Choosing Software as a Salon or Spa Owner
The software you pick will hold your client list, your appointment history and often your card payments. Switching later is possible, but slow, so a careful first choice saves months. This checklist is what we would ask before signing.
Before You Book a Demo
- Count your bookable staff and locations. Most prices scale with one or both.
- Write down your must-haves: deposits, processing time for color, memberships, commission rules, forms.
- Pull last month's card volume. Card rates often cost more than the subscription.
- Decide on marketplaces. Do you want new clients from an app, and will you pay a one-time fee for each one? See new-client fees compared.
Questions for Every Vendor
- What is the full first-year cost with every seat, location and add-on I need?
- Is there a contract or a fee to cancel payment processing?
- Can I export clients, appointment history and gift card balances if I leave?
- Which features stop working if I use my own card processor?
- How many texts are included, and what does each extra one cost?
If You Have Booth Renters
Renters need their own client lists and payouts. Look for separate bank accounts, rent collection and clear data ownership. Read software for booth rental salons.
Where to Look
Then use the cost calculator to compare a yearly total for your team size.
General information, not legal or tax advice.