Salon software - essential or luxury?

[SarahBagshaw77]

Hi geeks, I've been thinking recently about purchasing some salon software to help with diary management, client contact and stock levels and the like but can't decide if the outlay will be worth while, does anyone have any experience of purchasing software and if so, could you advise the key things I should be looking for? If you could recommend any, that would be a great place to start researching!!

Thanks in advance!

 

[emzlou]

Salon software is a minefield, there has been a lot of discussion on this (see other threads),
We use Essentials from DWB Solutions, They have been great, the software is very good and simple to use.
You can do all sorts of things not just book appointments but keep up to date client records, retail stock control, staff commissions also SMS Text to client's mobile phone and it has lots of management reports like most popular services, client spending patterns etc.. The system can be password protected, so you know who did what. I have been with them coming up to nearly 2 years now and their support has always been great. I would recommend them to anyone, their web site www.dwbsolutions.co.uk or phone 01626 830455
I don’t know if it is a luxury, I would definitely say it was essential to help run my business.
Hope this helps
EmzLou

 

[JackOfAllTrades]

I would recommend this software if you have more than 3 employees.
It is very good for keeping track of stock, clients etc but not very cost effective for a small salon.
We are moving to a new premises soon where there will be 5+ employees and I will definitely be purchasing the system.

 

[freddy_star]

Hello,

Do you mind telling me how much the Essentials software package costs? I have just been to their website,but it doesn't say anything about the cost. I am looking for our first salon software - we are trying tomove away from the hardcopy appointment book!

Many thanks

 

[skymark]

I think a salon software package is a great thing but I do think its a luxury. A business can be run without it (the olden days of pens and paper arent that long ago) but they can help you save a heck of a lot of time and effort doing things seperately. If you are in a good position business wise or are looking to expand its probably a good investment but if funds are really tight, its not always necessary.

 

[trulyscrump]

The power of the systems for marketing is the real strength. Whether by text or email, the ability to quickly contact your client database at the touch of the button is the gold dust sitting inside many of these systems.

But, beware. Some systems are better than others. I got burned buying a system ( see this thread http://www.salongeek.com/biz-geek/106881-new-software-help.html ) and ended up doing my research on a few leading systems.

If you want to be managing data and client relationships, using pen and paper does work, but can be slow. A good system will give you instant access to client history, etc. at the touch of a button.

For me, and I know it's a big layout, I think a salon computer system will be essential for managing and growing your business.

 

[StudioTracker]

Salon systems can be invaluable for salons as it enables to manage your most important assets more effectivley, your clients. You can use the SMS features to target clients with specialised promotions which will help improve your revenue and the use of SMS's to reduce client no shows will have the same effect. Salon software will also help you manage stock, staff and will give you reports on every aspect of your business to enable you to see where you need to improve performance and will therefore ultimatley help your business grow.
When looking for the perfect software for you ensure there are no hidden costs apart from th initial outlay support and updates should be free and ensure ther is no massive yearly licence costs. Before commiting to a software provider request a free trial to ensure it is compaitble to your needs and to see if your definatley sure of the benefits to you and if you really need it!
Good Luck!

 

[Salon Swift]

Hi,

We developed our own software because at the time (some 5 years ago now) all the software we could find was just too expensive for us.

It's definitely proved worthwhile - we couldn't have managed multiple salons at the same time without it frankly. It cuts out a lot of the time-consuming paperwork for a start and lets you see which parts of your business need more attention. Most software should give you reports on how your business is performing and keep track of transactions, clients, etc.

You can check out our software at our website (we've just started marketing it to other salons under the same 'affordability' ethos) - it gives you a free demo and some more info. If anything it'll give you a chance to play around and see the sort of things software has to offer.

Hope this helps!

Guy
www.salonswift.com

 

[salonbabe]

I agree with a person here who said the marketing is essential, if we had a quiet morning we would text that a member of staff was not busy and offer 20% off and it was like magic. They should all do it
We use Platinum salon software and they did not charge us for sending out email marketing which we did loads of, and had very positive feedback from many clients.