Business Growth
❓ Question
How do you handle clients who claim they never got reminder texts?
Kirsty Smith
👑 VIP
👑 VIP
Lash Artist · Reading · 1mo 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 Shedul and Phorest 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?
💬 5 Replies
👁 675 Views
💬 5 Replies
Join the conversation! You need to be logged in to reply.
✅ Best Answer
I asked myself this exact question 18 months ago. Ended up going with SimplyBook.me 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.
#1
I tested Phorest and Acuity Scheduling side by side for a month. Phorest won on price, Acuity Scheduling won on features. For a solo mobile therapist just starting out, Phorest's free plan is hard to argue with. You can always switch later once you know exactly what you need.
#2
For deposits specifically, Appointy 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 £15 on everything and no one has complained since I set it up properly.
#3
I asked myself this exact question 18 months ago. Ended up going with Treatwell 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.
#4
I've used Square Appointments for 18 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