Which Is The Best Salon Software? Top Competitors Compared

Savvy salon owners know that salon management software can have a huge impact on profitability and brand perception by streamlining important tasks like scheduling, client records, inventory, marketing and reporting.

However, with so many options on the market, it can be confusing to determine which platform is truly the best fit for your salon’s needs. We cover the factors to consider when evaluating hair salon software and compare top contenders.

Core Feature Checklist

Evaluating functionality provides quick insight on aligning available systems with your requirements like:

• Online booking – Allowing self service appointment scheduling 24/7 provides convenience diction for busy clients.
• Client profiles – Centralised records tracking purchase history, contact information and preferences creates personalisation opportunities.
• Service menus – Customised catalogues of service and retail offerings keep details for staff to sell from during interactions.
• Inventory monitoring – Watching real-time changes in stock levels and valuations through integrated POS enables smarter ordering.
• Staff scheduling – Intuitive calendars facilitate shift assignments accounting for employee availability and forecasted appointment demand.
• Reporting – Reporting revealing metrics on capacity utilisation, sales and commercial KPIs fuels data-driven decisions.

Customisation and Scalability Factors

Salons have unique needs, requiring personalised solutions beyond generic templates through:

Configurable features

Are elements readily tailored like custom fields added to profiles, user permission controls modified and inventory categories amended?

Integration capabilities

Does the platform allow connecting apps like accounting software or ecommerce platforms through open APIs, avoiding manual synchronisation?

Growth-friendly pricing

Is paid access structured around user counts or other scaling metrics? Avoid locking into systems unable to flex with your 3-5 year vision.

Implementation and Ongoing Support

Ensure the salon software aids adoption and offers assistance through:

Onboarding processes

Is sufficient training guidance offered ensuring teams understand how to capture data and configure preferences before “going live”?

Technical documentation

Are knowledge base articles and video tutorials available, allowing self service troubleshooting for minor issues?

Ongoing support

What mediums like email, chat or phone assistance are available if needing configuration guidance or help resolving complex platform problems?

Comparing Top Contenders

With an understanding of key evaluation criteria established, how do 2 leading salon software platforms compare when analysed side-by-side?

Booksy

• Booking focussed rather than comprehensive management
• Simple pricing around £40/month
• Cloud-based so supports remote access
• Integrates social media and SMS messaging

Phorest

• Precision-tuned for large enterprises
• Branded 10” Android till terminals
• Charges percentage commission on transactions
• Open API enables accounting integration

By identifying strengths and weaknesses based on individual priorities, determining the right platform becomes clearer. No solution ranks best universally – match aligned capabilities to your commercial objectives and budget.

Protect Your Assets While Streamlining Operations

Using criteria frameworks simplifies determining which salon software best aligns with your salon’s wishlist based on current priorities and future plans.

When identifying process improvements through innovative beauty salon software, also evaluate insurance needs to match. Here at Salon Saver, we offer policies tailored specifically to modern hair, nail, and beauty salons like yours looking to take capabilities to the next level.

Our salon insurance solutions shield against risks from liability claims and property damage to inventory theft and supply chain disruptions. Contact us today to find out more.

Dean Laming

Dean Laming is a Chartered Insurance Broker with more than 25 years insurance experience. Through various underwriting, operational and management roles, Dean has built up extensive knowledge of the hair and beauty sector and is now Managing Director of Salon Saver, part of the wider Henry Seymour Group.

All articles by Dean Laming