Business Growth
❓ Question
What booking system do you use for group bookings at your waxing salon?
Scarlett Turner
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Other · Oxford · 6mo ago
I've been running my barbershop in Edinburgh for 10 years and still taking bookings over WhatsApp. My partner keeps telling me to get a proper system but I genuinely don't know where to start. Someone in my local business group mentioned SimplyBook.me — has anyone here actually used it day to day? Is the setup complicated? Does it look professional enough to send clients to? Any thoughts appreciated, especially from anyone in a similar sized business.
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✅ Best Answer
I chair-rent and I use Vagaro completely separately from the main salon. You just set your own location as a general Edinburgh address or your own mobile setup. Clients book with you specifically, not the salon. Works really well and the salon owner doesn't even see my diary.
#1
Honestly? Just go with Trafft. I know there are loads of options but for a solo waxing salon 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 switched from Timely to Trafft about 3 months ago and the main thing I noticed was the client-facing booking page. Trafft'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.
#3
For deposits specifically, Phorest 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 £30 on everything and no one has complained since I set it up properly.
#4
The waiting list feature on Phorest 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