Customers want a first-class experience and their requirements met when they visit a salon. To effortlessly achieve this, hairdressers and stylists need salon software. The software should offer exceptional functionality that benefits the client and salon owner.

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In this article, we'll go over two popular platforms salons use to manage the day-to-day of their business – from booking appointments to handling payments. We'll go over StyleSeat vs Booksy, and also go over a third option if you're still looking for something new. Alright, let's get into it!

Brief Overview of StyleSeat vs Booksy

StyleSeat is an online reservation application that caters to salons and their clientele. Salons use this platform to showcase their work and interact with their clients. Clients also use StyleSeat to search, find, and schedule appointments around the clock.

Booksy features appointment scheduling, calendaring, marketing, and online payment management functions. The software has two applications: Booksy for customers and Booksy Biz for businesses. Salons use Booksy Biz to manage payments, appointments, and client communications. Booksy enables clients to schedule appointments depending on provider availability and preferred dates.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: Top Features Comparison

Let’s take a look at the top features of both StyleSeat and Booksy.

StyleSeat’s Top Features

Appointment booking is a core function of any salon management software. Let's see how StyleSeat and Booksy stack up in this area.

Appointment Booking

StyleSeat and Booksy have an online marketplace where customers can find your services and book for you. This makes it really easy for potential clients to book appointments with StyleSeat. In the search bar, type in the service you're looking for and your specific zip code location. You will then get a list of pros who match your search criteria. Narrow down the selection by checking their profiles, rates, locations, and reviews. After choosing a service, click on the name to bring up a window with the pro's schedule and availability. Then, book one that matches your preference.

SeatStyle's advanced calendar capabilities also allow users to manage their calendars. StyleSeat will enable customers to book at any time in the future. Customers can select a booking window weeks or months in advance.

Marketing Tools

SeatStyle developed a marketplace to help its users find clients. The program promotes stylists' profiles on search engines, social media, and email campaigns. It helps with client acquisition, booking, and retention. It also encourages clients to make their next appointment in advance, provide a 5-star review, and recommend friends.

Notifications for No-show

In business, every second matters. You can fill in last-minute cancellations as soon as you know them. How quickly you respond to clients also determines your relationship with them. However, it may be challenging to manage clients and schedule appointments effectively. In this instance, push notifications are an effective business tool.

Constantly checking for updates while with a client can be distracting. StyleSeat provides real-time alerts on your phone whenever there is a notification. Clicking on any push notification will activate the app immediately.

Payment and POS system

StyleSeat's One-Click Checkout makes billing and receiving payments more convenient than ever. When clients book, they provide their payment card details. After the appointment, you review the information and select "Charge." If you need the money immediately, select Instant Deposit from the Deposits menu. Otherwise, standard deposits are free of charge and reflected in your account within a few days.

Client CRM

StyleSeat prioritizes personalization to maintain its lead in the mobile scheduling space. Since beauty is very personal, StyleSeat uses this method to ensure its clients get what they want.

Loyalty Programs

Clients who use Styleseat Rewards earn points for each dollar they spend. For every 500 points accumulated, customers get $10 in StyleSeat rewards!

Reporting/Analytics

StyleSeat's integrated analytics tools provide the effortless tracking and monitoring of business performance. The integrated analytics offers the following summary:

• Current year-over-year revenue
• Weekly, monthly, and annual revenue, including both actual and expected earnings
• Client overview statistics show the proportion of new vs. return customers.
• A summary of your most popular services' booking and scheduling

Team/Staff Management Tools

StyleSeat has an "Admin Account" function that allows you to switch calendars with a single login. Thus, you can keep track of each pro's schedule without logging into their personal accounts.

Financial Reporting Tools

StyleSeat's Revenue Reporting feature allows salons to monitor and analyze their business progress. You can track your earnings and monitor how your business grows over time. 

The tool provides the following:

• Net earnings
• Appointment refunds
• Cash earnings
• Total tax
• Total tips
• Revenue from credit cards
• Total fees, broken out by type of fee

Booksy’s Top Features

Let’s take a look at how Booksy stacks up when it comes to core features for a salon management platform.

Appointment Booking

Booksy has two app versions: desktop and mobile versions. Clients can conveniently schedule appointments using either. Just like StyleSeat, Booksy also has a marketplace where potential clients can find your services and book with you.

Marketing Tools

Clients are the cornerstone of any business. Booksy, thus, offers several online marketing tools to help easily reach customers. These tools help keep clients informed, increase bookings, and minimize cancellations. Among the tools are:

• Message Blasts
• Boost. Boost improves Booksy users' visibility in search engine results.
• Share the Booksy profile link. Social media is now one of the most essential internet marketing channels. Booksy users can add a Book Now Button to provide clients with access to their profiles. You may then share the Book Now button on Instagram and Facebook.
• Flash sales, happy hours, and last-minute discounts

Notifications for No-show

Booksy has a solution to cut no-shows and the impact of client cancellations. Boosty's no-show protection allows stylists to charge a percentage of a service upfront. They can also impose a cancellation fee for a no-show or last-minute cancellation. According to Booksy, clients are more likely to commit to an appointment after paying in advance or knowing that last-minute cancellations will result in a fee.

Payment and POS

Booksy accepts three main payment methods:

1. Offline payments. Refers to any forms of payments made without using the Booksy app.
2. Cash registers and sales records contain information about these payments.
3. Online payments. These are payments made through the Booksy mobile app.

Booksy also accepts Square, an in-person card payment system that uses mPOS technology.

Loyalty Programs

Booksy recommends the following simple methods to keep your clients loyal:

• Prioritize your customers
• Employ customer-oriented employees
• Reward returning clients
• Exceed your customer's expectations by doing something unique
• Empathize with your clients

Reporting & Analytics

Booksy has a Stats & Reports tool that allows you to review various financial information. This tool helps you:

1. Keep track of inventory
2. Analyze information about expenses
3. Analyze relevant information to assist in the management of employees or clients

Team/Staff Management Tools

Booksy offers an innovative salon management system that assists with employee scheduling. The staff schedule is digitally available, so employees can access it anytime. Any adjustments by management are reflected in the schedule immediately.

Financial Reporting

The Booksy Statistics and Reports tool tracks and organizes all financial information in an easy-to-understand format. Booksy generates downloadable reports on performance, commissions, and inventory.

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Another popular option among salons is GlossGenius, an all-in-one salon solution that offers all the necessary resources for your business to thrive. The software features the most incredible, free, customized booking website ever. Passwords or client logins are not needed. Automated text messages and email marketing are also available. All of these and many more are available at a simple, flat rate with no additional costs.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: Use Cases Comparison

Now, let’s take a look at the different use cases each platforms services best.

StyleSeat

StyleSeat is a marketplace model that generates value by creating reciprocal network effects. It streamlines the scheduling process for individuals seeking beauty services and gives hairdressers a platform to showcase their services and manage clients.

Booksy

Booksy is among the most well-known salon management software programs. It is available in over 20 countries and has offices across five continents.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: Pricing Comparison

Let’s talk about pricing.

StyleSeat’s Pricing

StyleSeat offers two alternative pricing plan options:

• Premium Plan: $35 subscription cost per month
• Basic Plan: Free. No subscription cost per month

Credit Card Processing Fee

On each plan, there is a processing fee for each transaction:

• Premium Plan: 2.75% per transaction. The fee applies to in-app payments only. Premium Plan users can accept cash or alternate forms of payment.
• Basic Plan: 3% for each transaction. The fee applies to all appointments, as all payments are through the app.

New Client Connection

In addition to their standard business management tools, StyleSeat also has extra features you can add on to help with client acquisition. These include:

• Premium Plan: 30% ($50 max) of the initial service fee for a new client
• Basic Plan: 30% of the service fee of the new client’s first appointment

Smart Pricing

• Premium Plan: 5.5% of the service fee up to $16.50
• Basic Plan: 5.25% of the service fee up to $50

The maximum cost for both plans may change based on the additional services required.

Premium Appointments

• Premium Plan: 33% of the 20% booking surcharge that follows a Premium Appointment
• Basic Plan: 15% of the 20% booking surcharge that follows a Premium Appointment

Booksy’s Pricing

Booksy offers a payment plan beginning at $29.99 per month. A free trial is also available for one staff member per month. You may upgrade your Plan by paying a one-time fee for each new client. Individuals pay $29.99, with an additional $20 per user for $309.99.

The monthly Plan includes:

• Free business listing
• Client booking
• Calendar management
• Payment processing
• Built-in marketing tools
• Business reports
• Staff management

If any of these pricing plans seems confusing, or out of your budget, there’s also a third option – GlossGenius.

GlossGenius features two different plans, including a 2-week free trial:

• Standard Plan, which costs $24.00 per month. The fee includes all the essential features your business needs.
• Gold Plan, costing $48.00 per month, includes all the advanced features you desire.

A typical Salon Management Software subscription costs an average of $29 monthly. Thus, GlossGenius' pricing is 17% lower. GlossGenius also does not charge extra for additional features or utilization. There is also just one processing fee of 2.6% across all payments – no additional charges exist.

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StyleSeat vs Booksy: Pros and Cons Comparison

Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of both Booksy vs StyleSeat.

StyleSeat Pros

• Appointment Booking and Customer Management: StyleSeat’s simplified booking procedure is convenient for both clients and stylists. The self-service platform enables users to make appointments according to their desired schedule.
• Gallery Feature: StyleSeat includes a gallery function that allows users to feature their work. This function enables stylists to improve their visibility and expand their clientele.
• Digital Marketing: StyleSeat's social media marketing helps salons improve their visibility, expanding their growth prospects.
• Transparent Pricing Information: StyleSeat provides a straightforward price menu, eliminating the need to contact stylists for pricing information. By providing this, the app allows users to plan appointments with confidence.
• Reminder Alerts: StyleSeat sends polite reminders to hairdressers and their clients to avoid missed appointments.

StyleSeat Cons

With any platform out there, there will be pros (and also) cons. Let’s take a look at some of the potential drawbacks.

• New Charges and Additional Fees: Some users are unhappy with the new service charges and additional taxes imposed on their clients for each reservation. Some users moved to alternate platforms as the monthly fee introduced seemed high.

Booksy Pros

• User-friendly Interface: Booksy's interface is simple and user-friendly. Even those with limited technological knowledge can navigate it easily.
• Pocket-friendly Packages: Booksy charges affordable rates and allows users to upgrade their packages at any time.
• Excellent Customer Support: Booksy provides good customer service with friendly personnel.
• Unique Marketing Features: Booksy offers unique features that enable customers to promote their services.
• Reliability: Booksy only encounters a few technological issues. If there's an issue with your Booksy app, you can fix it yourself. Update your application or delete unnecessary files and cache.

Booksy Cons

• Complicated Payment System: Booksy has added a payment option, which is a helpful feature. However, it can be challenging to manage, especially for new clients.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: Customer Support Comparison

Let’s see how the customer support works for each platform.

StyleSeat Customer Support

StyleSeat provides call assistance, where an agent responds to queries and provides information. If customer service is unavailable over the phone, the app can assist.

Their official website also has a chat option with a virtual assistant. The chatbot recommends FAQ articles in response to your inquiries. You can also live chat with StyleSeat customer support. Download their app and initiate the conversation.

StyleSeat does not provide a direct email contact for customer support. To email customer service, visit their website and look for the "Talk To Us" section.

StyleSeat's customer support hours vary. Call assistance and live chat are available during regular weekday business hours. The website's chatbot, however, is available around the clock.

StyleSeat social media platforms are another resource for assistance. Send a message to their support team, and they’ll respond within 24 to 48 hours.

Booksy Customer Support

Customers can contact Booksy customer care using the provided phone numbers. A Booksy customer service agent will then assist you.

You can also email them, and you’ll hear back within two or three business days. Alternatively, visit their website and submit the request form on the "Contact Us" page.

Booksy's customer care hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, Monday to Saturday. They are not available on Sundays or other public holidays. If you have an urgent need within those periods, go to their website and proceed to the FAQ section.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: User Reviews and Testimonials

Let’s check out some real customer testimonials from each platform.

StyleSeat

Users love that they can see their stylist’s availability and plan their appointments. They also appreciate the pleasant reminders from StyleSeats about their appointments.

Other users also appreciate the app's ease of use. They find it user-friendly and like that it stores their credit card information.

“What I like the most about StyleSeat is the ease of use. The app is very user-friendly. My hair and makeup stylist uses the application to schedule and pay for appointments. I appreciate that the application stores my credit card information for future appointments. I don't have to worry about forgetting my credit card. The payment is made automatically on the day of the appointment from the stored credit card on the app.” – Kishasha F., Education Management

Booksy

Stylists appreciate Booksy's help managing bookings and effectively communicating with their clients. 

Others love the user-friendly interface and the different reports they can generate.

I love that the interface is easy for the salon and our clients to use. It is awesome that I have so many different reports at my fingertips. – Tracy F., Cosmetics

Conclusion

Salon software allows salon owners and industry experts to streamline their daily operations. Beauty professionals can benefit from the StyleSeat and Booksy apps. Both help with client management while reducing operational and administrative challenges.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

GlossGenius is an excellent do-it-all option that can make you stand out as the go-to stylist. It is feature-rich, reasonably priced, and designed to grow with your business. GlossGenius also provides unmatched client support, guaranteeing that you and your clients benefit. If you want to take it for a spin (no credit card required) be sure to sign up for a free trial!