Fresha alternatives for Australian salons
Australian salons looking for Fresha alternatives often want to avoid marketplace commission fees, need local support in Australian timezones, or prefer AUD pricing with GST included. Several options offer Australian-based support and local payment processing rates.
Why salons look for Fresha alternatives
Marketplace commission model
Fresha charges commission (around 20%) on new clients acquired through their marketplace. For salons getting significant marketplace traffic, this can add up to hundreds of dollars monthly.
Local support preferences
Some salon owners prefer support from teams in Australian timezones who understand local business conditions.
Pricing transparency
International pricing can be confusing with currency conversion. Some prefer software priced in AUD with GST clearly included.
Feature requirements
Different businesses have different needs—some want features Fresha doesn't offer, others want simpler software without features they don't use.
What to compare
Pricing model
Compare flat monthly fee vs. per-staff pricing vs. commission-based. Check what's included vs. what costs extra, and calculate the total monthly cost for your specific team size.
Core features
Online booking functionality, SMS/email reminders (and how many are included), calendar and scheduling, client management, and payment processing.
Regional considerations
AUD pricing with GST, Australian payment processing rates (typically lower than international), local phone support availability, and SMS through Australian networks.
Questions to ask
- 1What's the total monthly cost for my team? Get a specific number, not "starting from" pricing.
- 2Are there any commission fees? On bookings, new clients, or marketplace leads.
- 3What SMS allowance is included? Running out mid-month is frustrating.
- 4Can I export my data if I leave? Client data portability matters.
- 5What support hours work for Australian timezones?
Making the switch
If you're moving from Fresha or another platform:
- 1Export your client data while you still have access
- 2Check if new software offers data import assistance
- 3Plan the transition during a quieter period
- 4Update your booking links everywhere (website, social media, Google)
- 5Communicate with clients about any changes to how they book
The right choice depends on you
There's no universally "best" alternative—it depends on:
- Your team size and growth plans
- How important local support is to you
- Whether you get value from marketplace exposure
- Your comfort with technology
- Your budget
Try free trials where available to get hands-on experience before committing.
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