Business Growth
❓ Question
Does Phorest notify you instantly when a new booking comes in?
Heidi Fuller
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Freelancer · Guildford · 7mo ago
Right, I need some honest opinions. I've been using a paper diary for 6 years and my husband thinks I'm mad for not going digital. I've looked at Setmore and Timely but I honestly can't figure out which one is better for a small lash studio. 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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For multi-staff Shedul 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 four staff on it and it's really simple to manage from the dashboard.
#1
Honestly? Just go with Acuity Scheduling. I know there are loads of options but for a solo spa 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.
#2
I've been using Jane App for two years and honestly I'd recommend it for a small brow studio. 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.
#3
I was asking myself this a year ago. Best decision I ever made was just picking one and starting. Square Appointments 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
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 two last-minute slots for me this month alone.
#5
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.
#6
I asked myself this exact question 3 months ago. Ended up going with Square Appointments because it had the best free trial and I could test it properly without committing. 3 months later I'm still on it. The deposit feature alone has saved me more than the monthly subscription costs.
#7
The Instagram booking integration on SimplyBook.me 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 SimplyBook.me integration finds it straight away.
#8