so prepare for a steep learning curve when you switch to the new system.

Acuity Scheduling 

Acuity Scheduling is a simple and effective scheduling tool that stands out for its ability to send automatic appointment reminders, significantly reducing client no-shows. While a safe choice for barbershops that want a simple and easy-to-use scheduling tool, it may not have all the features that other options do.

Squire  

Squire is a mobile app for barbers and clients. It allows barbers to manage schedules, appointments, and clients from their phones, while clients can book appointments and view schedules on the go. Known for its mobile app features, it’s a good choice for barbershops that want to offer clients convenience. But it’s not as feature-rich as some other options on this list.

A Summary of the Best Appointment Apps for Barbershops

AppKnown ForBest FeaturePricing
DaySmart SalonRobust scheduling and management featuresComprehensive suite of tools for managing all aspects of your barbershop business, including scheduling, point-of-sale, customer relationship management, and marketing.Starts at $29 per month
SquireMobile app for barbers and clientsMobile app that allows barbers to manage their schedules, appointments, and clients from their phone, and clients to book appointments and view their schedules on the go.Starts at $30 per month
BooksyOnline booking and appointment managementPowerful online booking platform that allows clients to schedule appointments, pay for services, and manage their profiles online.Starts at $29.99 per month
GenbookCustomizable scheduling and online bookingFlexible scheduling options and customizable booking forms allow you to tailor your booking process to your needs.Starts at $25 per month
SetmoreEase of use and affordabilityUser-friendly interface and straightforward scheduling tools make managing your appointments, clients, and payments easy.Starts at $5 per month
Acuity SchedulingAppointment scheduling and remindersSimple and effective scheduling tool that sends automatic appointment reminders to clients to reduce no-shows.Starts at $16 per month

Technology has come a long way in the past decade, and the future of barbershop scheduling software is poised for more transformative innovation in the coming years. Software companies are developing AI-driven tools to predict your busiest times, suggest optimal staffing levels, and integrate payment solutions to provide a seamless transaction experience for clients.

Here are a few advancements on the horizon that we’re excited about:

  • Integrated Payment Solutions: Further integration of payment processing systems within scheduling apps is set to streamline checkout, making transactions more straightforward for everyone.
  • Enhanced Customization: As each barbershop is unique, demand for customizable software solutions increases. Future scheduling software will continue to offer greater flexibility in layout, features, and client interaction modes.
  • AI-Driven Scheduling Tools: The potential integration of AI could completely revolutionize appointment scheduling by offering predictive insights regarding client booking patterns, staff availability, and resource optimization.

These trends indicate a future where barbershops can manage the business side of scheduling more simply to focus on building more authentic client relationships with unprecedented efficiency and sophistication.

How to Choose the Best Barber Appointment App for YOU

You’re the boss. Selecting an appointment scheduling solution is ultimately up to you. Keep these three thoughts in mind when making the final call:

  • Compatibility with Your Business Model: The best scheduling app should be a natural extension of your business, fitting seamlessly into your operational style. If your barbershop specializes in walk-ins and quick services, an app that caters to fast booking and easy rescheduling, and offers a streamlined walk-in experience, will be the best scheduling app for you.
  • Cost vs. Benefit Analysis: Keeping your budget is essential. So, it’s crucial to assess the financial investment of a new software solution. Focus on finding an app that brings more to the table than it costs you in dollars. An app might have a higher price tag, but be worth the investment if it brings in more clients and reduces no-shows.
  • Ease of Adoption: Adopting new technology always comes with a learning curve. Plan for a transition period for you and your staff. A scheduling app with a learning curve that is too steep might lead to frustration and lost time. Make sure you choose an app with excellent customer support and training resources for a smooth transition for your team.

Why Barber Tech Should Be in Your Near Future

Picking the best barbershop software is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your business’s efficiency and customer satisfaction. Look for a balance between functionality, cost, and user-friendliness by thoroughly evaluating each option against your specific needs and goals.

Learn more about DaySmart Salon’s powerful features here or try it for yourself to see how it can support your appointment scheduling needs, as well as other business operations.

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The Best Salon Software for 2026 https://www.daysmart.com/salon/blog/best-salon-software/ Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:51:32 +0000 https://www.daysmart.com/salon/blog/best-salon-software/ Explore the top salon software for 2026, their pros and cons, and which one fits you.

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Everyone is online. And if your salon still only makes reservations manually, by phone or email, then let’s face it. You’re working too hard. 

Imagine customized scheduling based on service provider preference and fewer client no-shows. Consider how much easier your salon could run with comprehensive management software. 

Luckily for you, we’re here to unpack the top salon software options for 2026, dissect their pros and cons, and discover which salon software is a perfect fit for your needs.

What is Salon Software? 

Salon software is a comprehensive business management system specifically designed with salons, spas, and barbershops in mind. It streamlines many aspects of daily salon operations, such as appointment scheduling, inventory management, employee tracking, communication with customers, and client relationship management. 

Increasing demand from consumers for personalized services and enhanced client experiences in salons means that this software is no longer a luxury but rather an essential tool for salon owners and managers to enhance productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition. 

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Salon Software 

When migrating online for the first time, or even transitioning to a new solution, choosing the right salon software can feel overwhelming. Salon owners must consider many factors when deciding what’s right for their salon. A few factors to keep in mind throughout your search are the software’s capability for appointment scheduling, business management, client communication, and overall growth. Let’s unpack each of these factors separately. 

First, we’ll look at scheduling capabilities to streamline the check-in experience for clients and your staff.

Appointment Scheduling Capabilities

Customized Online Scheduling Website 

Being able to build a customized online scheduling website with minimal effort is a game changer for salon owners. This empowers your clients to book appointments with ease and skip calling the salon. In fact, research shows that 67% of clients prefer the convenience of online booking. The best salon software offers user-friendly interfaces where clients can select their services, preferred stylists, and available time slots. And, of course, this feature is not just great for you. It also reduces the workload of your front desk staff and minimizes scheduling conflicts.

Online Digital Forms and Waivers 

Is collecting client information slowing down service consultations? Salon software can take that off your plate with online digital forms and waivers that streamline the consultation process for both staff and clients. Clients can complete necessary forms, such as consent forms or health questionnaires, from their smartphones or computers prior to their appointment. With this, they can breeze into the spa and go straight to their service.

Walk-in Kiosk Manager

Got a spot open in a stylist’s schedule? No problem. Salon software with a walk-in kiosk manager feature can facilitate the management of walk-in clients without someone having to watch the front desk all day. Walk-in clients can request an appointment and snag an open slot. This greatly reduces long lines at the front desk and means that no client is turned away. Plus, this simple feature can improve the overall client experience and lead to increased walk-in business.

Next, you’ll want to look at management options for things like client management, bookkeeping, and mobile app access. 

Management Capabilities

Client Management  

Messy stylist notebooks with client information are a thing of the past. With the effective client management tools available through today’s salon software, you can maintain comprehensive client profiles without the hassle of pen, paper, or wasted time. The best salon software will store client preferences, appointment history, color formulas, and product purchase records, so you can even recommend new products between appointments. This feature creates a highly personalized experience, fostering client loyalty and many repeat visits.

Bookkeeping and Report Management 

The bookkeeping of a client-facing business is not typically a favorite task of salon owners. However, the ability to manage bookkeeping and generate detailed reports is crucial for tracking your salon’s financial health. Luckily, salon management software can take all those pesky numbers off your plate with features that simplify income and expense tracking, allowing you to monitor profitability and budget while making informed financial decisions for your business.

Mobile App Access 

Mobile app access means you’ve got a built-in mobile office to take care of your scheduling, appointments, and even check-out on the go. Most stylists aren’t in the studio 9 to 5 every day, but having a mobile app means they can check in on appointments, update client profiles, or access reports while away from the salon.

Once you’ve determined your management needs, consider the software’s communication options. 

Communication Capabilities

Appointment Reminders 

No more no-shows! Appointment reminders are essential for keeping your salon’s schedule organized. This feature can send automated reminders via text or email so clients never miss their appointments. Plus, you don’t have to remember to call or text clients the day before to remind them yourself.

Text Marketing 

Communication features like text marketing allow salon owners and stylists to engage with clients through promotional campaigns, exclusive offers, and event announcements. You can even send your client a birthday message with a coupon! Text marketing reaches clients directly and, if done well, builds client loyalty so they don’t stray to other salons. 

Email Marketing

When in doubt, over-communicate. Email marketing is an incredible tool for nurturing customer relationships, allowing you to send personalized emails with promotions, newsletters, and updates. Like text marketing, effective email marketing boosts customer retention and encourages repeat business.

Two-way Texting 

Beyond simple text marketing, some salon software systems also offer a two-way texting feature. This provides seamless communication between your salon and clients without stylists having to give out their personal numbers. Clients can respond to appointment confirmations, make inquiries, or request changes, all directly within the software platform.

One of the main goals of implementing salon software is to make your life easier, so your business can grow. Consider, then, what tools for growth are already integrated into your chosen salon software. 

Growth Capabilities

Integrated Credit Card Processing 

Salon software should ultimately help you grow, so integrated credit card processing is a must. After an appointment, clients are ready to show off their new look and spend minimal time checking out and rebooking. Salon software with integrated credit card processing streamlines payment acceptance and enhances the client checkout experience. This salon software feature should support multiple payment methods and provide secure and efficient transactions in order to be reliable.

Reputation Management 

Reputation is the name of the game, and new clients will always Google a new salon before requesting an appointment. Software solutions with reputation management tools can help your salon maintain a positive five-star online image by enabling you to collect and manage client reviews and ratings. Building a strong online reputation attracts new clients and builds trust in your community.

Social Media Integration 

Today, you have to be on social media to show off your stylists’ skills. But you don’t have to hire a social media manager to do this effectively. A comprehensive salon app will include simple social media integration that streamlines the process of booking, allowing followers to book directly from your Facebook or Instagram profile. You can also share images or promotions in your posts so followers can book from your profile page. This feature couples nicely with online reputation management by utilizing social media to enhance your online presence and engagement with clients.

These features, when considered carefully in your salon software selection, can lead to more efficiency, client satisfaction, and overall growth of your salon. 

Salon with three Salon chairs and hair products lining the wall.

Top Benefits of Implementing Salon Software

Salon owners know they’ve got to keep pace with technology in order to keep their business afloat. In 2026, adopting the right technology can boost your business big time. Salon software has taken the beauty and wellness industry by storm as a powerful tool to help salons of all sizes simplify and improve operations by automating tasks, streamlining processes, and providing valuable insights. 

Here are some of the many benefits of salon management software.

  • Improved Client Experience. 

The heart of a successful salon is its clients – the community. With that said, one of the biggest and most obvious benefits of salon software is an improved client experience. Salon software allows clients to conveniently select services, choose their preferred service provider, book an appointment, and even pay a deposit. This user-friendly option reduces work for your staff. Plus, they can ensure their preferred stylist is available through a user-friendly interface that also reduces the work of your staff. Even more, salon software stores client information and purchase history, which can be used to provide a more luxurious and personalized experience. 

  • Enhanced Salon Efficiency. 

Salons, as a place of pampering, should feel relaxed, not business-like. Clients like to visit with stylists, and stylists usually prefer to focus on what they do best – making their clients look and feel fabulous. With salon software, stylists can continue to focus on what’s important, while the technology will keep your salon running efficiently. Salon software helps by automating tasks such as inventory management, employee scheduling, and maintaining customer communication – so your stylists don’t have to! Plus, while stylists are busy offering high-end customer service and making their guests feel pampered, the software can focus on tracking employee productivity, identifying popular services, and analyzing sales data to improve your overall business. 

  • Streamlined Appointment Management. 

A huge challenge in the salon industry is time-consuming phone call confirmations, client no-shows, and scheduling miscommunications. But appointment reminders sent through salon software help minimize this struggle by texting and/or emailing clients ahead of time, keeping your salon’s books filled. 

  • Better Financial Tracking and Reporting. 

Stylists are creative, and, to put it gently, financial tracking and reporting are, well, dull. This is why salon owners love having software to track finances and generate reports for them. Bookkeeping and reporting features in salon software help monitor the financial health of your salon without stressing you out over dollars and cents. Because all businesses have to maintain a bottom line, salon software simplifies the tracking of income and expenses, enabling you to monitor profitability, budget effectively, and make informed financial decisions. 

  • Effective Marketing and Communication. 

No matter how well you foster community in your business, client turnover can be a real challenge. The right software can help salons market their businesses and communicate with their clients by sending email marketing campaigns, sharing last-minute openings by text, and managing customer loyalty programs. It can also collect customer feedback to improve the client experience and develop new products and services.

A nail stylist works on a client at a nail salon.

Types of Salon Software

Not all salon software is created equal. Many different types of salon software are available, each tailored to meet specific salon needs. 

The most common types of salon software include:

  • Appointment Scheduling Software. 

This software helps salons manage scheduling by allowing clients to book online—as well as send reminders to clients to reduce no-shows and cancellations. Salon scheduling solutions typically include features like customized online scheduling websites, mobile app capabilities, and automated appointment reminders.

  • Point of Sale (POS) Software. 

POS software is used primarily to process payments and manage inventory but can also be used to track sales data and generate reports. As POS software centers around transaction processing, it’s especially adept at client checkouts, retail sales, and payment processing. Many modern POS systems can also manage inventory and track product sales, which can also be a handy feature for salons. 

  • Marketing and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. 

CRM software manages customer relationships and markets the salon’s business. Since this software focuses on marketing and client relationship management, it allows salon owners to create targeted marketing campaigns, track client interactions, and collect and manage customer reviews. An effective CRM tool helps build and maintain a positive online reputation.

  • Comprehensive Salon Management Suites. 

A salon software suite, like DaySmart Salon, combines all of the features of different types of salon software into one seamless solution. This can be a great option for salons since this software integrates various salon software types into a single platform. These suites – we’ll explore some of our favorites further down – offer appointment scheduling, point of sale, marketing, and CRM tools all in one, providing a holistic solution for salon management.

How to Select the Best Salon Software for You

Choosing the right salon software for your business requires careful consideration. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

  • Identify Your Salon’s Specific Needs. 

What are the most important features to you? What are your budget constraints? Operational requirements and challenges? Every salon is unique, and your choice of software should reflect your salon’s specific needs. 

  • Consider Your Budget. 

Salon software can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars each year. It’s no secret that budget constraints can be a significant factor when choosing software. And yet, while you should stay mindful of cost, sometimes investing in a more feature-rich solution can lead to better long-term results.

  • Look for User-Friendliness and Training. 

Adopting new software is a significant transition for your salon. So, the software should be easy to use for both you and your staff to minimize the learning curve. Be sure to choose a software solution that offers adequate training and support to keep team morale high during the adjustment.

  • Seek Vendor Reputation and Support. 

New software solutions come and go quickly these days. In 2026, it’s best to choose a software vendor with a good reputation that offers excellent customer support so you can rely on using the software for years to come. Don’t be shy when it comes to reading reviews, asking for references, and inquiring about their customer support services.

  • Ensure Data Security and Compliance. 

You’re dealing with sensitive information like home addresses and credit card details, so your salon software solution should be secure and compliant with all applicable regulations. Data security is of utmost importance since your clients’ trust in your salon relies on safeguarding their data.

Stylist blow drying someone's hair at a salon.

The Best Salon Software of 2026 

Now that you’re pumped up on all the efficiency and growth that salon software can bring to your business, it’s time to review the software solutions themselves. 

Let’s look at the best salon software available in 2026:

DaySmart Salon

Easy to use, affordable, and comprehensive, DaySmart Salon is one of the best options for salons in 2026. DaySmart Salon offers a salon software platform with robust features, including online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. It’s also known for its excellent customer support. Aside from a few imperative integrated software options offered, DaySmart Salon offers an all-in-one solution, preventing the need for additional integrations, which can become costly.

Pricing: DaySmart Salon offers affordable monthly plans starting at $29/month. 

Acuity

Acuity is also an easy-to-use and affordable salon software option that offers features like online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. However, users report that it can be buggy at times, and some features require additional fees.

Pricing: Acuity offers affordable monthly plans starting at $16/month. Some features, such as payment processing and gift certificates, require additional fees.

Fresha

Fresha is free, which can be a great option for your first-ever salon software. Plus, it’s easy to use and still offers many of the features needed, like online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. However, it does not offer 24/7 customer support, and some features require additional fees.

Pricing: Fresha offers a free monthly plan with unlimited usage and no subscription fees. Optional paid features include payment processing, marketplace fees, automated notifications, and marketing services.

Boulevard

Boulevard is another salon software option that offers online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. And although it also has powerful reporting tools and well-respected customer support, it can be expensive for small businesses.

Pricing: Boulevard offers more expensive monthly plans starting at $175/month. 

Meevo

Meevo is an affordable salon software option that includes online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. While it does include customer support, reviewers note that Meevo only has limited integration with other software for such a high price tag. 

Pricing: Meevo offers affordable monthly plans starting at $139/month. 

Phorest

Phorest boasts a wide range of features, including online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. While it offers powerful integrations with other software and good customer support, it can be expensive for small businesses.

Pricing: Phorest does not offer a free trial or membership. Inquire about pricing to learn more. 

Gloss Genius

Gloss Genius is an easy-to-use and affordable salon software platform offering comprehensive features, including online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reporting, and customer support.

Pricing: Gloss Genius offers a free trial and affordable monthly plans starting at $24/month. 

Rosy

Rosy is an affordable salon software platform that offers features such as online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. Plus, it’s highly customizable and offers affordable monthly plans.Pricing: Rosy offers a one-month free trial and affordable monthly plans starting at $37/month.

PlatformFeaturesProsConsPricing*
DaySmart Salon (formerly
Salon Iris)
Online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingEasy to use, affordable, good customer supportIntegration with other software still in progressMonthly plans start at $29/month
AcuityOnline booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingEasy to use, affordable, comprehensive featuresCan be buggy at times, some features require additional feesMonthly plans start at $16/month
FreshaOnline booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingEasy to use, affordable, comprehensive featuresNo 24/7 customer support, some features require additional feesMonthly plans start at $0/month
BoulevardOnline booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingComprehensive features, powerful reporting tools, good customer supportCan be expensive for small businessesMonthly plans start at $175/month
MeevoOnline booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingEasy to use, affordable, good customer supportLimited integrations with other softwareMonthly plans start at $139/month
PhorestOnline booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingComprehensive features, powerful integrations with other software, good customer supportCan be expensive for small businessesPrices by inquiry only
Gloss GeniusOnline booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingEasy to use, affordable, good customer supportLimited integrations with other softwareMonthly plans start at $24/month
RosyOnline booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reportingEasy to use, affordable, customizableLimited integrations with other softwareMonthly plans start at $37/month
*Pricing accurate as of October 2023

Implementing salon software can be an invaluable asset for all sizes of salons. Saving time, money, and resources by automating tasks, streamlining processes, and providing valuable insights allows salon software to revolutionize your salon operations completely.

But don’t jump into anything too quickly, as adopting new software can be time-consuming, and you don’t want to start from scratch if you choose the wrong solution for your salon. By considering your salon’s unique needs and budget, you can select the right software that automates processes, supports your business growth, and also enhances the daily lives of your stylists and clients.

Schedule a demo with DaySmart Salon today to see if our software is right for you.

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