Must-Have Salon Software Features

Cloud-based software 

With cloud-based software, you’ll have more storage on your hard drive because you are functioning from an internet utility service rather than a locally installed application. You’ll also be able to access your software anywhere, rather than being confined to your salon. This means that many software functions will become mobile-friendly.

POS system  

The more clients you get into your salon, the more you’ll want to upgrade your salon software. It’s important to consider how your staff is processing payments/transactions.  Consider the mobility of your software’s POS (point of sale) system. Can it be processed from a mobile phone or tablet? How well does it integrate with the rest of your front desk operations?

Online appointment booking 

In short, having the ability to book appointments online increases organization for your salon, availability/accessibility for your clients, and your revenue with little to no extra effort. If you’re looking to make money while you sleep, this is the way.

Read: 4 Reasons Your Salon Should Offer Online Appointment Booking

Comprehensive reports 

Reports are crucial for long-term results in your salon. Whether you are collecting payroll/commission for your salon staff or monitoring your return on marketing investments (ROI) and inventory adjustments, having comprehensive reporting of all aspects in your salon is necessary for making smarter business decisions.

Automated SMS/email notifications

Just like the online booking feature, having software that sends automated notifications to your clients is beneficial for several reasons. Reminding your clients of their appointments and confirming their bookings can be a difficult and timely manual task, but having a software feature that automatically does it for you can save your salon staff time and energy.

Mobile apps 

As already listed, online appointment booking is one of the main must-have features. That being said, this is only the case if your online booking is mobile-friendly. It’s important to make sure that whatever software you choose includes a mobile application that makes this feature available to everyone, no matter what device they are using. Likewise, different mobile apps offer different services. While some apps are strictly for appointment booking, others also offer mobile check-in and special loyalty rewards.

Envision, Phorest, and Meevo 2 all offer a variation of these essential features and are our personal recommendations for top salon software. While similar in nature, they each have unique features that set them apart.

Envision Spa & Salon Software

MyDash

MyDash is a free app for salon clients to book appointments, redeem special offers, check-in with no contact, write reviews, and more. It can be customized to fit your business–your color scheme and logo can be easily added to make it your own.

Envision Cloud Check-in

This is Envision’s second app, and it is just as it sounds. While your front desk staff is juggling a million tasks and your clients aren’t in the mood to wait around, this is intended to run as a “check-in” station on a tablet.  Clients can check themselves into your salon with little to no interaction.

 Phorest Salon Software

Phorest Go

This is an app dedicated to mobile appointments. Through Phorest’s booking app, clients can choose what services they want (with pricing), what stylist, and when they want the service done. The app is even optimized to know your stylist’s working days/breaks. Appointments are only scheduled back-to-back, with no gaps and unnecessary time wasted.

Meevo Salon and Spa Software

Online prepay and appointment deposits

This software gives clients the option of paying for their appointment online ahead of time. Prepay both speeds up the checkout process and further promotes a contactless experience. Similarly, if you are having trouble with clients canceling their appointments, Meevo 2 software gives salons the option to ask for an appointment deposit with the online booking feature, helping to eliminate the issue.

Self-pay

Clients also have the option of paying for their service on their own devices during the checkout process. This is another contactless experience where they receive a text or email with a self-pay link where they can view the transaction details, pay for the service, and add a tip.