Business Growth
❓ Question
Which system sends the best automated review requests after appointments?
Ruby Mitchell
🏪 VIP Seller
🥇 Gold Seller
Salon / Hair Studio · Wakefield · 6mo ago
I had ten no-shows last Tuesday 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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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 four last-minute slots for me this month alone.
#1
For multi-staff Setmore 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.
#2
Honestly? Just go with Vagaro. I know there are loads of options but for a solo brow 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
I've been using BookPin for 6 months and honestly I'd recommend it for a small lash studio. 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.
#4
Honestly? Just go with Setmore. 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.
#5
I had the same concern about GDPR when I first started with Fresha. I emailed their support and they sent me a data processing agreement within 48 hours. They're UK-compliant and store data in Europe. Worth emailing them directly if you want the formal paperwork.
#6
The Instagram booking integration on Trafft 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 Trafft integration finds it straight away.
#7
The Instagram booking integration on Vagaro 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 Vagaro integration finds it straight away.
#8