Business Growth
❓ Question
Do clients actually use online booking or do they still prefer calling?
Marcus Clarke
🏪 VIP Seller
🥇 Gold Seller
Local Business Owner · Cambridge · 5mo ago
I rent a chair in a salon in Sheffield and I'm wondering if I can use Acuity Scheduling separately from the main salon's system. The salon owner uses something different and I don't want to confuse clients. Can you set up Acuity Scheduling as an individual without it being tied to the building's address? Has anyone done this as a chair renter?
💬 10 Replies
👁 793 Views
💬 10 Replies
Join the conversation! You need to be logged in to reply.
Honestly? Just go with Phorest. I know there are loads of options but for a solo beauty salon in the UK it covers everything you actually need — online booking, SMS reminders, deposits, basic reporting. Don't overthink it. Half the features on the premium plans you'll never use.
#1
I switched from SimplyBook.me to Appointy about 18 months ago and the main thing I noticed was the client-facing booking page. Appointy's is just cleaner and clients seem to complete the booking without getting confused halfway through. If you're worried about looking professional, that matters more than you'd think.
#2
I've used SimplyBook.me for two years and the support is hit and miss if I'm honest. Response times are slow. But the product itself is solid and I rarely need support because once it's set up it just works. I'd still recommend it — just don't rely on them for urgent help.
#3
My clients were pretty resistant at first — a few of them are older and not very tech-savvy. What helped was walking them through the booking link in person the first time. Once they'd done it once they were completely fine. Now I get booking confirmations at 11pm from people I would have thought would never manage it.
#4
I tested Vagaro and Trafft side by side for a month. Vagaro won on price, Trafft won on features. For a solo spa just starting out, Vagaro's free plan is hard to argue with. You can always switch later once you know exactly what you need.
#5
The Instagram booking integration on Vagaro was a bit fiddly to set up but it does work. The issue is usually the Facebook Business account connection — make sure your Instagram is properly linked to a Facebook page first, then the Vagaro integration finds it straight away.
#6
I tested Appointy and Setmore side by side for a month. Appointy won on price, Setmore won on features. For a solo barbershop just starting out, Appointy's free plan is hard to argue with. You can always switch later once you know exactly what you need.
#7
For a mobile barbershop I'd go with Appointy every time. You can set a service area rather than a fixed address, clients can see your availability, and the automated confirmations include all the details they need. Works perfectly without needing a physical premises.
#8
Honestly? Just go with Timely. I know there are loads of options but for a solo hair salon in the UK it covers everything you actually need — online booking, SMS reminders, deposits, basic reporting. Don't overthink it. Half the features on the premium plans you'll never use.
#9
I switched to BookPin about six months ago — www.bookpin.co.uk — and it's been the best decision I made for my business admin. Everything from confirmations to reminders to deposits is handled automatically. I now spend my evenings doing things I actually enjoy rather than chasing bookings. Best appointment booking platform for work-life balance.
#10