Managing client waitlists is a headache every salon and spa owner knows all too well. Between accommodating walk-ins and last-minute cancellations, relying on pen and paper just doesn't cut it anymore. Even being reservation-only leaves business turned away when you’re fully booked up.

The right waitlist platform makes all the difference in capitalizing on every booking opportunity. Automating the process means easily texting ETAs to waiting clients, capturing their details for future bookings, and never losing new business again.

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In this article, I'll walk you through some of the best salon waitlist software – specifically built for beauty, hair, nail, massage, and aesthetics businesses. Extensive analysis went into evaluating over a dozen options based on toolsets, user experience, customer support, and overall value for money.

Whether you currently use no system or want to upgrade your existing setup, use this quick but comprehensive overview to find the ideal automated solution to streamline waitlist management. Alright, let's get into it!

What to Look for in Salon Waitlist Software

Before we get into the list, let's first understand what features to look for in waitlist software for salons and spas. These are some of the key elements that can help you make an informed decision:

• Ease of Use: The software should be user-friendly and easy to navigate, both for salon staff and customers.
• Real-time Updates: The waitlist should be updated in real-time so that both customers and staff have accurate information.
• Customization Options: The software should allow for customization to fit the specific needs of your salon or spa.
• Integration with Booking Systems: If you have an existing booking system, it's essential to choose a waitlist software that integrates seamlessly with it.
• Communication Features: Look for features like text or email notifications to inform customers about their waitlist status.
• Analytics and Reporting: The software should provide insights into the waitlist process, such as average wait times and peak hours.

Now that we have a grasp of what to consider, let's take a look at the top ten waitlist software options available for salons and spas in 2024.

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Top 10 Waitlist Software for Salons and Spas

To help you choose, we’ve made a list of the waitlist software solutions specifically designed for salons and spas:

1. GlossGenius
2. Fresha
3. Boulevard
4. Vagaro
5. Acuity Scheduling
6. Booksy
7. Phorest
8. Mangomint
9. Mindbody
10. DaySmart

Alright, let’s take a deeper look at each platform.

1. GlossGenius

GlossGenius is an acclaimed tech company founded by women offering a system to manage waitlists for salons and spas. Recognized as an industry-leading advanced appointment scheduling app, GlossGenius has already assisted over 40,000 independent beauty and wellness professionals in effectively managing their businesses.

Notable Features of GlossGenius

Some features of GlossGenius include:

• All in one appointment scheduling system. GlossGenius simplifies the booking process from scheduling appointments to handling payments providing customers with a hassle-free experience when making appointments.
• Waitlist Management. With GlossGenius, effectively managing your waitlist becomes effortless. You can send automated confirmations, appointment reminders, expressions of gratitude, and gentle reminders to rebook to your clients.
• Advanced Analytics. GlossGenius offers real-time data and insights into your business operations. This includes reports on your clients, empowering you to make data-driven decisions.

GlossGenius Pricing

GlossGenius offers two pricing options; the Standard plan costs $24 per month, while the Gold plan is priced at $48 per month. The Gold plan also includes features like AI integration for email marketing, client liability waivers, and premium website designs.

GlossGenius Reviews

• When it comes to reviews, GlossGenius has received a 5-star rating on G2. Users have praised its user interface and convenience for businesses and clients alike. 
• On Capterra GlossGenius maintains a 4.6-star rating, with an appreciation for its customer service and advanced functionalities.

2. Fresha

Formerly known as Shedul, Fresha is a cloud based scheduling and management software specifically designed for salon owners. It provides solutions that help salons enhance efficiency and improve customer satisfaction through features such as booking, waitlist management, and payment processing.

Notable Features of Fresha

Fresha boasts features that set it apart from others in its field, including:

• Online Booking and Waitlist Management. Customers can conveniently book appointments or join the waitlist directly from their salon's website or social media pages using Fresha.
• Personalized Marketing. With Fresha's capabilities, salon owners can create targeted marketing campaigns based on customer data, including birthdays or appointment history.
• POS System. Fresha offers an integrated point-of-sale system, for seamless payment processing.

Fresha Pricing

Fresha offers a starter plan for users and small businesses. They also have a Premium plan priced at $29.90 per month, which comes with features such as online booking and payment processing.

Fresha Reviews

• According to G2, Fresha has received a rating of 4.2 stars from users who appreciate its user interface, ease of use, and efficient scheduling system.
• On Capterra, Fresha has a rating of 4.9 stars, with users highlighting its features and exceptional customer service.

Related Reads: Top 10 Fresha Alternatives for Salons & Spas

3. Boulevard

Boulevard is a cloud-based platform designed specifically for salon management. It offers capabilities to help salons effectively manage their appointments. With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive features, it is an effective tool for salons of all sizes.

Key Features of Boulevard

Some features provided by Boulevard include:

• Real Time Waitlist Management. Boulevard enables you to add clients to your waitlist and automatically notify them via text when a slot becomes available.
• Customizable Cancellation Policies. You have the flexibility to set rules regarding cancellations and no-shows, allowing you to minimize any revenue loss.
• Automated Reminders. Boulevard automatically sends reminders to clients, ensuring that missed appointments are significantly reduced.

Boulevard Pricing

To use Boulevard, you can opt for their Essentials plan at $160 per month for one location. Alternatively, you can choose the Premier plan at $295 per month per location or the Prestige plan at $410 per month per location.

Boulevard Reviews

• When it comes to reviews, Boulevard has received a 4.6-star rating on Capterra. Users particularly appreciate its user interface and comprehensive features. 
• On G2, it maintains a 4.1-star rating, with users praising its scheduling system and easy-to-use interface.

4. Vagaro

Vagaro is a cloud-based salon and spa management software that provides a range of features to help businesses effectively manage their appointments. With its user interface and extensive features, Vagaro is a helpful tool for salons of all sizes.

Notable Features of Vagaro

Vagaro Notable Features

• Waitlist Management. Vagaro enables you to efficiently manage your waitlist and automatically notify clients when appointment slots become available. 
• Marketing Tools. With Vagaros marketing tools, you can create targeted email campaigns to promote services or offer discounts to your customers.
• POS System. Vagaro also includes a built-in point-of-sale system, for payment processing.

Vagaro Pricing

Vagaro follows a flexible pricing structure that scales according to the number of employees utilizing the software at a location. The pricing for Vagaro starts at $25 per month for one employee. Increases to $85 per month for seven or more employees. Additionally, if you have locations, you can request enterprise pricing from them.

Vagaro Reviews

Vagaro has received a 4.7-star rating on Capterra. Users particularly appreciate its user interface and efficient booking system. On G2, Vagaro maintains a 4.4-star rating, with users praising its features and excellent customer service.

5. Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is an appointment scheduling software for businesses of all sizes. It offers features like calendar synchronization that make it stand out among others in the market. With eye-catching design and intuitive interface, salon owners often choose Acuity Scheduling as their preference.

Notable Features of Acuity Scheduling

Some notable features of Acuity Scheduling include

• Calendar synchronization. Synchronization with calendars like Google and Outlook, allows you to manage your schedule seamlessly. 
• Personalized booking page: You also have the option to create a booking page that reflects your brand and services, through the Acuity Schedulings booking page feature. 
• Automated reminder system. Automated reminders can be sent to clients via email or text message using Acuity Scheduling, effectively reducing no-shows.

Acuity Scheduling Pricing 

Acuity Scheduling follows a pricing system that scales based on the number of locations you have. Their entry-level plan starts at $16, per month for one location, while their mid-tier and premium plans begin at $27 and $49 per month, respectively, allowing you to manage up to 6 or even up to 36 locations.

Acuity Scheduling Reviews

• When it comes to reviews, Acuity Scheduling has received a rating of 4.8 stars on Capterra. Users particularly appreciate its user interface and efficient scheduling system.
• On G2, Acuity Scheduling maintains a rating of 4.7 stars. Users commend its range of features and exceptional customer support.

6. Booksy

Let's move on to Booksy, an appointment scheduling software tailor-made for the beauty and wellness industry. With both app and desktop accessibility, Booksy provides salon owners with the convenience of managing schedules and waitlists on the go.

Notable Features of Booksy

Booksy boasts features that set it apart, such as:

• Online Booking; Customers can easily book appointments directly through the Booksys mobile app or website, ensuring convenience for both clients and salons alike.
• Waitlist Management; With Booksy's real-time waitlist management feature, you can efficiently handle your waitlist. Promptly notify clients when an appointment slot becomes available. 
• Bottom Line Protection; To help salons minimize revenue loss due to last-minute cancellations, Booksy automatically applies a cancellation fee for clients who cancel their appointments without notice.

Booksy Pricing

Booksy offers a pricing plan that starts at $29.99, per month. The cost increases based on the number of employees you have. Each additional employee will incur a charge of $29.99.

Booksy Reviews

• Capterra rates Booksy at 4.4 stars, with users appreciating its efficient scheduling system.
• On G2, Booksy maintains a rating of 4.7 stars, with users praising its user interface and exceptional customer support.

7. Phorest Salon Software

Phorest is highly regarded as a rated salon management software that provides features to help salons operate seamlessly. It includes waitlist management and other customizable features to cater to salon owners' needs. With its reporting capabilities, salon owners can also make better-informed business decisions.

Key Features of Phorest Salon Software

Some features offered by Phorest Salon Software:

• Advanced Reporting. Phorest provides reports on appointments, sales, and inventory to assist salon owners in making informed decisions.
• Customizable Marketing Campaigns. Utilize Phorests tools to create targeted marketing campaigns that promote your services and attract customers.
• Automated Waitlist Management. Phorest automatically manages your waitlist and keeps clients updated when an appointment becomes available.

Phorest Pricing

Phorest provides pricing options tailored to the size of your business. They offer a package for locations with 3+ staff members and an enterprise package for multi-location businesses. The pricing is flexible and can be customized based on the needs of each business. If you're interested, you can request a quote directly from their website.

Phorest Reviews

• Regarding customer reviews, Phorest has received a 4.8-star rating on Capterra. Users appreciate its features and efficient waitlist management system.
• On G2, Phorest maintains a 4.4-star rating, with users praising its user interface and exceptional customer service.

8. Mangomint

Mangomint is a cutting-edge salon and spa software specifically designed for salon owners. It offers scheduling features and efficient waitlist management capabilities to help maximize productivity while minimizing no-shows.

Notable Features of Mangomint

Some features of Mangomint include:

• Automated Waitlist Management. Mangomint takes care of your waitlist automatically by notifying clients when appointments become available.
• Mobile App Access. With the convenience of Mangomint’s app, salon owners can easily manage their schedules and waitlists while on the go.
• Advanced Booking System. Mangomint offers a booking system that allows clients to book services and additional treatments in one convenient appointment.

Mangomint Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Mangomint offers tiers based on the number of staff members. The starting price is $165 per month for teams consisting of 2 to 10 service providers. For teams of up to 20 service providers, the price increases to $245 monthly. If you have a larger number of staff members, the monthly cost is $375.

Mangomint Reviews

• Mangomint has received praise from users on Capterra with a rating of 4.9 stars. Users particularly appreciate its scheduling system and user-friendly interface.
• On G2, Mangomint maintains a rating of 4.8 stars. Users highlight its features and excellent customer support.

9. Mindbody

Mindbody is a software that focuses on wellness and fitness businesses. It offers appointment scheduling and management tools that gym owners, yoga studios, and spas alike highly favor. With its marketing tools and customizable features, Mindbody stands out as an excellent choice for the salon and spa industry.

Notable Features of Mindbody

Some standout features offered by Mindbody:

• Online Booking. Customers can easily book appointments and classes through the Mindbody app or website.
• AI-powered front desk. Mindbody's AI-powered front desk efficiently handles customer inquiries, check-ins, and payments. This allows staff members to dedicate time to serving their clients 
• Integrated CRM. Mindbody's integrated customer relationship management (CRM) system allows you to track client information and preferences, enabling you to personalize services and foster strong relationships. 

Mindbody Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Mindbody offers four plans tailored to your business needs. They don’t publicly list their prices on their website, so you’ll need to request a quote. Each plan comes with features that cater to specific requirements.

Mindbody Reviews

• Looking into reviews, Mindbody has received a 4-star rating on Capterra, with users praising its marketing features and user-friendly interface. 
• On G2, it maintains a 3.6-star rating as users appreciate its scheduling system and comprehensive reporting capabilities.

10. DaySmart

Moving on to DaySmart Salon (formerly known as Salon Iris), this versatile salon management software offers features including management, online booking options, and effective marketing tools. Its user-friendly interface, combined with affordable pricing plans makes DaySmart an excellent choice for mid-sized salons.

Notable Features of Daysmart

Some of the key features of Daysmart include:

• Automated reminders. One notable feature of DaySmart Salon is its appointment reminders sent via email and text messages, which effectively reduce no-shows.
• Booking Appointments Online. Customers have the convenience of easily scheduling appointments, through the DaySmarts website or mobile app.
• Accepting Credit Card Payments. DaySmart simplifies payment processing by integrating credit card transactions allowing businesses to accept payments and keep track of sales.

DaySmart Salon Pricing

DaySmart Salon offers four pricing plans based on staff size. The basic package starts at $29 per month for an employee, increasing to $69 per month for up to three employees, $129 per month for up to six employees, and $249.00 for unlimited staff members. Each tier also includes more features and services as you go up in price.

DaySmart Salon Reviews

• According to Capterra, DaySmart Salon has a rating of 4.6 stars, with users praising its features and efficient scheduling system.
• On G2, users give DaySmart Salon a 4.4-star rating. Highlight its user-friendly interface along with its robust reporting capabilities.

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Boost Your Salon Management, with Innovative Waitlist Solutions

In today's paced and competitive market, having the right salon management software, can significantly impact your business success.With scheduling options, efficient waitlist management features, and powerful marketing tools, these top 10 salon software options provide everything to streamline operations and deliver exceptional service to clients.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!