Best Spa & Salon Management Software (2017 Review)

At Top Spa Supply, our goal is to forge long-lasting relationships with spa and salon owners, and we’re proud of our nearly 15 years of doing just that. We’ve been in this business a long time, and we’ve seen it all -- so sharing knowledge with our customers that makes them more successful is right in line with our mission as well.

Today, we’re taking a look at some of the options out there in terms of management software for spa and salon owners. We’ll break down all the major software choices to help you make the best decision for your business and streamline your client bookings.

Choosing the right software for your spa or salon goes a long way towards ensuring that your business runs smoothly -- but more than that, the right piece of software can also help you attract more customers and retain the ones you already have.

Without further ado, let's look at some of the major options out there for spa and salon owners looking to upgrade their operations.

Vagaro

Founded in 2009, Vagaro helps people find their next salon, spa or fitness professional. Users are able to read & post reviews and schedule an online appointment for haircuts, coloring, nail care, skin care, massages and more.

Features

• Accessible anywhere on any device
• Available on both on Android and iOS
• Easy to use with a colorful user interface that’s pleasing to look at

Benefits

• Email marketing for customer outreach.
• Membership features with flexible appointment scheduling
• Customer retention reports that show you how often your customers visit
• Online integration with text reminders and emails
• Direct booking via Google, Yelp and Facebook
• Point of Sale software functionality
• Employee management features
• Inventory management and cataloguing
• 24hr live representative customer care
• Starting at $25/month
• Vagaro is one of the most popular and widely-used software options in the industry

https://vagaro.com/spa-software

Rosey

Rosey offers cloud-based spa and salon management software developed by former salon and spa owners. It's notable for being well-designed from both a visual and user interface standpoint. After all, this software was created by people who know what it's like to run a spa or salon business day-in and day-out.

Features

• Accessible anywhere on any devices. Available on Android and iOS
• No licensing fees
• Starting at $29/month

Benefits

• Appointment management
• Text and email communications
• Inventory management with the ability to reserve products and booths for specific clients
• Automated and mass email solution
• Booth and rental management
• Loyalty management and customer retention features
• Employee management that has scheduling, performance evaluation, payroll and commission management
• Point of Sale
• No need for specialized IT department
• You get to own all the client data and choose card processing vendors
• A 24hr live customer care representative

Website https://www.rosysalonsoftware.com/

Phorest

Award-winning software designed specifically for spas, Phorest’s main selling point surrounds its ample marketing and retention features, and boasts of being the most accessible software to use in the industry. With its ability to help maintain your online reputation, you will be able to exponentially improve online reviews, which goes a long way in terms of securing new walk-ins and appointments.

Features

• Easy to use
• Web based and available for both Mac and Windows
• Pricing requires quote depending on your business needs

Benefits

• SMS and email marketing features
• Social media integration enhancement such as Facebook and Twitter
• Manage online reputation and improve review scores across various platforms
• Implements a referral program
• Rewards loyal clients with treats (Treat cards) especially on products clients have previously not purchased
• Takes bookings 24/7 even when the spa is closed or you are busy
• Appointment management and scheduling
• Inventory management with the ability to reserve products and booths for specific clients
• Point of Sale
• Online booking and confirmation
• Employee management and scheduling
• Payroll and commission
• Report generation

https://www.phorest.com/

Insight

Boasting over 25 years experience working with salons, spas and barber shops, Insight comes in several versions to allow for the best fit for your unique spa or salon.

Features

• It is web-based, but also has an installed/app version
• Mobile application
• Remote access
• Quickbooks integration
• Handles membership functions
• Readily transfer software from other applications and software while at the same time maintaining high levels of data integrity
• Starting at $35/month

Benefits

• Stores clients details, service history, birthdays and purchases
• Manages the loyalty program effectively
• Email marketing that engages clients and offers personalized marketing that has room for interaction
• Employee management that manages payroll, commissions and schedules
• Appointment management that reserves service rooms and resources automatically
• Automatic appointment confirmation via text and email
• Inventory management with the ability to book products for specific clients
• T-max timer to manage tanning beds and booths including service intervals of bulbs, beds etc
• Point of Sale functionality

https://www.salon-software.com/

Mindbody

With nearly 300 million appointments made through Mindbody’s platform, this service is one of the industry’s most popular. A big reason for that is their robust marketing features, including automated reminders and outreach to frequent customers. Perhaps best of all, you’ll be included in their vendor network, making it easier for new customers to discover your business. However, Mindbody is one of the more expensive options out there.

Features

• App-based both on Android and iOS

Benefits

• Stores clients details, service history, birthdays and purchases
• Loyalty program features and functionality
• Online booking and reservation, including Instant Booking
• Point of Sale
• Employee management and scheduling
• Payroll and commission
• Reports generation
• Listing on MINDBODY network
• Class and appointment scheduling
• Branded web tools
• Custom mobile app
• Report generation
• Automatic appointment confirmation via email
• A 24hr live customer care representative
• Starting at $75/month

https://www.mindbodyonline/spa/

Acuity Scheduling

Acuity has been around for a decade, and takes a slightly different approach to the salon software management role by functioning like your virtual assistant. With the incorporation of Acuity in your salon or spa, booking appointments with your customers is an easy click away.

Features

• Mobile & iOS native
• Cloud-based

Benefits

• Quick reservations
• Efficient payment processing
• Robust calendaring and ability to clearly see appointment options
• Works across multiple locations
• Ability to set up light retention/marketing outreach via reminders
• Starting at $15/month

www.acuityscheduling.com

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Still have questions about the software that might be the best fit for your unique business? Give us a call anytime, and Top Spa Supply's experienced, friendly staff will provide you with advice based around your particular needs.