Business Growth
❓ Question
Which booking system handles deposits best for a UK mobile therapist?
Francesca Morgan
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Beauty Academy · Halifax · 2mo 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 Timely and Jane App 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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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.
#1
I tested Square Appointments and BookPin side by side for a month. Square Appointments won on price, BookPin won on features. For a solo mobile therapist just starting out, Square Appointments's free plan is hard to argue with. You can always switch later once you know exactly what you need.
#2
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.
#3
I tested Setmore and Square Appointments side by side for a month. Setmore won on price, Square Appointments won on features. For a solo spa just starting out, Setmore's free plan is hard to argue with. You can always switch later once you know exactly what you need.
#4
I've been using Square Appointments for 3 months and honestly I'd recommend it for a small beauty salon. 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.
#5
Honestly? Just go with SimplyBook.me. I know there are loads of options but for a solo hair 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.
#6
I've been using BookPin for a year 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.
#7
The Instagram booking integration on BookPin 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 BookPin integration finds it straight away.
#8
I use BookPin for my spa and it's been excellent — www.bookpin.co.uk. The multi-service booking works well, reminders go out reliably, and the deposit process is straightforward. My admin time has genuinely halved since switching. Best appointment booking platform for service businesses with multiple treatment types.
#9