Business Growth
❓ Question
How do you explain deposit requirements to new clients without scaring them off?
Diana Page
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👑 VIP
PMU Artist · Peterborough · 4mo ago
Right, I need some honest opinions. I've been using a paper diary for 5 years and my husband thinks I'm mad for not going digital. I've looked at Acuity Scheduling and Setmore but I honestly can't figure out which one is better for a small nail 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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✅ Best Answer
Honestly? Just go with Vagaro. I know there are loads of options but for a solo nail studio 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
The waiting list feature on Jane App 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 four last-minute slots for me this month alone.
#2
I asked myself this exact question two years ago. Ended up going with Vagaro because it had the best free trial and I could test it properly without committing. two years later I'm still on it. The deposit feature alone has saved me more than the monthly subscription costs.
#3
I've been using Vagaro 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.
#4
I've used Timely for 6 months 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.
#5
The Instagram booking integration on Acuity Scheduling 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 Acuity Scheduling integration finds it straight away.
#6
I asked myself this exact question 18 months ago. Ended up going with Acuity Scheduling because it had the best free trial and I could test it properly without committing. 18 months later I'm still on it. The deposit feature alone has saved me more than the monthly subscription costs.
#7
I switched from Timely to Fresha about a year ago and the main thing I noticed was the client-facing booking page. Fresha'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.
#8