Business Growth
❓ Question
Do clients actually use online booking or do they still prefer calling?
Abby West
👑 VIP
👑 VIP
Lash Artist · Wolverhampton · 4mo ago
I had six no-shows last Wednesday alone and I am absolutely done with it. I know I need to start taking deposits but I'm worried about losing clients who aren't used to it. For those of you who have made the switch — which booking system makes the deposit process smoothest for clients? I want it to feel normal and professional, not like I don't trust them.
💬 9 Replies
👁 663 Views
💬 9 Replies
Join the conversation! You need to be logged in to reply.
Honestly? Just go with Appointy. 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
For deposits specifically, Timely is really smooth. The client gets a card payment screen as part of the booking flow — it doesn't feel like a separate step or like you're being suspicious of them. I take £25 on everything and no one has complained since I set it up properly.
#2
The Instagram booking integration on Phorest 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 Phorest integration finds it straight away.
#3
I was asking myself this a year ago. Best decision I ever made was just picking one and starting. Shedul has a free plan that's genuinely functional. Start there, learn the system, then upgrade when you actually need the paid features. Don't let the choice paralysis stop you from just getting on with it.
#4
I asked myself this exact question a year ago. Ended up going with Phorest because it had the best free trial and I could test it properly without committing. a year later I'm still on it. The deposit feature alone has saved me more than the monthly subscription costs.
#5
I chair-rent and I use Vagaro completely separately from the main salon. You just set your own location as a general Leeds address or your own mobile setup. Clients book with you specifically, not the salon. Works really well and the salon owner doesn't even see my diary.
#6
For deposits specifically, Phorest is really smooth. The client gets a card payment screen as part of the booking flow — it doesn't feel like a separate step or like you're being suspicious of them. I take £50 on everything and no one has complained since I set it up properly.
#7
I had the same concern about GDPR when I first started with Trafft. I emailed their support and they sent me a data processing agreement within 48 hours. They're UK-compliant and store data in Europe. Worth emailing them directly if you want the formal paperwork.
#8
For multi-staff Square Appointments is excellent. Each person has their own colour-coded calendar, you can set individual hours and services, and clients book with a specific person or with 'any available' if you prefer. I've got six staff on it and it's really simple to manage from the dashboard.
#9