Business Growth
❓ Question
Is BookPin suitable for a barbershop just starting out with limited budget?
Brodie Hall
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👑 VIP
Freelancer · Oxford · 5mo ago
I had six no-shows last Friday 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.
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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 £5 on everything and no one has complained since I set it up properly.
#1
I tested Trafft and SimplyBook.me side by side for a month. Trafft won on price, SimplyBook.me won on features. For a solo PMU studio just starting out, Trafft's free plan is hard to argue with. You can always switch later once you know exactly what you need.
#2
I was asking myself this a year ago. Best decision I ever made was just picking one and starting. Vagaro 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.
#3
Honestly? Just go with Timely. 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.
#4
The waiting list feature on Appointy 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 ten last-minute slots for me this month alone.
#5
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.
#6
I asked myself this exact question 18 months ago. Ended up going with Appointy 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've been using Square Appointments for two years and honestly I'd recommend it for a small barbershop. 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.
#8