What is salon software?

Salon software is used by salon managers and staff to automate and manage salon and spa operations. Salon management software often offers easy integration with cash registers, barcode readers, and other point of sale hardware. Hair salons, tanning salons, beauty parlors, nail salons, massage therapists, and day spas use salon booking software to add efficiency and value to a variety of business processes, including appointment scheduling, client management and marketing, employee data, commission calculations, inventory management, payroll, and more.

Here we've laid out the benefits, features, considerations and industry trends to bear in mind so you can find the best salon software solution for your small business in Canada.

What are the benefits of salon software?

Salon software can bring your salon or spa a wide range of benefits which primarily centre on ease of operations and improved efficiency. A more detailed list of benefits for your salon in Canada is outlined below:

• Automate and streamline your appointment-booking process: Salon booking apps let businesses offer appointment-booking online, and can reduce no-shows by sending automated reminders and alerts about upcoming appointments to clients.
• Make more from your in-store inventory: Salon systems can track inventory and order new products automatically when stock levels are low. They can also maintain accurate client profiles and purchase histories to facilitate product upselling with greater success.
• Bring in more clients with targeted marketing: Salon membership software can automate marketing campaigns and communicate with clients via email or on social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.

What are the typical features of salon software?

All salon software tools tend to provide a range of core features, however in order to find the best salon platform for your business, it's important to compare the additional features that each tool provides. The core features typical to most salon apps are listed below:

• Appointment scheduling: Lets clients book appointments through an online calendar that tracks and manages available/reserved slots.
• Client profiles: Record client information and feedback to track things like stylist preference and product purchase history.
• Employee management: Tracks employee schedules, availability, and performance.
• Inventory management: Track and manage product quantities, and determine when to reorder at a glance.
• Point of sale (POS): Accept and process financial transactions, and feed sales data straight into your system.

The salon software directory lets you filter by feature(s) to only view options that met your business needs, which can help you narrow your software shortlist.

What should be considered when purchasing a salon tool?

Just as not all salon technology is made equal, not all salons are either. Your business is likely to have very different processes and workflows than others, so it's important to take into account a range of factors when choosing the right salon platform for your business.

• The level of training and technical support your salon software requires: Some software companies offer unlimited training and support, while others charge a flat fee or usage fee. If your business and/or employees require technical training and support, evaluate vendor offerings to ensure they offer such services during your business hours.
• Pricing structures: Carefully review vendor pricing structures, as some salon system charge by stylist/user, computer, or location. Others charge monthly fees, while still others require a one-time licensing fee. Determine your budget, and build a shortlist accordingly.
• Think beyond your immediate needs: Salon scheduling software offers more than just day-to-day operational assistance; it can also help you work strategically and plan for long-term growth. Some salon systems help in creating marketing campaigns around client discounts, or remind customers about follow-up appointments at predetermined times. Determine your salon's long-term goals, and look for software that will help you meet them.

What are some relevant salon software industry trends?

Like any software industry, the features and offerings of salon software may be impacted by industry trends. Important trends that may impact your choice of salon software are listed below:

• Artificial intelligence-based conversational user interfaces replacing appointment-booking calls: A conversational user interface gives you the ability to use natural language when trying to do something with a computer or software system. Some salon system is already using AI-driven conversational user interfaces to help clients book and manage appointments via text, without involving a stylist or employee. This is an advanced way to save time and eliminate the back-and-forth of rescheduling. According to Capterra research, 68% of small and midsize businesses are using or plan to use conversational user interfaces within the next one to two years.
• Visual-based social media marketing takes over: Social media platforms like Snapchat, Pinterest, and Instagram are beginning to dominate the salon marketing space. With their appealing, visual-focused setup, these tools are virtually purpose-built to help salon and spa owners showcase their services, products, and client results. In the near future, look for deeper integration of these social channels into salon software, including metrics to help you measure the performance of each platform.