Salon Software Questions
Practical answers to help you choose and use salon software effectively. No fluff, just useful information.
Choosing Software
Questions about selecting the right salon software for your business
How to choose the right salon software for your business
Focus on the features you actually need, understand the total cost for your team size, and test before committing. The best software is one your team will actually use consistently.
Best salon software for small salons
The best salon software for small salons (1-5 staff) balances essential features with affordable pricing. Look for flat-fee pricing that doesn't penalise growth, included SMS reminders, online booking, and straightforward setup. Avoid per-staff pricing models that become expensive as you hire.
Best salon software for solo stylists
Solo stylists need simple, affordable software that handles scheduling and client management without complexity. Look for easy setup, mobile access, online booking, and pricing that makes sense for a single operator—typically $30-50/month for a good solution.
Cloud-based vs installed salon software
Cloud-based (online) salon software is now the standard choice for most salons. You access it through a web browser, it updates automatically, and your data is backed up offsite. Installed software (on your computer only) is becoming rare and brings limitations that most modern salons find unworkable.
How to track your salon's performance with reports
Tracking salon performance means monitoring key metrics like revenue, appointment volume, cancellation rates, and team utilisation. Regular reporting helps you spot trends, identify problems early, and make informed decisions about your business.
How to price your salon services
Pricing salon services involves calculating your costs (product, time, overheads), understanding your local market, and setting prices that sustain your business. Many salons undercharge because they haven't properly accounted for their time and expenses.
How to market your salon and attract new clients
Effective salon marketing combines a strong online presence (Google Business Profile, social media, online booking), word-of-mouth from happy clients, and consistent visibility in your local community. Focus on what you can sustain rather than one-off campaigns.
Pricing & Costs
Questions about salon software pricing, fees, and value
How much does salon software cost in Australia?
Salon software in Australia typically costs between $0 and $360+ per month, depending on features and team size. Most small salons pay between $30-80 per month for a capable solution.
What does 0% commission booking software mean?
Zero commission (0%) booking software means you keep all your booking revenue—the software doesn't take a percentage of each appointment. You pay a flat monthly fee instead. This contrasts with marketplace-based platforms that charge 15-30% commission on bookings made through their discovery channels.
Is free salon software worth it?
Free salon software can work for solo practitioners just starting out, but most growing salons find free options limiting. Common trade-offs include marketplace commissions (15-30% on bookings), restricted features, or advertising on your booking page. Calculate the true cost before assuming "free" is cheaper.
No-Shows & Cancellations
Questions about reducing missed appointments and handling cancellations
How to reduce no-shows at your salon
The most effective ways to reduce salon no-shows are automated appointment reminders, requiring deposits for bookings, and implementing a clear cancellation policy. Salons using these strategies together typically see significant reductions in missed appointments.
Should I charge cancellation fees at my salon?
Cancellation fees can help reduce no-shows and protect your revenue, but they need to be fair and clearly communicated. A balanced approach—reasonable notice periods with partial fees for late cancellations—tends to work better than aggressive policies that damage client relationships.
How deposits reduce salon no-shows
Requiring deposits creates financial commitment that makes clients more likely to show up or reschedule properly. When someone has already paid money, missing the appointment means losing that payment—a stronger motivator than simply being asked to cancel in advance.
How automated reminders reduce no-shows
Automated appointment reminders reduce no-shows by addressing the most common cause: forgetfulness. Sending SMS or email reminders 24-48 hours before appointments—followed by a same-day reminder—gives clients time to reschedule if needed and keeps the appointment top of mind.
How to create a salon cancellation policy
A good salon cancellation policy balances protecting your time with being fair to clients. Key elements include a clear notice period (typically 24-48 hours), consequences for late cancellations or no-shows, and how clients can reschedule. The policy should be visible during booking and consistently enforced.
Online Booking
Questions about setting up and optimising online appointment booking
Benefits of online booking for salons
Online booking lets clients book appointments 24/7, reduces phone interruptions during busy periods, and captures bookings that would otherwise be lost outside business hours. It also reduces scheduling errors and gives clients the flexibility they increasingly expect.
How to set up online booking for your salon
Setting up online booking involves adding your services with accurate durations, configuring your team's availability, setting booking rules (minimum notice, cancellation policy), and sharing your booking link. Most salon software makes this achievable in a few hours.
How to use a waitlist to fill last-minute cancellations
A waitlist captures client interest when your schedule is full, then helps you fill cancellations quickly. When a slot opens, you contact waitlisted clients who wanted that time. The key is capturing preferences (dates, times, services) so you can match cancellations efficiently.
Payments & Deposits
Questions about payment processing, deposits, and refunds
Client Management
Questions about managing client information and relationships
How to keep useful client notes in your salon
Good client notes help you deliver personalised service and avoid repeating mistakes. Record colour formulas, preferences, allergies, and anything that affects how you serve that client. The notes should be accessible when booking and during appointments.
How to retain salon clients and build loyalty
Client retention comes from consistent, personalised service and making rebooking easy. Remember their preferences, follow up appropriately, and remove friction from their experience. Retaining existing clients is far more cost-effective than constantly acquiring new ones.
How to get more reviews for your salon
Getting reviews requires asking at the right moment—when clients are happiest with your service. Make the process easy, ask personally rather than generically, and respond to reviews you receive. Consistency matters more than volume.
How to handle difficult clients at your salon
Difficult client situations require staying calm, listening actively, and finding solutions that protect your business whilst being fair. Most issues stem from miscommunication or unmet expectations. Having clear policies helps prevent problems and gives you a framework for handling them.
Team Management
Questions about managing staff schedules and performance
How to manage salon staff schedules effectively
Effective staff scheduling starts with setting default working hours for each team member, then handling variations like time off and custom hours for specific dates. The goal is ensuring online booking and your calendar always reflect accurate availability.
Booth rental vs employment: which model suits your salon?
Booth rental means stylists pay you rent and run their own businesses. Employment means you hire staff, pay wages, and control the client experience. Each model has trade-offs around control, income stability, and administrative burden.
Software Comparisons
Questions comparing different salon software options
Still have questions?
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