Gone are the days of hair stylists answering the phone and writing down appointments on an oversized desk calendar. Today, salons and other appointment-based businesses know that there’s a better way to help them stay organized and on track. There are many benefits to incorporating a computer-based salon software program into the operation of a small business. The chances of double booking a time slot or stylist or being unable to read handwritten notes are nearly eliminated. And in a time when customers expect cleanliness and tidiness, a cluttered reception desk or check-out area gives the wrong impression. Businesses give customers the impression that they are highly professional and organized when they employ the use of these modern systems.
Salon owners and managers have an important decision to make when it comes to picking salon software. Like any business-related decision, they need to review the options in detail to ensure they pick a program that will best meet their needs. There are several key components to consider and questions to ask when reviewing the different products.
First, where will the information you input into your computer be stored? For example, if a program is installed locally on your business computer and the information stays there, there is a risk that you’d lose all of that important data if the computer ever crashed or was infected by a virus. Imagine losing all records of customer contact info, future appointments, or employee documentation and you’ll realize the importance of this question. A cloud-based program, for example, uploads your information via the Internet. This means that the information is always protected and never at risk of being lost on your machine 강남풀싸롱.
Next, look at the range of services offered by the salon software. A truly useful program should provide a lot more than just an appointment booking tool. Additional services to look for include the ability to instantly create reports, track customer history, and even conduct marketing outreach, such as email campaigns, to target customers. Think about how you may need to access the program, for example on a cell phone or on a tablet. Make sure the service you choose can be accessed when and where you’ll need it.
Another item to consider is pricing. A five-person salon has needs that are quite different from a salon with 30 stylists. As a smaller business, you won’t want to be paying for a service intended for a large salon. And a large-scale salon will not receive the features and services they need from a small business-based platform.
Lastly, look at the support provided by the software company. Is it a packaged product that you buy and install once, without follow-up technical support? A reputable salon software company should give complete support, including email and phone service. Also, the programs should be updated as new technology becomes available. Find out if the companies you are reviewing include updates in the service to make sure your business will always have the most modern program in place.
Choosing to invest in a salon software program can make a big impact in the way a salon works. Making the right choice can lead to saved time and money, plus better client service.