Business Growth ❓ Question

Which booking system handles deposits best for a UK PMU studio?

👑 VIP Local Business Owner · Crawley · 1mo ago
I've been running my waxing salon in Leeds 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 Vagaro — 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.
#client-retention #tech-tools #admin #hair-salon
💬 5 Replies 👁 255 Views

💬 5 Replies

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✅ Best Answer
Jana Smith 🏪 VIP Seller
🥇 Gold Seller 1mo ago · 15 posts
For deposits specifically, Jane App 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.
#1
Archie Davies 🏪 VIP Seller
🥇 Gold Seller 1mo ago · 15 posts
For multi-staff Acuity Scheduling is excellent. Each person has their own colour-coded calendar, you can set individual hours and services, and clients book with a specific person or with 'any available' if you prefer. I've got four staff on it and it's really simple to manage from the dashboard.
#2
Francesca Ahmed 👑 VIP
👑 VIP 1mo ago · 13 posts
Honestly? Just go with Fresha. 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.
#3
Grant Thomas 🏪 VIP Seller
🥇 Gold Seller 1mo ago · 20 posts
Honestly? Just go with Square Appointments. I know there are loads of options but for a solo lash 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.
#4
Siobhan Evans 👑 VIP
👑 VIP 29d ago · 12 posts
For multi-staff Treatwell is excellent. Each person has their own colour-coded calendar, you can set individual hours and services, and clients book with a specific person or with 'any available' if you prefer. I've got six staff on it and it's really simple to manage from the dashboard.
#5