What are prepaid packages in salon software?
Prepaid packages let clients pay upfront for a bundle of sessions at a discounted rate — for example, five facials for the price of four. The salon software tracks how many sessions have been used and how many remain, and clients can redeem them when booking online or at checkout.
How prepaid packages work
A prepaid package is a fixed number of sessions for a specific service (or group of services) sold at a bundled price. The client pays the full amount upfront, and each time they visit for that service, one session is deducted from their balance. It is a straightforward concept that benefits both the salon and the client.
- Client pays once for multiple sessions (e.g. 6 laser sessions, 10 PT sessions)
- Each visit automatically deducts one session from their package balance
- Remaining sessions are visible to both the client and the salon
- Packages can have optional expiry dates to encourage regular visits
Benefits for your salon
Guaranteed upfront revenue
When a client buys a 10-session package, you receive the full payment immediately. This improves cash flow and gives you predictable revenue — even if the client spaces out their visits over several months.
Higher client retention
A client with unused sessions is a client who will come back. Prepaid packages create a natural commitment that reduces the chance of clients drifting to a competitor. Data consistently shows that package holders visit more frequently than pay-per-visit clients.
Reduced no-shows
Clients who have already paid are significantly less likely to skip appointments. The psychological commitment of having money invested makes them prioritise their bookings.
Price your packages so the per-session cost is 10-20% lower than the single-session price. This gives clients a genuine incentive without cutting too deeply into your margins.
Session tracking and redemption
Good salon software handles session tracking automatically. When a client with an active package books an appointment for the relevant service, the system should recognise the package and offer to redeem a session at checkout — no manual counting or spreadsheets required.
- 1Client purchases a package online or in-salon
- 2Package balance appears on their client profile
- 3When they book the relevant service, the system flags the available package
- 4At checkout, a session is deducted and the remaining balance updates
- 5Both client and salon can view the package status at any time
Selling packages online
Offering packages through your online booking page removes the need for an in-person sales conversation. Clients can browse available packages, see the savings, and purchase with a few clicks. Payment is processed through Stripe, and the package is immediately added to their account.
What to include on your package listing
Each package listing should clearly show the number of sessions, the total price, the per-session saving compared to booking individually, which services are included, and any expiry terms. Transparency builds trust and reduces support questions.
Under Australian Consumer Law, prepaid packages are subject to specific refund obligations. If a client cannot use their remaining sessions due to circumstances beyond their control, you may be required to offer a pro-rata refund.
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