What’s the best salon booking system in the UK?

Implementing a salon booking system is an important part of daily salon life. It can make everything run more smoothly and efficiently, while improving the overall customer experience of your salon. It streamlines the appointment scheduling process and helps to avoid errors, duplication and wasted time, as well as data loss.

Let’s take a closer look at whether you need a salon booking system, and which are the best salon booking systems in the UK.

 

 

Benefits of a salon booking system

The main benefit of a salon booking system is that it’s easier to get your client information organised and secure. They can often save time, money and effort on your part, and on the behalf of your clients too.

A salon booking system also helps with customer relationship management (CRM). These systems typically include features that store client information, such as contact details, appointment history and preferences. This data allows salon staff to provide personalised services, send reminders for upcoming appointments, and follow up with clients post-visit.

By maintaining a detailed client database, salons can foster stronger relationships with their customers, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.

Another critical advantage is the automation of administrative tasks. Salon booking systems often come with features like automated reminders via SMS or email, reducing the number of no-shows and last-minute cancellations. They also help with inventory management, tracking the usage and stock levels of products, and even integrating with point of sale (POS) systems for seamless payment processing.

This automation frees up staff time, allowing them to focus more on providing high-quality services rather than being bogged down by administrative duties.

You can also get valuable insights through reporting and analytics. Salon owners and managers can track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as peak booking times, popular services and revenue trends. This data-driven approach enables better business decisions, such as optimising staff schedules during busy periods, promoting less popular services and understanding client demographics.

These insights are essential for strategic planning and can lead to improved business performance and growth.

 

 

Which salon booking system should you use?

Selecting a salon booking system for your business is crucial for managing appointments, customer relationships and overall efficiency. Here are some of the best salon booking systems available in the UK, including their features, advantages, disadvantages, and websites:

 

1. Fresha (formerly Shedul)

Fresha is a user-friendly, all-in-one beauty booking system designed to streamline salon management and client appointments.

Features

• Online booking and appointment management
• Point of Sale (POS) system
• Inventory management
• Customer management and CRM
• Automated notifications and reminders
• Staff scheduling
• Reporting and analytics

Advantages

• Free to use for basic features
• User-friendly interface
• No subscription fees, only pay for payment processing
• Robust reporting and analytics

Disadvantages

• Limited to beauty and wellness industries
• Additional costs for premium features

 

2. Booksy

Booksy offers a comprehensive scheduling platform for beauty professionals, making appointment booking effortless and efficient.

Features

• Online booking and scheduling
• Calendar management
• Customer management
• Marketing tools (promotions and discounts)
• Payment processing
• Mobile app for both clients and business owners
• Reporting and analytics

Advantages

• Comprehensive marketing tools
• Excellent customer support
• Integration with social media platforms
• Mobile-friendly

Disadvantages

• Subscription-based pricing
• Can be costly for smaller businesses

 

3. Phorest

Phorest is a salon software solution that enhances customer experience through easy booking, marketing, and management tools.

Features

• Appointment scheduling and online booking
• CRM and customer loyalty programs
• POS system
• Marketing tools (SMS, email campaigns)
• Inventory management
• Reporting and analytics
• Staff management and payroll

Advantages

• Extensive marketing and loyalty features
• Highly customisable
• Excellent customer support and training

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive, especially for smaller salons
• Complex setup process

 

4. Timely

Timely provides a sleek and intuitive booking system tailored for beauty salons to manage appointments, clients, and staff seamlessly.

Features

• Online booking and scheduling
• SMS and email notifications
• Client management and CRM
• Point of Sale (POS) integration
• Staff scheduling
• Reporting and analytics
• Mobile app

Advantages

• User-friendly interface
• Strong customer support
• Integrates well with other software (Xero, QuickBooks)
• Flexible pricing plans

Disadvantages

• Limited marketing features compared to competitors
• Some features require additional fees

 

5. Ovatu

Ovatu delivers a powerful appointment scheduling system for beauty salons, offering features that simplify booking and business operations.

Features

• Online booking and scheduling
• Automated reminders and notifications
• Client management
• Point of Sale (POS)
• Staff management
• Reporting and analytics
• Mobile app

Advantages

• Affordable pricing plans
• Easy to use and set up
• Strong customer support

Disadvantages

• Limited marketing tools
• Fewer integrations compared to competitors

 

 

 

How to choose the right salon booking system for your business

Choosing the right salon booking system for your business is important for streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience and boosting overall efficiency. The first step in making an informed choice is to assess your specific needs and goals.

 

1.    Decide what you want to get out of your salon booking system

Consider the size of your salon, the number of staff members and the volume of appointments you handle daily. Decide whether you need a system that can integrate with other software you use, such as accounting or marketing tools too. This will help you narrow down the options and select a system that aligns with your business model.

 

2.    Research the different features on offer

Evaluate the features offered by different salon booking systems. Key features to look for include online booking capabilities, calendar management, client database and automated reminders.

Advanced features like inventory management, staff scheduling, and reporting tools can also be beneficial. Ensure that the system you choose offers user-friendly navigation for both staff and clients. A system that is too complex may deter clients from booking online and can create additional training challenges for your staff.

 

3.    Look at the level of customer support and training provided

Consider the level of customer support and training provided by the booking system vendors. A reliable support team can make a significant difference, especially during the initial setup phase and when troubleshooting issues.

Look for vendors that offer comprehensive training resources, such as video tutorials, webinars and detailed guides. Some vendors may also provide one-on-one training sessions to help your team become proficient with the new system quickly.

 

4.    Weigh up the costs

Another important factor to consider is cost. Salon booking systems can vary widely in price, from free basic versions to high-end solutions with extensive features. Create a budget and compare the costs of different systems, taking into account any additional fees for setup, support, and upgrades.

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s essential to balance cost with the value and features offered. Investing in a robust booking system can lead to long-term savings by improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 

5.    Look up customer reviews

Lastly, read reviews and seek recommendations from other salon owners. Real-world feedback can provide valuable insights into the reliability and effectiveness of a booking system. Join industry forums, attend trade shows, or participate in online communities to gather opinions and experiences.

Consider asking for a free trial or demo of the system to test its functionality and see if it meets your expectations. By taking the time to research and evaluate your options, you can choose a salon booking system that will support your business growth and enhance the overall client experience.

 

 

Specialist beauty salon insurance through Ripe

As an owner of a beauty salon, you’ll be aware of how much of your time and money you invest into your business. Insuring your beauty salon through Ripe can help provide financial protection and peace of mind should the worst happen.

Ripe Specialist Beauty Salon Insurance includes Public and Products Liability cover as well as treatment risk cover, with the opportunity to build your own policy so you’re never paying for more than you need.

Find out more about Specialist Beauty Salon Insurance through Ripe or get a quick online quote today.