Business Growth
❓ Question
Do you let clients rebook themselves or do you do it manually?
Ailsa Fuller
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Freelancer · Coventry · 5mo ago
Right, I need some honest opinions. I've been using a paper diary for 8 years and my husband thinks I'm mad for not going digital. I've looked at Phorest and Treatwell but I honestly can't figure out which one is better for a small holistic therapy practice. I don't need anything fancy — just something that sends reminder texts, takes deposits and lets clients book online without ringing me at 11pm. What would you go for?
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I've been using Appointy for 6 months and honestly I'd recommend it for a small waxing salon. The setup took me about half a day but once it's done it just runs. Clients get automatic reminders, you can take deposits, and the calendar view is really clear. Give the free trial a go — you'll know within a week if it works for you.
#1
For a mobile nail studio I'd go with Fresha 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.
#2
The waiting list feature on Setmore is genuinely good — better than any other system I've tried. When a cancellation comes in it automatically notifies the next person on the waiting list. Has filled three last-minute slots for me this month alone.
#3
I was asking myself this a year ago. Best decision I ever made was just picking one and starting. SimplyBook.me 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 had the same concern about GDPR when I first started with Shedul. 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.
#5
I've been using Acuity Scheduling for 18 months and honestly I'd recommend it for a small waxing salon. The setup took me about half a day but once it's done it just runs. Clients get automatic reminders, you can take deposits, and the calendar view is really clear. Give the free trial a go — you'll know within a week if it works for you.
#6
For multi-staff Fresha 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 five staff on it and it's really simple to manage from the dashboard.
#7
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.
#8
I've used Trafft 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.
#9