Rosy Salon Software President Jason Foodman shares the many benefits of salon booking software and what to look for in a sea of technology options.
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and has transformed how we work, play, and live — it helps us get information, communicate with others, manage time, and work more efficiently. But what place does technology have in a consumer-facing service industry that’s all about experiences, pampering others, and providing a desired level of human connection?
For salons and spas, the time spent with clients is especially sacred for the people who provide the services. Stylists, barbers, estheticians, and other beauty professionals get it; after all, they’ve chosen to make their living in the service of others. They use their finely honed talent to make their own human connections, pleasing clients by helping them look and feel their best.
However, for owners and managers on the business side, the reality is that beauty, grooming, and personal care enterprises generate income by selling services based on increments of time. Technology, available in the form of booking software, has made it possible to manage that time effectively. This specialized software has replaced the old paper schedulers and locally installed applications, instead giving beauty and grooming businesses the freedom to access their schedules from anywhere and on any device.
TECHNOLOGY MAKES SCHEDULING EASY
Today, booking software is hosted in the Cloud and typically includes features such as on-site and online booking, automated reminders, and the ability to accept payments through the platform. Some applications offer client data management and reporting tools that allow businesses to track sales, performance, and other relevant data. Overall, these features help salons and spas streamline operations and provide clients with a more convenient and personalized experience.
“A scheduling system should be intuitive and easy to use for the entire team,” states Rosy Salon Software President Jason Foodman. “You want client information at every turn and to have the option for cluster bookings - where the system considers the proper order of services and finds the next available spot for those services with a desired service provider.”
Scan the QR code to find out why your salon needs online scheduling.
WHY ONLINE BOOKING IS IMPORTANT
Many software applications provide an option for online booking, making it easy for clients to make an appointment the moment they think about it - no matter when or where that is. With just a few clicks on their phone, tablet, or computer, clients can schedule their next service without ever having to call.
“If a salon or spa solely relies on bookings taken at the front desk, they may be missing out by losing sales to their competition,” adds Foodman. “With 35-40% of online appointment scheduling happening after hours, clients are more likely to book and confirm an appointment online than leave a message with a salon.”
In addition to the convenience for clients, online booking can lighten the load for salons and spas. More online bookings translate to less time on the phone or at checkout to make the next appointments and more time spent on clients, making their beauty, grooming, or wellness experience more memorable.
Having a platform to book online also provides a sales funnel. It’s the perfect opportunity to sell gift cards, packages, and memberships, shop the business’s online store, and even take deposits, all without the salon or spa’s assistance.
According to Foodman, one of the best reasons to offer online booking is the increased frequency of client visits.
The best advice for online booking software?
Look for salon software that:
- Is easy to access and use
- Understands the unique workflow of a salon
- Allows you to set the order of services versus leaving it to your clients to decide
- Lets you set desired gaps
- Does not allow bookings where they don’t fit
- Includes fully integrated payment processing
- Has the ability to take deposits
“In an early study, Rosy found that salons received more bookings when clients scheduled their own appointments. When clients called to make appointments or pre-booked in person, the time between appointments averaged 41 days. However, the average time between appointments dropped to 33 days when clients booked online. So, for every client who books online, there’s an opportunity for a 23% increase in visits. That translates to two additional appointments per year per client.”
Whether used for scheduling in-house by a team member or online by a client — or both — booking software complements the unique workflow of salons and spas to help manage time more effectively and, ultimately, more profitably.
“For every client who books online, there’s an opportunity for a 23% increase in visits," Jason Foodman, President of Rosy Salon Software shares.
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