Sidehustle Helper: Detailed Booking Platform Analysis For Barbers, Stylist, Make-Up Artist, & Lash Techs

[mailboxpimp]

StyleSeat​

Overview: Popular platform among independent beauty professionals.
This platform has a strong user base in many urban areas, which could help you build a client base quickly. The free tier could be a good starting point.

• Targeted Marketing: StyleSeat is very popular among beauty professionals because it offers marketing tools designed to attract new clients. It helps in promoting your services through features like “Boost,” which places your profile at the top of local searches.
• Client Management: It has a strong system for managing clients, including reviews, waitlists, and reminders, which ensures your profile remains active and attractive to potential clients.
• High Traffic: StyleSeat is widely used by customers looking for beauty services, so simply being listed gives you a better chance of discovery.

Key Features:

• Online booking
• Client management
• Marketing tools
• Payment processing
• Pricing: Free plan available, Pro: $35/month
• Best For: Independent professionals looking for a platform with a built-in client base.

Booksy​

Overview: Industry-specific platform with built-in marketing tools.
With its industry-specific features and built-in marketing tools, this could be excellent for attracting new clients in NYC, though it's on the pricier side.

• Client Discovery: Booksy has a built-in feature where customers can search for beauty professionals by location, services, and reviews. This gives you greater visibility to potential clients in your area, increasing the chances that they'll select you based on your offerings and reputation.
• Review and Rating System: The platform prominently displays client reviews and ratings, which can serve as powerful social proof, attracting more clients.
• Marketing Features: Booksy includes marketing tools like promotions and featured listings that help you stand out when customers browse for services.

Key Features:

• Client management
• Marketing tools (including a mini-website)
• Payment processing
• Mobile app for professionals and clients
• Pricing: Lite: $29.99/month
• Standard: $59.99/month Best For: Beauty professionals who want an all-in-one solution with strong marketing capabilities.

The Cut​

Overview: Barber-focused platform with a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:

• Online booking
• Client management
• Payment processing
• Barber-specific features
• Pricing: Free plan available, Pro: $30/month
• Best For: Barbers and professionals primarily offering haircut services.

Setmore​

Overview: Affordable platform with a robust free tier.
Key Features:

• Online booking
• Staff management
• Payment processing
• Pricing: Free plan available, Premium: $12/month, Pro: $29/month
• Best For: Professionals looking for a balance of features and affordability.

​

Acuity Scheduling​

Overview: A robust, highly customizable scheduling tool.
Acuity Scheduling: Its high customizability would allow you to set up your diverse range of services easily. The automated reminders and self-scheduling features could help you maintain a steady 4-5 appointments per day.

Key Features:

• Customizable booking page
• Client self-scheduling
• Automated reminders
• Payment processing
• Integration with other tools (e.g., Zoom, QuickBooks)
• Pricing: Emerging: $14/month, Growing: $23/month, Powerhouse: $45/month
• Best For: Professionals who need a high degree of customization and have diverse service offerings.

Vagaro​

Overview: Comprehensive solution with strong inventory management.
This platform offers a comprehensive solution that could handle all your service types. Its marketing tools could be beneficial as you establish yourself in a new location.
Key Features:

• Online booking
• Point of sale
• Marketing tools
• Inventory management
• Pricing: Starts at $25/month (+$10 per additional user)
• Best For: Professionals who also sell products and need inventory tracking.

Calendly
Overview: Simple, affordable scheduling tool with good integrations.
Key Features:

• Simple scheduling
• Integration with calendars
• Basic customization
• Pricing: Basic: Free, Essentials: $8/month, Professional: $12/month
• Best For: Professionals who prioritize simplicity and calendar integrations.

​

Square Appointments​

Overview: Part of the Square ecosystem, good for retail integration. Key Features:

• Online booking
• Payment processing
• Point of sale integration
• Pricing: Free for individuals, $50/month for 2-5 staff
• Best For: Professionals who already use Square for payments or need strong retail capabilities.

​

Bookedin​

Overview: User-friendly platform with good customer support.
Key Features:

• Online booking
• Client management
• Automated reminders
• Pricing: Solo: $14.95/month, Team: $29.95/month
• Best For: Professionals who value simplicity and good customer support.

​

Here's a comparison of key features across platforms:

• Online Booking: All platforms offer this, but Acuity, Booksy, and Vagaro have more advanced customization options.
• Payment Processing: All except Calendly offer integrated payment processing.
• Marketing Tools: Booksy, StyleSeat, and Vagaro have the strongest built-in marketing features.
• Mobile Apps: Booksy, Vagaro, The Cut, and Square Appointments have robust mobile apps for both professionals and clients.
• Customization: Acuity and Vagaro offer the most flexibility in setting up diverse service types.

1. Cost-Effectiveness:

For the most cost-effective solution with a good feature set:

1. Setmore: The free plan offers many features, with affordable premium options.
2. Square Appointments: Free for individuals, which could be a good starting point.
3. StyleSeat: The free plan could work initially, though be aware they take a percentage of bookings.

 

[Flawless]

I've booked through booksy and cut before and still ended up waiting a hour for a cut. The problem is most of these barbers have no professional skills and don't know how to use technology.

 

[mailboxpimp]

you are correct.

 

[darth frosty]

 

[mailboxpimp]

Nobody forces you to pay.