Integrated Payments: 5 Things Every Business Owner Should Know 

Owning and operating a business is more complex than ever. In addition to delivering the best for your customers and clients, competition gets fiercer all the time. You want to grow, but you also may not have all the resources, time, and team it takes to stay one step ahead.  

Incorporating integrated payments with your business is a way you can stand toe-to-toe with the biggest players in your market, and it’s simpler than many business owners expect.  

The fact of the matter is, if you aren’t incorporating a modern, seamless payment system in your business, you run the risk of falling behind.  

The good news? It’s not too late to get up to speed.  

The better news? Getting started right now can be simple, and the benefits of integrated payments can deliver exponential opportunities for growth, differentiation from competitors, and an exceptional experience for your clients and customers.  

Read on to understand why customers today expect—and deserve—the simplicity and seamless experience integrated payments deliver. You’ll understand not just why your business should utilize integrated payments—but also the dangers of not using it.  

Finally, you’ll learn practical steps to implement integrated payments, and hear from business owners who took the plunge—and reaped the benefits.  

Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about integrated payments and why they are fundamental to growing a successful business.  

Start by understanding what integrated payments are—and what they are not.

The easiest way to explain integrated payments is this: it’s a way to handle payment processing for small businesses. But beyond simple point of sale transactions, it’s a system that enables you to accept electronic and card payments, and works directly with your business management software.  

It’s not just about making checkout easier. It can help streamline many of your business operations and give you more opportunities for growth.  

• Simple Payments: Clients can pay for services and products directly through your website, app, or in your store. That means a faster, easier customer experience that’s consistent online, offline, or on the go. 
• Inventory Management: Every transaction can automatically update your business’s inventory. So keeping track of what you have in stock—and what you need to order—is simpler than ever. 
• Data Insights: See what’s selling, and what’s not. Gain insights into what your customers and clients want more of—and make informed decisions that translate into growth. 

For fitness centers, this could mean managing membership payments, and seeing what classes your members want more of. For a vet, integrated payments can help you understand patient lifetime value—and clearly track revenue per visit. For a spa, it could result in streamlined bookings and staffing—and more satisfied clients..  

No matter what your business offers customers and clients, integrated payments can make your systems run more smoothly.  

And while some small businesses may want to avoid credit card processing fees, but it’s important to look at the big picture. When you look at all the benefits to your business and your customers, a small percentage of revenue going to card payment processing companies won’t seem like a roadblock.  

Beyond transactions, integrated payments help small businesses understand sales trends, provide better service, and put you on equal footing with the largest players in your market. Plus, by making your payment process more efficient, you can focus on what you do best: making customers and clients happy. 

Fact: Your customers will notice if payments aren’t seamless and simple 

Right now, your clients and customers expect the same convenience and efficiency from you that they experience from companies like Amazon, Spotify, Venmo and their bank. If you don’t believe you are competing with the Amazons of the world, let’s stop for a moment. Imagine a new bank was launching. How well would this bank do if they didn’t offer online payments, EFTs and full service in their app. What if they didn’t offer customers a debit card? Imagine if deposits and withdrawals meant having to go to their branch, stand in line, and wait for a person behind a glass to help you.  

Obviously, this bank wouldn’t attract much business.  

Customer expectations of seamless efficiency across all kinds of businesses is often referred to as “Amazonification”. It means that service, speed, convenience, and attentiveness have become the norm across many industries. It also means small businesses must adapt by implementing integrated payments to meet these expectations—and not fall behind. 

And if you think it’s just about credit cards, think again. Online payments and mobile payments make up a huge percentage of transactions. In fact, a recent study stated how forecasts show the total transaction value by the end of the year will be $6.68 trillion. $4.195 trillion will come from Digital Commerce and $2.489 trillion will come from Mobile POS Payments. 

If this all sounds intimidating, take a second and relax. It doesn’t mean you have to be as big or complex as Amazon. Far from it. By adopting integrated payment solutions, your business can offer the same level of seamless service as the best businesses on earth. It’s what your clients expect. It’s what they deserve. And it’s what you can offer thanks to integrated payments.  

Reduce errors, save time and increase growth with payment processing for small businesses 

Any and every business can benefit from simplified transactions, efficient scheduling, and more accurate financial tracking.  

The right system will do all the hard work for you and your team—and make running your business easier. 

• Save Time: Automated processes reduce hours wasted on manual data entries, allowing you to focus more on service, quality, and growth. 
• Increase Accuracy: With integrated payments, the risk of errors goes down significantly, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and records. 
• Deepen Security: Enhanced security features protect both you and your clients from fraud—providing more peace of mind. 
• Avoid Costly Chargebacks: Reduce your risk of financial repercussions from chargebacks to your business. 

Whether you need to automate recurring payments, make POS transactions easier, increase customer trust or just have fewer administrative headaches, integrated payments can deliver the solutions you’re looking for. 

With integrated payments, the efficiency, security, and convenience create a win-win-win scenario for you, your employees, and your clients. 

A hard truth: Without integrated payments, your business will fall behind 

We’ve talked about how integrated payments can be a game-changer for small business owners—significantly saving time and money while delivering a better customer experience. Now let’s discuss the hidden costs of NOT using integrated payments. The price can be steep—and really hurt your business. 

Not incorporating integrated payments means wasted time, lost opportunities and a higher cost of doing business. Manual transactions, ordering, and scheduling will all be more inefficient and time-consuming.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Without integrated payments, transactions will always be slower and inventory management will be harder. The risk of error increases—so staff satisfaction and performance can suffer. That means worse service, increased hassles, and unhappy customers.  

Remember the bank we talked about earlier? It wouldn’t stay in business very long.  

Increased competition. Steeper customer expectations. Supply chain issues. Whether it’s missed salon appointments, lapsed gym memberships—or just not offering the treatment a client is looking for in your spa—things are hard enough today for small businesses to survive and thrive.  

And the sad truth is that many don’t. Not incorporating integrated payments with your systems could be the difference between growing your business—or closing up shop.  

But take a breath. If you’re a small business owner who understands the value of integrated payments to you and your customers—but doesn’t know where to begin or what to choose—getting started is not as difficult as you may think.  

The best small business payment processing choice for you: A practical guide to getting started 

It’s no question that integrated payments are a smart move for small business owners, The next question is this: which solution should you choose?  

Every business is unique—with its own challenges, expectations, and goals. So choosing the right integrated payment system is as important as the decision to use them in the first place.  

To start, ask yourself what kind of transactions you need to process. Do you need to manage recurring payments like gym memberships? Are retail products integral to your bottom line—like a salon’s hair products? Do you need transactions to sync with patient appointments and records for veterinary visits?

  

Choosing a system designed with your specific business type in mind will eliminate a lot of challenges and headaches. Many one-size-fits all payment systems force owners to settle for what they offer everyone—without customizing the solution to specific business needs.  

Think of it this way: It’s not about choosing the best payment processing for small business. It’s about choosing the best payment processing for YOUR small business. 

The best advice? A system designed for your business will be easier to implement and deliver more benefits than an off-the-rack offering.  

That’s where DaySmart can help. Our entire mission is to develop and deliver software solutions designed for specific kinds of businesses, so it’s easier for you to thrive and grow.  

We appreciate that a doggie daycare is different from a body art studio. That a day spa faces challenges a veterinarian doesn’t—and vice versa. A one-person barber shop has different needs than a small chain of mani-pedi salons. That’s why our integrated payment solutions are tailored to your business.  

How to begin?  

1. Visit DaySmart.com: Explore the website to understand how integrated payments can benefit your specific type of business. 

2. Explore Your Solution: DaySmart offers different solutions for different industries. Find the one that best fits your business needs. 

3. Get in touch with a DaySmart Expert: Learn more about DaySmart Integrated payments and if it’s the right fit for your business.
   

If you want to be more efficient, have fewer administrative hassles—and enjoy more opportunities—DaySmart integrated payments can help.  

Learn from other business owners who’ve been there 

You don’t have to look too far to find small business owners who are glad they’ve made the switch to integrated payments.  

Jason Anderson of Wet Paws Mobile Pet Grooming sees value from integrating his payment system with his scheduling and customer data—and the ability to store and track customer cards for easier payment simplifies everything. As Jason explains, “Since we are 100% mobile groomers, we use the app exclusively…Do I want five platforms to manage and keep in sync, or just one?” 

Ursula Augustine, owner of Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio was able to concentrate on delivering the best service to her clients instead of getting bogged down in complicated systems not suited to her business. In addition, Ursula said,  “I’m not great with technology, so it’s reassuring to know that I can always call in and have a human being help me with an issue.” 

Having a seamless integration of payments also helps Public Services Superintendent, Mike Cresap at Plano Sports Authority, manage his parks and recreation center. “In 2010 over 85% of our administrative work was done face to face, requiring staff to explain programs, review schedules/locations, register users, and take payments. Today less than 15% of that work is done face to face. Using the DaySmart Recreation customer portal. Users can research programs of interest, consider a schedule that suits their lifestyle, then register and pay, online.”  

Making the switch to integrated payments is a smart move for any small business. An even smarter one? Choosing a system that’s part of a complete, seamless suite of software that helps you run every aspect of your business—and is designed especially for your business’s unique needs.  

The bottom line? Integrated payments are essential for any small business to succeed 

We hope you’ve learned more about the benefits of integrated payments. How it can deliver a better experience for your clients and customers—and how it can make transactions, inventory, bookkeeping, and customer management easier for you and your team.  

And more than just learning WHY integrated payments are a smart decision for any small business, we talked about what to look for in yours—and outlined some steps on HOW to get started.  

Know this: it’s never too late to make the decision to incorporate integrated payment processing with your business. 

What’s more, integrated payments will help level the playing field between you and the biggest companies on earth—and it’s easier than ever to launch.   

Think of the bank we imagined before. The one that doesn’t offer electronic transactions, debit cards, or an app to manage customer accounts. Ask yourself: is that a bank you would want to do business with? Now think of your customers. If you don’t offer integrated payments to make things more convenient for them—your competition already does.

Want to learn more right now? Fill out the form to get a demo of DaySmart Payments integrated with a software solution built for your business!

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3 Reasons Why Clients Aren’t Booking with Your Business and How To Fix It 

There’s nothing like seeing a full calendar of client bookings. Busy periods of your schedule mean you’re at the top of your game, your employees are giving their all, clients are happy, and revenue is rolling in.

 But what do you do during the slow periods when you open your schedule and see a whole lot of nothing? To help, we’ve got three reasons why clients aren’t booking with your business and the steps you can take to fix them.

1. Ineffective Online Presence

Never underestimate the impact that your website and online listings can have on your small business. Your website serves as a vital platform for engaging with potential clients and providing them with the precise information they seek. From showcasing your services and pricing to offering a seamless appointment booking process, it all boils down to ensuring a seamless user experience that leaves clients satisfied and eager to choose your business.

Having a user-friendly and mobile-responsive website is key to increasing appointments booked. In fact, 82% of clients use mobile devices to book appointments. If they can’t easily make an appointment on their phone, they’re going look for a business that does. Once they find your website or online listing, is the information listed there correct and current? Incomplete and out-of-date information is another roadblock to client bookings. Trying to book a service that is no longer available or seeking days and times that have since changed will cause clients to go elsewhere.

Your online reputation matters as well, reviews can be one of the biggest setbacks – or a great leg up – for many businesses It’s common for reviews and ratings to appear in an online search, and they are pulled from social media and business listings sites. If you’re not using reputation management tools to leverage reviews, clients may look elsewhere when they can’t find recommendations.

2. Inadequate Marketing and Promotion

Marketing goes hand-in-hand with your online presence and its ability to drive client bookings. 

Are you using your online and community presence to promote awareness and visibility? Coming up with marketing promotional strategies is helpful, but not having the right tools for execution and follow-up will make these efforts more challenging. Social media is key for business growth. If you’re not posting photos and videos of the work you do, the trends you’re following, and the knowledge you possess, you won’t be noticed by clients in your community. Scroll down for marketing solutions and recommendations.

3. Subpar Customer Experience 

The customer experience is a key factor in whether or not they’ll come back. Small business owners have the unique challenge of finding unique ways to create positive experiences for everyone who walks in the door. Customers want a personalized, customized experience when they book an appointment. They want staff to acknowledge their individual preferences and expectations, resulting in a service that’s tailored just to them. Lack of soft skills and the ability to build relationships add to the experience, making it unpleasant or unprofessional.

How to Fix It: Solutions and Recommendations for Increasing Appointments Booked

Here’s the good news: these problems are easily solvable. Let’s take a look at some steps you can implement. 

1. Put Time and Effort Into Marketing

The work you put into your marketing will pay off in a full calendar and your business revenue targets. Having marketing plans in place will make it easier to put them into motion when you decide to run campaigns to promote your business. Decide what messaging and platforms you want to use when running a typical campaign. Then target your efforts based on what you’re promoting, who you want to reach, and what you want to accomplish. 

Text and email marketing are particularly helpful in reaching your customers and prospects. You can use both platforms to share special deals, announce new services, and promote your business during busy seasons, such as the holidays. Your clients check their texts and emails multiple times a day, so having a presence in their texts and inbox will make them more aware of what you offer.

Make social media a regular part of your day to highlight the great work you and your staff perform on a daily basis and make your community aware of the services you provide using these tips:

• Leverage social media platforms in your marketing campaigns and general awareness.
• Research competitors and industry experts to get inspiration for your own posts.
• Use hashtags and tag clients, employees, and relevant local businesses and organizations to generate more exposure and engagement. 
  
  

2. Prioritize the Customer Experience

Focusing on excellent customer service and personalization will keep it top of mind for staff. If customers are happy, they’ll book return visits and make referrals. A business management platform lets you keep detailed notes on client preferences and personalize your services. It can also provide a seamless booking and communication experience for your clients and staff.

You might offer the best services in the neighborhood, but if they’re delivered by staff with a negative attitude, that’s all the client will remember. Train your staff to provide professional and friendly interactions and leave the right impression on every client in their chair. Having the right ambiance and a clean space will go a long way toward a positive experience. Make sure your decor, music, and cleaning procedures work together to create an environment for customers to relax and enjoy their visit. 

3. Use the Right Software and Information for Your Online Presence

Choosing the best tools is the first step to improving your online presence. Make it easy for clients to learn more about your business and take action. This starts with your website — invest in a solution that provides a mobile-friendly and user-friendly website experience. Your clients need to seamlessly navigate your site no matter what device they’re using. 

Update and optimize your online booking platforms with accurate information. When you’re making changes to your staff, scheduling availability, and services, make sure your booking platforms and business listings reflect the new information. Create a checklist of your web pages and online listings for when these changes are made so you don’t forget where you need to make updates.

Ask them to shout their love from the (digital) rooftops. Make it easy for customers to write a review so you can publish them to your website, social media, and listing sites to bring in new customers.

Fill Your Calendar and Your Revenue Stream 

Having an ineffective online presence, inadequate marketing, and subpar customer service can create barriers to booking. These problems are getting in the way of new and repeat customers who want to do business with you but can’t get past these roadblocks. Solving these issues is vital to running a successful business, generating revenue, and keeping customers happy and eager to return.

If you’re overwhelmed, tackle one problem at a time. The improvements you see will be motivation enough to keep going and breaking down these barriers to success.

A Successful Business Starts with the Right Management Platform

DaySmart is the software solution that’s helping businesses simplify the way they schedule, take payments, communicate, and manage tasks. Find the solution that’s right for your business and request a demonstration today!

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How to Advertise Your Business Locally

If you own a small business, you know how important it is to develop a relationship with local customers. Building a relationship with the locals is essential for continued business and growth; for any small business.

After all, if people who live nearby aren’t visiting their local businesses, why would others from further afield make the trip?

Unfortunately, advertising locally is not as simple as you might hope. However, once you understand how to implement effective advertising, the results you will see will be monumental.

Suppose you can successfully separate your offering from the competition and engage with your local customers. In that case, you will see plenty of knock-on effects, such as more business, more positive reviews, and even some more customers that are not local.

This article will guide you on how to advertise your business locally to good effect and help you continue to grow and build your brand.

Key takeaways for your business

From this article, you will learn the following:

1. How to create marketing campaigns that resonate with your local customers and help you stand out from the competition.
2. You can employ a range of digital and physical marketing tactics to experience more local business from local customers.
3. Any business can use several free and cost-effective marketing tools, regardless of size or marketing budget.

Ways You Can Promote Your Local Business

Start a Company Blog

Developing a company blog is one of the most effective marketing strategies available to you. Not only is blogging completely free to execute, but it can also lead to several new potential clients discovering your business.

By writing plenty of blog content surrounding your industry, you will show potential customers just how knowledgeable you are about the field, and it will build your trust and reputation.

Not only that, but Google’s ranking system will also take note. If your content is deemed insightful, engaging, and beneficial, your business will appear at the top of the rankings when local people search for businesses near me them.

However, to achieve this success, your content must be more thought out than simply writing about industry-related topics you anticipate people are searching in Google. To ensure your content has a true impact on where your business ranks on Google, you must implement a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.

An SEO strategy includes keyword research, highlighting which topics are constantly searched by your target audience, which you can then use to write content that answers their query. Google values content that solves users’ questions and offers them useful guidance.

There are plenty of free keyword research tools that you can use to map out your blog content, or you can use more advanced tools like Ahrefs, SEMRush, and SurferSEO if they fall within your marketing budget.

Understanding what your target audience is looking for online is the first step toward building content that will lead to traffic and new local customers.

Keep Your Social Media Channels Updated

Once you have spent time crafting the perfect blog content for your audience, you should start sharing it on social media. 

Social media marketing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, are all excellent ways to interact with potential local customers.

Almost all of your local target audience will use social media platforms to search for the best businesses nearby. Therefore, it is crucial that you remain active on each channel and try to respond to comments, queries, or direct messages, as quickly as possible.

As you will know, first-time customers often have plenty of questions, which is perfectly understandable. 

By being active on social media, you allow potential customers to ask these queries, gain more information about what they are looking for, and also build your relationship, making you more trustworthy. The more trustworthy you are, the more likely they are to choose your business.

Each social media platform offers its own unique benefits. Instagram and TikTok offer excellent opportunities to showcase your work and get potential local customers excited over what you can do. Obviously, some social media channels are better than others when it comes to industry; Tattoo artists, stylists, and groomers tend to get much more of their business from Instagram than Facebook or LinkedIn, due to the nature of the industry.

Just remember to keep your social media posts relevant to your local audience, and you will quickly see your follower count grow.

Sign Up for Local Listings or Local Directory

Another important way that you can advertise your small business locally is to submit your contact details and business profile to local listings, ones that are specific to your industry.

Often these local listings are run by professional organizations, such as local directories like Yelp or review sites like Tripadvisor.

By locally listing your business, you allow potential customers to research your business before making a commitment.

Implement Locally Targeted Ads

While some businesses believe that digital marketing is only beneficial for brands that focus on a nationwide or worldwide audience, that isn’t the case.

Facebook advertising has become incredibly popular as a local advertising option for businesses due to the extensive details they have on their users.

You can create digital ads for your business and then personalize them to only target a specific audience, using several targeting options to narrow down your audience:

• Geofencing
• Demographic
• Address
• Interests
• Page likes
• Age

These are just some of the options you can use to identify your local target audience with your advertisements.

Don’t be put off if your audience volume drops significantly; that is always going to happen when you start hyper-targeting. 

It is much better to spend advertising money promoting your product or service to people that want to hear about it and are potential buyers rather than focusing on sending it to a large group that doesn’t fit your target audience.

Geofencing allows you to only target people within a certain radius of your business, ensuring you are only targeting local people.

From there, you can also add rules surrounding the demographic, their interests, what pages they have liked, and even how old they are.

Focusing on people who show an interest in your industry or similar industries is a good way to identify people who are likely interested in getting one at some point.

Create a few very similar audiences, possibly split by age or by interests, and see which ones perform the best.

Once you have identified the best-performing ads, put more of your budget into those groups to reach more similar people, and take money out of the underperforming ads.

Locally targeted ads take a little bit of funding and trial and error, but once you identify your audience, you will quickly see results.

Create a Direct Mail Campaign

While digital marketing campaigns have plenty of value and can be really fun to get your head around, don’t discard traditional local advertising methods like direct mail.

Direct mail might’ve been around for a long time now and may not be the most popular choice, but it is still extremely effective.

Due to how the internet is set up, users are hit with ads almost everywhere they go. While this gives you plenty of advertising opportunities, it also means they lose some of their impact.

One way to stand out from the crowd is to go back to basics and start sending out physical brochures.

You may want to design your own brochure or hire a freelance designer to do it for you. Whichever option you choose, ensure you include your business details and contact information, and possibly a first purchase incentive, such as a discount.

You could also consider posting an advert in the local paper, although that might not be as effective depending on whether or not your target audience is avid readers of the daily newspaper.

Build Your Email List

It might not be quite as traditional as direct marketing, but email marketing is another effective advertising technique that has proven successful over many years.

Email marketing is fantastic for building brand awareness, increasing customer acquisition, convincing customers to repurchase, and so many other benefits.

The bigger your email list, the more opportunities can come from each message you send.

Offer incentives for people to register for your email list, and include them on local flyers, direct marketing, and even on small business cards you have on show at your business.

Take Part in Community Activities

If you are searching for the most organic way to promote your business locally, then showing potential clients you are a contributing member of the local community is a great place to start. 

Showing people you genuinely care about the area will go a long way to showing prospective customers that you are loyal to the area, and they should be loyal to you.

Keep an eye out for volunteering opportunities, fundraisers your business can donate to, or any local events your business can get involved in.

The key to these events is not to heavily promote your brand, as the local people will see through this as fake generosity and loyalty. Instead, offer genuine support and allow people to learn about the brand behind your support organically.

You might even consider partnering with local charities or hosting your own fundraising event for a local cause. Essentially, any opportunity to get involved with the local community should be taken.

Create a Loyalty Program

Another way to advertise your business locally is by promoting a loyalty program for your customers. This type of advertising will help you gain repeat business from locals and develop customer loyalty.

Existing local customers will be more tempted to work with your business again if there is an incentive to do so.

That incentive could be gaining a discount on each purchase or a free gift after a certain amount of purchases are made, for example.

The more you work with existing customers, the more you will build up your local business community and develop a foundation that you can build upon.

Build a Referral Program

Finally, one excellent way to build up your local customer base is by offering a referral program. While some of your customers will willingly share how amazing your business is with their friends and family, others may need a little push.

Offering a discount on their next purchase with you is a great referral option. You can increase the discount the more people they refer to your business. The choice is up to you. 

For any customer who is happy with their experience, they will be more likely to want a second one. Offering them the chance to get a discount will incentivize them to promote your brand to other people, which will carry much more weight than any marketing message you can create.

Studies have shown that over 60% of customers trust recommendations from friends and family over the word of a company.

Therefore you can quickly start to see why this advertising strategy is a fantastic way to develop awareness organically via word of mouth.

Final Thoughts on How to Advertise Your Business Locally

Now you have several ways to advertise your small business efficiently and effectively. Many of these options of easy to implement, and while some do come with an associated cost, they should not be too significant.

However, marketing can take plenty of your time, the time you may not have to spare. To free up time for essential marketing strategies, consider using Daysmart. 

Ditch the pen and paper and embrace tech to manage more of your business. DaySmart software solutions help businesses simplify the way they schedule, take payments, communicate, and manage tasks.

Once you have freed up additional time with this software, you can start implementing your marketing strategies and growing your business.

Find the solution that can help you seize your day, smarter!

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The Best Online Appointment Scheduling Software and Apps for 2024

In the age of the internet, scheduling with pen and paper and waiting on the phone often takes WAY too long.

Thankfully, online appointment scheduling software makes booking appointments easy for you, your team, and your customers. By transferring your booking process online, appointment scheduling software connects your whole team with your customers anytime and anywhere.

With so many options, how can you possibly know which one is best for your business? Don’t stress! We’ve made it easy for you by putting all the information in one place.

This guide will explore the best appointment scheduling software available, unpack the pros and cons of these solutions, and help you make the right decision for your business.

What Is Online Appointment Scheduling Software?

Let’s start at the beginning. Online appointment scheduling software uses a web-based system to automate your booking processes, working to streamline scheduling significantly. It enables your customers to book appointments online and get added to your calendar automatically. Easy peasy.

Online schedulers help businesses eliminate unnecessary emails and phone calls and prevent double-booking, all while keeping your team’s calendars organized. And most online appointment scheduling software options include a booking website and/or mobile app options, so customers can schedule on their own time from wherever they are. 

The Benefits of Using an Online Appointment Scheduling System 

Scheduling software helps businesses run smoothly, keeping you, your employees, and, most importantly, your customers happy.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of an online appointment scheduling solution:

• Reducing no-shows: Automated reminders via text or email make sure you and your customers are on the same page about appointments. If there is a problem, bookings can be rescheduled or canceled sooner rather than later, leaving you more time to fill that slot with another client.

• Improving staff efficiency: When customers book online for themselves, you don’t need employees constantly manning the phone or monitoring your inbox. They can put more time into what they’re best at and get more done.
• Driving revenue: With integrated online payment tools, you can get paid faster by accepting payments in advance, letting customers pay by credit card, and setting up automatic payments for recurring appointments. 
• Attracting and retaining clients: With convenient 24/7 access to online booking, customers can quickly get on your calendar. By simplifying your customers’ booking process, they’ll be more likely to book you again. 

Who is Online Appointment Scheduling Software Best For? 

Online appointment scheduling software makes the thankless job of appointment management easy. 

It lets you and your customers communicate faster and stay updated on your bookings. Less waiting makes everybody happy!

Appointment scheduling software is designed to help businesses of all sizes and industries connect with their customers more easily before, during, and after their appointments. 

From small businesses to enterprise-level companies, all types of organizations can benefit from appointment scheduling software. Some industries that use appointment software most include:

• Spas and salons
• Gyms and fitness classes
• Healthcare and medical practices
• Consulting and professional services
• Independent contractors and freelancers
• Other service-based businesses, like pet groomers and auto repair shops

What Makes a Great Appointment Scheduling Solution? 

No matter your field, the best appointment scheduling software makes the lives of you, your team, and your customers easier. It should be intuitive for you and your clients to use and align with the tools you already use every day.

Even if they are designed for unique users, a lot of the best scheduling software applications share similar features. 

Here are a few tools the best online scheduling software provides: 

Online Calendar Sync Tools

Chances are you already use some kind of online calendar like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook. A lot of online appointment schedulers will integrate with these calendars, updating your availability across multiple platforms to avoid double booking.

Automated Reminders

You and your team are too talented to spend all day sending emails and making phone calls about appointments. Automated text and email reminders remove that from everyone’s to-do list. And when a customer’s appointment is coming up, they get automatically notified to make sure they don’t forget. 

Customizable Booking Forms 

Your business has unique booking needs, so it helps to be able to customize booking forms to your exact needs. With your own forms, you can let customers specify what kind of appointment they want to schedule, how long they’d like to meet, and any other information that would be helpful to know beforehand. 

Online Payments and Credit Card Processing Systems 

Listen, we know that worrying about payment during an appointment can be awkward. Luckily, online appointment scheduling software alleviates those concerns. No more keeping track of loose cash! The top appointment scheduling software solutions let your customers securely pay online in advance or use a credit card at the appointment. 

Client Management and Reporting Capabilities

Knowing your customers lets you provide them with the best service that actually meets their needs. And knowing your customers means collecting reliable data. Online schedulers’ client management tools let you record your clients’ information, including their purchasing trends and no-show rates, so that you can enhance your customer experience, marketing, and sales efforts. 

How to Choose the Right Online Appointment Scheduling Software for Your Business 

How can you possibly determine which online appointment scheduling system is the best?

Well, the truth is … there is no singular “best” software, just the best one for you.

But how do you know exactly what you need? Here’s a quick five-step guide to help you find the right solution.

1. Identify Your Business Goals and Needs

You have a vision for your business, and your appointment software should support achieving that vision.

Consider how many team members you have, how many appointments you usually accept, and who you are serving with your appointments. Is there a gap you need to fill in your current booking process? Do you anticipate scaling up your business anytime soon?

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to identify what features you need in appointment software. 

2. Consider Your Budget 

We get it — sometimes investing in appointment software simply comes down to the price tag. Luckily, there are scheduling software solutions out there for every budget — from free to six-figures. 

Analyze your current budget to see how much you can allocate to an online scheduler each month. Then, compare the software’s prices to their features to find the best value while making sure they actually fit your needs.

3. Look at User Reviews and Ratings 

You’re not alone out there! Lots of companies have determined what scheduling software works best for them—often through a bit of trial and error. 

Read reviews and user feedback to get a sense of how people feel about specific software and whether it will align with your company.

4. Consider Integrations with Other Systems

Unless you’re making a concerted effort to resist modern technology, you’re probably already using some digital tools like CRMs or marketing platforms. If they still work great for you, you don’t want scheduling software that will make you have to start from scratch. 

Look for software that integrates with the tools you already use. You’ll be able to build on what already works while filling in the gaps for seamless scheduling.

5. Technical Support Options 

Sometimes trouble strikes out of the blue, but your business can’t drop everything to troubleshoot your appointment scheduler. Plus, the longer it’s down, the longer you can’t accept online bookings. 

Having tech support helps you quickly address problems with expert assistance to resume operations ASAP.

The Best Online Appointment Scheduling Software on the Market 

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to evaluate the best software vendors on the market today. 

We’ve carefully evaluated common needs among appointment-based businesses, and picked solutions that, across the board, best address those needs. Some of the best online appointment scheduling software options below are more general, others are industry-specific, but they’ll all help make booking simpler for their customers. Let’s dive in.

DaySmart: The Best All-in-One Online Appointment Scheduling Software 

If you want all your appointment management tools on one platform, you can’t go wrong with DaySmart’s intuitive appointment scheduling solutions.

And the best part? DaySmart has scalable options for businesses of any size that help take charge of their schedule. So whether you’re a small business, an enterprise company, or looking to scale up soon, DaySmart has a solution for you. 

All of DaySmart Appointments’ features are designed to provide clients with a simple booking experience. You can let clients book at any time with online self-scheduling, prevent no-shows with automatic appointment reminders, and even send out marketing promotions. DaySmart also organizes your customers’ metrics and purchasing trends so you can go above and beyond for your clients with personalized service.

Pricing starts at $99/month, with plenty of options to scale as your business grows.

Calendly

If you’re looking to keep costs down as much as possible, Calendly is a great free option for an online scheduler.

Calendly primarily serves folks in sales, marketing, recruiting, IT, revenue operations, C-suite, or any other professional service team, where meetings and appointments can add up fast.

At no cost, you can use Calendly to set availability preferences, poll teams for availability, and sync your Calendly schedule with existing calendars. Calendly also offers integration with platforms like Zoom, Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, Slack, and more.

While Calendly’s free version is enough for most people, it does offer paid plans starting at $12/month if you want to explore more. 

Goldie

Do your appointments constantly have you traveling? If so, then you might look into an online appointment scheduling app like Goldie. 

As a scheduling app, Goldie’s features are designed for easy mobile use, especially for independent beauty and fitness professionals on the go. You can schedule appointments, send automated reminders and promotions, process payments, and view client information, all from your phone.

And if you already use Google or Apple Calendar, good news! Goldie syncs with both, so you can manage availability without rebuilding your schedule from scratch.

Among other online appointment scheduling software options, Goldie stands out with a fairly comprehensive free version. But if you want to get more out of it, pricing plans start at $19.99/month.

TimeTap

If you need a scheduling tool for a large team in multiple locations, TimeTap might be a good fit for your organization.

TimeTap specializes in serving mid-market and enterprise companies in all sorts of industries with custom intake forms, appointment confirmations, and automated text and email reminders to provide a more personalized experience to your clients.

You can automatically create client profiles and easily manage and organize their information for easy accessibility. Plus, you can make paying simple with integrated payment collection and invoicing.

TimeTap has custom pricing for larger enterprises, but prices for smaller teams start at $28.45/month.

Acuity Scheduling

If you run a small business, you’re probably looking for customizable scheduling software that won’t strain your budget too hard. Acuity might be a good fit. 

On top of online self-scheduling, with Acuity, you can customize availability, add multiple calendars, and schedule recurring appointments. Acuity lets you send automated reminders and follow-up emails. Plus, its payment tools allow you to offer discounts and subscriptions, send invoices and receipts, and integrate with Square, Stripe, and PayPal.

Acuity’s pricing plans start at $20/month. 

SimplePractice

If you’re a medical or healthcare professional, counselor, therapist, or social worker in need of an online appointment scheduling system, SimplePractice is a great tool.

For scheduling, SimplePractice offers online appointment requests, automated reminders, calendar sync, paperless billing, client record organization, and a 24/7 client portal. It also has plenty of healthcare-specific features that are all HIPPA-compliant, like telehealth, customizable document templates, and insurance claim filing.

For a solo practice, pricing starts at $29/month.

A Summary of the Best Online Appointment Scheduling Software for 2024

The Best Online Scheduling Appointment Software for YOU

Making the move to online scheduling is a big jump, but trust that it makes a huge difference to your operations. But picking the wrong software can make this process more painful than it needs to be.

So think about your business, analyze your needs, and you’ll know what to look for in scheduling software.
And if DaySmart sounds like the best option for you, request a free demo today. Or, explore our industry-specific software offerings to find a solution tailored to your niche.

The post Best Online Appointment Scheduling Software for 2024 | DaySmart appeared first on DaySmart.

The Best Appointment Apps for Barbers in 2024

While the barbering world may seem cut and dry, staying at the forefront of technology is necessary for business survival and growth. And while classic barber shops may prefer to keep it old-school, adopting appointment scheduling applications has marked a significant transformation in barbershop operations. 

Picture a busy barbershop morning: phones constantly ringing, TV on in the background, someone’s Spotify playlist floating out of a speaker in the corner, barbers juggling between haircuts and managing appointments, and customers are waiting—some patiently, others not so much. The ambiance is friendly and connected, with just a hint of impatience and frustration. 

This is where technology can bridge the gap between busy schedules, ticking deadlines, and community barbershop, “let’s have another cup of coffee” vibes. In the past several years, appointment scheduling apps have shown up on the scene as the simplest solution to effortless efficiency and customer service excellence in this bustling, relaxed environment. 

Why? 

Because appointment apps streamline operations, elevate the customer experience, and substantially boost business efficiency. 

Stepping into 2024, the role of these scheduling apps in the barber industry will become increasingly crucial. If you want your business to stay relevant, you’ve got to adapt to rapid changes and heightened client expectations. 

This guide will explore the importance of appointment scheduling apps, their benefits, and the best solutions for barbers in 2024.

The Importance of a Reliable Appointment Scheduling App for Barber Shops

Still think your answering machine is enough to keep your books full? Maybe it is…

Or maybe there’s an easier way that involves less work for everyone and, therefore, more time for barbers and clients to swap stories and enjoy their time together.

Imagine a client who wants to book an appointment with their favorite barber. It’s late at night, and the barbershop is closed. While they could call and leave a message at the shop after hours, they’d have to wait for confirmation the next day. And that back-and-forth takes valuable time! 

With an efficient appointment scheduling app, clients can book their appointments online, hassle-free, at their convenience. Barbers can even sync their schedules, making booking a breeze. Modern barber shops must aim for this kind of customer empowerment and operational efficiency. 

As the online landscape of barber services and customer expectations evolves, having a reliable scheduling system becomes indispensable, not only for flexibility but also a seamless experience for both barber and client.

Top Benefits of Appointment Apps for Barbers 

In the hustle and bustle of a barbershop, an easy-to-use appointment app can transform how services are rendered by automating the scheduling process, reducing administrative overhead, and allowing barbers to focus more on their craft instead of managing bookings.

Integrating the best barbershop software for your business unlocks a TON of benefits, including:

• Time Management: Think of a specific barber in your shop. We’ll call them Pat. Pat used to spend hours every week manually scheduling appointments and calling clients for reminders. But now that the shop started using a barber scheduling app, Pat has free time to handle more clients or take a well-deserved break. With apps handling scheduling and management efficiently, barbers can focus on their clients and craftsmanship.
• Customer Satisfaction: Consider Charlie, a client who always forgets their appointment time and constantly runs late. An appointment app can send timely reminders, and the hassle-free booking process means that rescheduling isn’t a hurdle for clients or barbers. Barbershops that offer the convenience of a streamlined booking experience greatly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. On top of this, some scheduling apps (like DaySmart) allow clients to leave reviews after their appointment is complete. Satisfied customers can lead to five-star reviews, another huge bonus for your barbershop.
• Business Growth: Efficient scheduling picks up a lot of marginal gains along the way and can lead to significant business growth. More efficient time management means you can accommodate more clients, and a reduction in no-shows leads directly to higher revenue generation. Your business’s ability to grow will be closely related to the final benefit we’re about to discuss since the data collected by your new app—and the better choices you’re able to make with this new data—plays a crucial role in contributing to business expansion and client base growth.
• Data Management: Speaking of data, appointment apps are a goldmine for client data. Tracking customer preferences, history, and appointment patterns are just a few invaluable pieces of information you can use to expand your business. For instance, a barber shop can use customer data to identify the most popular services and peak appointment times, helping optimize staff scheduling and promotional efforts.

Adopting an appointment app into your barbershop operation will revolutionize how your business runs. From just the benefits explored above—hardly an exhaustive list—these apps offer a comprehensive solution to many challenges faced in modern barbershops. 

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Appointment App for Barbers 

So, we’ve established that an appointment scheduling app is crucial for the future of your barbershop. What next? Well, now comes the hard part—picking the best appointment scheduling app for you! 

When selecting the best appointment app for your barbershop, consider the following factors:

Features

The best appointment apps are packed with options for efficiency, like calendar integration, notification systems, client management tools, digital front desk assistants, and online booking options. But, when researching the right app for you, look behind the features themselves because it’s not just about getting the most but about how these options can be customized to fit the requirements of your barbershop. Think about a barber shop specializing in intricate hair designs. This business might prefer an app with a feature that allows clients to upload photos of their desired haircut when booking so barbers can prepare for the client’s session beforehand. 

Pricing

Listen, we know small and medium-sized barbershops aren’t made of money, so pricing is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a scheduling app. You want to find an app that offers the right balance between cost and functionality. For example, a subscription model might work for some with a predictable monthly income, while other shops might prefer a one-time purchase as they build a reliable client base. The goal is to ensure that the investment in the app translates into tangible benefits for the business. (Try out our ROI calculator to see how much money (and time!) you can save with barbershop software.)

Integration

The quicker an appointment app can integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) and accounting software, the better. So, if your barbershop already uses a specific POS system, research to see if there’s an appointment app that’s compatible with what you have. Better yet, you may also find an appointment scheduling platform that offers built-in technologies to streamline your business processes. Some appointment solutions for barbershops, such as DaySmart, also offer capabilities like credit card processing, email and text marketing, review management, and reporting to help businesses keep on growing.

User-Friendliness

The ease of use of an appointment app cannot be overstated—an intuitive interface for both staff and clients is essential. Consider Chris, a barber who was initially hesitant to adopt new technology. After choosing an app known for its user-friendly interface, Chris knew the transition would be smooth for staff and clients. 

Remember, the app should simplify the booking process for clients and make managing bookings straightforward for staff. A user-friendly app makes the initial transition to new technology much less painful while reducing errors, saving time, and improving the overall customer experience.

When choosing the best appointment scheduling app for your barbershop, you’ve got to take all these factors into account since you need the perfect blend of them to ensure you’ve invested in the right app for your barbershop. By considering the factors that most affect your business, you can select an app that streamlines operations and enhances the overall experience of being in your barbershop.

The Best Appointment Apps for Barbers in 2024 

Without further ado, we’ve begun your research for you. Below, enjoy a curated list of the best appointment apps for barbers for 2024.

DaySmart Salon 

DaySmart Salon is a comprehensive barbershop management software that includes a full suite of tools for scheduling, point-of-sale, customer relationship management, and marketing. 

It is known for its robust scheduling and management features, which make it a good choice for large barber shops or those with multiple locations. Plus, pricing begins at just $29/month, making it an affordable choice for small barbershops and salons as well. 

Setmore 

Setmore is a user-friendly and affordable online booking platform known for its ease of use and affordability. A solid choice for small barbershops or those starting out with online booking. However, it doesn’t offer as many features as some of the other apps on this list. 

Booksy 

Booksy is an online booking platform that allows clients to schedule appointments, pay for services, and manage their profiles online. Known for its online booking features, it’s a good choice for barbershops that want to increase their online bookings. But it isn’t the most customizable barbershop scheduling software, so keep that in mind when researching your business needs.

Genbook 

Genbook is a flexible scheduling and online booking platform that allows barbershops to tailor booking processes to specific needs. Known for its customizable scheduling options, it’s a good choice for barbershops that want more control over their booking process. Yet, it can be more complex to set up and use, so prepare for a steep learning curve when you first switch to the new system.

Acuity Scheduling 

Acuity Scheduling is a simple and effective scheduling tool that stands out for its ability to send automatic appointment reminders, significantly reducing client no-shows. While a safe choice for barbershops that want a simple and easy-to-use scheduling tool, it may not have all the features that some of the other options do.

Squire  

Squire is a mobile app for barbers and clients that allows barbers to manage their schedules, appointments, and clients from their phones, and clients, in turn, to book appointments and view schedules on the go. Known for its mobile app features, it’s a good choice for barbershops that want to offer clients convenience. But it’s not as feature-rich as some other options on this list.

A Summary of the Best Appointment Apps for Barbershops

Future Trends in Barbershop Appointment Scheduling

While technology has come a long way in the past decade, the future of barbershop scheduling software is poised for more transformative innovation in the coming years as well. Software companies are developing AI-driven tools to predict your busiest times, suggest optimal staffing levels, and integrate payment solutions to provide a seamless transaction experience for your clients.

Here are a few advancements on the horizon that we’re excited about:

• Integrated Payment Solutions: Further integration of payment processing systems within scheduling apps is set to streamline checkout, making transactions more straightforward for everyone.
• Enhanced Customization: As each barbershop is unique, demand for customizable software solutions increases. Future scheduling software will continue to offer greater flexibility in layout, features, and client interaction modes.
• AI-Driven Scheduling Tools: The potential integration of AI could completely revolutionize appointment scheduling by offering predictive insights regarding client booking patterns, staff availability, and resource optimization.

These trends indicate a future where barber shops can manage the business side of scheduling more simply to focus on building more authentic client relationships with unprecedented efficiency and sophistication.

How to Choose the Best Barber Appointment App for YOU

You’re the boss. And selecting an appointment scheduling solution is ultimately up to you. Keep these three thoughts in mind when making the final call:

• Compatibility with Your Business Model: The best scheduling app for you should be a natural extension of your business, fitting seamlessly into your operational style. For example, if your barbershop specializes in walk-ins and quick services, an app that caters to fast booking and easy rescheduling, as well as offers a streamlined walk-in experience, will be the best scheduling app for you.
• Cost vs. Benefit Analysis: Listen, keeping your budget is essential. So, it’s crucial to assess the financial investment of a new software solution. Focus on finding an app that brings more to the table than it costs you in dollars. For example, an app might have a higher price tag, but it’s worth the investment if it brings in more clients and reduces no-shows.
• Ease of Adoption: Adopting new technology always comes with a learning curve, so you should plan for a transition period for you and your staff. A scheduling app with a learning curve that is too steep might lead to frustration and lost time. Make sure you choose an app with excellent customer support and training resources for a smooth transition for your team.

Picking the best barbershop software for you is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your business’s efficiency and customer satisfaction. Look for a balance between functionality, cost, and user-friendliness by thoroughly evaluating each option against your barbershop’s specific needs and goals.

Learn more about DaySmart Salon’s powerful features here. Or try it for yourself to see how it can support your appointment scheduling needs, as well as your other business operations.

Get a free trial of DaySmart here.

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Best POS Software for Small Businesses for 2024

In the fast-paced world of small business, the difference between surviving and thriving can be keeping up with the latest trends, which is challenging when you’re trying to juggle all the daily tasks of running a small business. 

These days, it’s more apparent than ever that Point-of-Sale (POS) systems are no longer just cash registers – there’s potential for your POS to be your new business partner. In fact, if you’re still using your POS merely to process payments, you’re missing out on a wealth of opportunities a POS can offer to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and supercharge your growth. 

Whether you own a pet grooming business, your own tattoo studio, or you’re an artist selling your work at local markets, a tasty food truck, or any other small business, there is a perfect POS system to match your unique needs. So, let’s discover what your POS system can do for you.

This guide will dissect the top POS software solutions for small businesses in 2024. We’ll explore their key features, pricing, and real-world benefits that can help elevate your business to new heights. 

What is a POS System? 

Put simply, a Point-of-Sale (POS) system includes the hardware and software businesses use to process customer payments for products and services. In the pre-internet days, POS systems were physical cash registers that accepted cash, checks, and, eventually, credit cards. Now, modern mobile POS software and credit card readers do much more. 

By enabling businesses to process payments from anywhere, including contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, POS systems serve as essential business hubs, handling inventory, customer and employee management, accounting, payroll, and even shipping services. 

Why is a POS System Important for Small Businesses? 

A POS system is an essential component of small business success. It eliminates countless manual tasks that consistently frustrate and waylay small business owners. No matter your small business type, a POS system can help you streamline operations, improve customer service, and grow your business.

The best POS software can help small businesses in a number of surprising ways, including:

• Accepting payments from a variety of sources, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets
• Tracking inventory levels, making reordering products simpler
• Managing customer loyalty programs and discounts
• Generating reports on sales and expenses
• Providing insights into customer behavior
• Saving countless time previously spent on administration paperwork
• Reduced errors in sales data recording
• Access to comprehensive sales reports and analytics

But, all POS software is not created equal. And for good reason. Small businesses run the gamut across industries and geographical locations, and their POS needs vary. This is why, when choosing a POS system (or any business software) for your small business, it’s essential to consider the features that are most important to you. 

Let’s explore some essential features of the best POS systems to see what software will best serve your business needs. 

Essential Features of a POS System for Small Businesses 

A modern POS system is much more than a cash register. These days, POS systems provide a myriad of features designed to cater to the diverse needs of small businesses. 

Below, we review some of these features and unpack some examples to see how these features could benefit your small business:

Credit Card Processing 

Perhaps the most obvious feature of POS systems is payment processing. Secure, reliable, and efficient credit card processing capabilities are vital for the modern consumer. Imagine a cozy local gift shop that previously only accepted cash or checks, significantly limiting its customer base. The shop can attract a more extensive customer base by integrating a modern POS system that supports various payment methods, including credit card processing and tap-to-pay. With that increase in revenue, the business could expand to online sales or advertise on social media. 

Appointment Scheduling 

For businesses that rely on appointments, a POS system can streamline the scheduling process, helping you easily manage calendars, payments, and appointment scheduling. Take a hair salon, for example. Before DaySmart Salon, scheduling appointments was a manual and time-consuming process with the constant risk of miscommunication, resulting in double-booked stylists. However, some POS systems today offer an integrated appointment scheduling feature, allowing a salon to efficiently manage appointments, reduce scheduling conflicts, and even send automated reminders to customers, reducing no-shows.

Modern Marketing 

Integrated marketing tools allow you to connect with your customer base, run promotional campaigns, and nurture customer relationships. Consider a small tattoo and piercing studio. In the past, it relied on traditional advertising methods and couldn’t effectively engage with its customer base. But with a modern POS system, the studio can collect customer data and text or email personalized offers, loyalty discounts, or even seasonal promotions. For a fraction of traditional marketing budgets, the studio not only boosts customer loyalty but also increases bookings and sales. 

Business Reporting 

Small business owners have to wear a lot of hats, which can be exhausting. That’s why many POS systems offer a deep dive into your financial and operational data, empowering you with the insights needed for growth. Think about a local doggie daycare. Before adopting a POS system, the owners had limited visibility into detailed data regarding their day-to-day performance. With the implementation of a POS system, they can now access automated reports on daily, weekly, and monthly sales. Reports that help identify peak hours and seasonal trends, and even calculate profit margins accurately. 

Employee Management 

Many small business owners simplify payroll management by integrating employee management tools into their POS system, ensuring accurate and timely employee compensation. Let’s consider a small day spa that employs several staff members. Employee management used to be a time-consuming and error-prone task. However, incorporating employee management into a POS system is remarkably efficient. Automatic payroll calculations ensure that employees are accurately compensated, saving time and eliminating payroll errors. Plus, some POS software, like DaySmart, will also include commission tracking, goal setting, and even the ability to manage independent service providers.

Inventory Management

A POS system can allow small business owners to track inventory levels in real-time to avoid stockouts and overstocking. Plus, the system collects necessary data to identify your best-selling products and trends. For example, a professional makeup artist running their own business might benefit from a POS system that can keep track of supplies and ensure they have the tools and items they need, when they need them most.

Top 6 Best POS Systems for Small Businesses

Choosing the best POS software is a critical decision point for small businesses. And, in the modern world, new solutions are always on the rise. 

That’s why we’ve created a curated list of the best POS systems for small businesses in 2024, each with its own unique features and pricing details:

#1: DaySmart 

DaySmart offers appointment scheduling and business management POS solutions for small and service-oriented businesses, such as salons, tattoo studios, and more. Distinguishing itself by offering integrated credit card processing, DaySmart simplifies and accelerates the whole payment experience by allowing business owners to take deposits online to secure appointments, charging no-show fees, and offering easy-to-manage membership packages. Additionally, DaySmart offers automated payment reconciliation and reporting and the ability to store client payment information for swift, repeat transactions. Plus, DaySmart makes it easy to enhance client relationships through customized gift card sales and advanced contactless payment options, all while ensuring top-notch security and data protection.

#2: Toast 

Toast offers a versatile pricing structure with a starting cost of $0.00 per month, making it an affordable choice for small businesses, particularly restaurants. There are no initial fees, meaning you can start without significant upfront investment. While a mobile card reader is not included, Toast compensates by providing an array of smart restaurant management tools. Toast’s system lets small business owners customize the software so you only pay for tools and features you need, saving unnecessary extras. Additionally, the credit card fee stands at 2.99% plus $0.15, which is competitive in the market. Toast is an excellent option for businesses looking for affordability, flexibility, and robust restaurant management tools.

#3: Clover 

Clover is an all-in-one POS system starting at $35 per month. It goes beyond basic payment processing, offering features that allow you to track sales and inventory efficiently. With Clover, you can also manage employees seamlessly. Furthermore, it supports a variety of payment methods, including chip, swipe, tap, and NFC (Apple/Google/Samsung Pay). Although Clover offers an option for appointment scheduling, this requires an additional monthly fee through an integrated partner and isn’t part of the Clover system. 

Clover is a solid choice for small businesses interested in offering online ordering, loyalty programs, and gift card options, enhancing customer engagement and retention. Plus, their credit card fees are lower than some, charging 2.3% with an additional $0.10 per transaction.

#4: Square POS  

Square POS stands out for its transparent pricing, with a monthly starting cost of $0.00 and no initial fees. But this free version is limited in features and upgrades. The most significant difference with Square is the inclusion of a free mobile card reader, which isn’t the case for all POS software. However, the free reader is swipe only while the wireless card reader (what’s most common in businesses these days) costs an additional $50. Besides payment processing, Square offers a website builder, simplifying the process of establishing a digital presence. The credit card fee is competitive at 2.6% plus $0.10 per transaction. Square is particularly suitable for those who seek simplicity, affordability, and integrated website solutions.

#5: Shopify POS 

Shopify POS offers a flexible pricing structure, starting at $29.00 per month, with a free mobile card reader included. One standout feature is multichannel inventory management, allowing businesses to integrate products across various sales channels. A unique trial price of $1 per month for the first three months is available so businesses can explore the system’s capabilities at minimal cost. Shopify also provides a customizable POS terminal with integrated hardware, streamlining transactions. Shopify is a simple system that’s an excellent option for small businesses and stores looking for support managing inventory and offering a seamless shopping experience. The credit card fee for Shopify POS is competitive at 2.7%.

#6: Lightspeed Retail 

Lightspeed Retail is a comprehensive POS solution starting at $69.00 per month. While it does not include a free mobile card reader, it offers specialized solutions for various industries, including restaurants, retail, and even golf courses. With over 150,000 customer locations worldwide and 18+ years of experience, Lightspeed has a proven track record of working with local businesses. It operates as a multichannel platform with advanced inventory management, making it suitable for many small businesses, although Lightspeed primarily caters to retail and restaurant entrepreneurs, providing industry-specific features. The credit card fee is competitive at 2.6% plus $0.10.

Tips for Choosing the Right POS for Your Small Business 

Selecting the best POS system for your small business requires careful consideration. Here are a few tips to guide you through the decision-making process:

Assess Your Business Needs  

Making the right choice can often start with a good old list. Start by writing down what you want to accomplish with this new system. Do you just need to take payments? Or could your internal processes use an overhaul? Do you want to combine your CRM system with this POS system? Are you considering integrating other software? Know what your business needs before you search for the perfect POS, or you may wind up with a system that won’t work for you. 

Consider Scalability and Growth  

Sure, it may seem like a perfect system for now. But what about when your CRM is twice what it is now? Or three times? Don’t sell yourself short when picking a POS. Think big! Consider your future growth goals and whether your POS will grow with you as your small business expands. 

Take Advantage of Free Trials and Demos  

Not sure what will work best for you? Try a few first! Most software companies offer free demos (usually 14-30 days) for you to explore a new POS system fully before committing to it long-term.

Budget and Long-Term Value  

Balance your need to be frugal, especially in the early days of a small business, with the projected long-term value of a POS system. Sometimes, thinking ahead by investing in a more feature-rich solution pays off in the long run.

Research Customer Reviews and Testimonials 

There’s nothing like a first-hand account to provide the proof you need to make the right choice. Read through customer reviews and testimonials—not just the five-star ones on the homepage of a business’ website—to find out what works and what needs improvement for potential POS systems. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What does a POS system do? Mobile POS software and credit card readers enable businesses to process payments from anywhere and serve as essential business hubs.
• How do I choose the right POS system for my small business?  Selecting the right POS system is no easy task. Small business owners must assess business needs, consider future scalability and growth, take advantage of free trials, balance the budget, and research customer reviews.
• How much does a POS system cost? The cost of a POS system varies based on the provider and the features you’re looking for. Pricing structures also vary and may include monthly, starting, or transaction-based fees, so read carefully!
• What is the difference between a POP and a POS? A POP (Point of Purchase) typically refers to the physical location of a transaction, such as a checkout counter. A POS (Point of Sale) includes the hardware and software used to process the transaction.
• What should a good POS system do? An all-inclusive mobile POS system should be able to process payments as well as handle inventory, customer and employee management, accounting, payroll, and shipping services. 

A well-chosen POS system can be a game-changer for small businesses. It not only streamlines operations but also empowers your business with the immediate and relevant data needed to make informed decisions. This winning combination enhances profitability and cultivates a more satisfying customer experience.Ready to find an integrated POS solution for your business? Explore DaySmart products here to find the best fit for you.

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Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses for 2024

Owning a small business is an ever-changing job description. One minute, you’re designing. Next, you’re filing for your LLC. And then, later that week, you’re scrolling through resumes, trying to find the next team member to help expand your thriving business. 

While growing your team is great for productivity, it becomes more difficult to manage. In 2024, efficient payroll management is hardly a luxury but rather a vital task that no organization can afford to overlook. 

When implemented correctly, the right payroll software can be the game-changer your business needs, offering a streamlined solution to handle payroll tasks efficiently, as well as reducing administrative burdens, errors, and the complexities of compliance. But in today’s rapidly advancing digital age, how do you choose the best payroll software for your business needs?

Small business owners often find navigating payroll services challenging, and it’s no wonder why. Google “payroll software options,” and the sheer number of search results is overwhelming. Yet, still, you’re tasked with discerning which payroll software best fits your organization. 

To help solve this headache and help you find the right solution for your business, we’ve created this comprehensive guide. Here we delve into the world of payroll software solutions, including what they can do for you functionally and their undeniable importance for small businesses. 

Moreover, we’ll walk you through the best payroll software options to consider in 2024, providing insights into their features, pricing, and suitability for specific business needs. 

What are Payroll Services? 

Payroll services used to be a disregarded corner of a dusty office block, where employees would only appear angrily in search of justice for a perceived paycheck error. Today, payroll software can turn your entire payroll process from frustrating to fulfilling. It can also become the cornerstone of managing employee salaries, benefits, deductions, and tax withholdings for businesses. Simply put, online payroll software allows business owners to automate the payroll process, replacing hours of tedious data entry with accurate and timely compensation for employees.

But there’s no one software that’s right for every business. Payroll software options encompass various aspects that small business owners need to understand, like the intricacies of employee salary calculation filled with working hours, overtime, bonuses, and deductions. Payroll software also handles complicated benefits administration, ensuring employees get health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation. 

Payroll is a formidable task, to say the least, but modern payroll services help business owners automate these processes, making payday more manageable for everyone. 

Why is Payroll Software Important for Small Businesses? 

Important is a bit of an understatement. Payroll software is essential for the modern business owner for a number of reasons. 

Let’s unpack the wide-reaching benefits of payroll software a bit further:

Save Time and Money

You know the aphorism, “Time is money.” These days, automation is the key to both, helping you stack up marginal gains for your business and reduce your workload at the same time. 

Automating payroll tasks frees staff to focus on more critical projects, like creative, strategic thinking. Meaning you can allocate human capital toward what people do best and allow software to handle the rest.

Because with the advent of advanced payroll software, gone are the days of manual number-crunching and tedious record-keeping. Payroll software streamlines these tasks while significantly decreasing the likelihood of costly errors that arise from manual calculations, so employees are paid accurately and on time.

Improved Accuracy and Compliance

Don’t get dinged for something you didn’t even know you did wrong. Tax codes are being edited and rewritten all the time. But, with payroll software, business owners can be assured that employee pay is calculated accurately and all taxes are deducted and paid correctly. 

Avoiding tax-related pitfalls saves money, reduces stress, and enhances overall business stability.

In the past, this was particularly frustrating, as payroll compliance is a moving target. Federal, state, and local tax regulations evolve, and failing to stay compliant leads to audits, fines, and even legal consequences. Payroll software is designed to prevent errors by automating calculations and updates so all tax obligations are met, providing small business owners with peace of mind.

Streamlined HR Processes 

A business without HR is doomed to fail. Systems, training, and employee benefits are all crucial to keeping those you work with happy, productive, and proud of their work.

Payroll software helps businesses streamline HR processes or create an HR department of one person since many small businesses operate with fewer than 5 employees. Automating HR processes, such as onboarding new employees, managing employee benefits, and monitoring working hours, all contribute to a thriving organizational culture.

Streamlining HR processes also enhances the overall employee experience. An efficiently onboarded new employee feels welcomed and informed about company policies and procedures from day one. Meanwhile, effective benefits administration means employees receive the benefits they need, enhancing their job satisfaction.

Payroll software reduces the administrative burden for your HR team, plain and simple, by simplifying tasks such as time tracking and leave management. This, in turn, allows HR professionals to focus on more strategic and value-added activities, such as employee development and engagement.

Better Reporting and Insights 

Sure, it’s your business, but is it running you? When data is delivered promptly and in a readable manner, small business owners have much more time on their hands to accurately interpret data and apply their knowledge to wise business decisions.

The best payroll software options provide businesses with valuable reports and insights into their payroll data. This, in turn, makes business easier and helps your business grow. 

These reports offer insights into various aspects of your business, including:

• Payroll Summaries: A payroll summary helps business owners see precisely where the money goes. 
• Tax Reports: Detailed information about tax deductions and payments not only facilitates tax compliance but also helps business owners understand the business on a deeper level. 
• Employee Earnings Reports: A comprehensive overview of employee compensation allows business owners to assess labor costs and make informed decisions.

With consistent, accurate reporting, small business owners can make data-driven decisions that benefit their business, such as identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing labor budgets. This enhances business performance while contributing to long-term growth and success.

The Best Payroll Software of 2024 

Now that we’ve demonstrated the necessity of payroll software let’s explore some of the top payroll software options for small business owners. We’ll review each system from a bird’s-eye view, so you can effortlessly evaluate whether it includes the tools and support you need to make payroll a breeze. 

Gusto  

Gusto offers clients a free 30-day trial and monthly pricing that starts at $40 for up to 10 employees, with an additional $6 per employee per month. It’s an option that works well for many small businesses since Gusto offers a wide array of features, including payroll processing, tax filing, employee self-service, benefits administration, HR tools, and reporting.

ADP 

ADP pricing is only available via direct inquiry, as they use a quote-based pricing model, which allows them to cater to a range of business needs. Respected for comprehensive solutions, ADP is a payroll solution for small businesses that offers versatile pricing options covering payroll processing, tax filing, employee self-service, benefits administration, HR tools, and reporting.

Paychex Flex 

Paychex Flex uses a quote-based pricing model to accommodate diverse business requirements, so pricing is only available via direct inquiry. Known for its robust features and services, Paychex Flex encompasses payroll processing, tax filing, employee self-service, benefits administration, HR tools, and reporting.

Justworks 

Justworks’ starting rate is $59 per employee per month for up to 50 employees, with an additional $49 per employee per month for each additional employee over 50. This payroll software solution is tailored to growing businesses. Justworks packages include payroll processing, tax filing, employee self-service, benefits administration, HR tools, and reporting.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks payroll software offers clients a free 30-day trial and pricing that starts at $75 per month plus $6 per employee per month. Quickbooks, a choice offering in-depth payroll capabilities, includes payroll processing, tax filing, employee self-service, time tracking, and reporting. Another option small businesses consider is integrating their QuickBooks bookkeeping with specialized payroll software, like DaySmart. 

While similar in their offerings, each payroll software includes a unique set of features, pricing structures, and advantages. Having this information at your fingertips can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your business needs.

Summary of the Best Payroll Software

Below is a summary of the best payroll software solutions available today, with pros and cons listed to help you decide on the best solution for your business. If you are interested in going beyond basic payroll capabilities, you may also consider adding DaySmart to your business’ tech stack. DaySmart complements payroll software and all the capabilities these solutions offer, with automatic payroll calculations as well as staff management features, strategic dashboards and reporting, and more. DaySmart helps streamline business operations, integrating seamlessly with payroll processes and more.

Next, let’s take a closer peek at some key factors you’ll want to consider when making a final decision on your company’s payroll software. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Payroll Software 

When considering a payroll solution, you must already have organizing software in place to run your business and manage employees daily. This daily software can then seamlessly coordinate with payroll software to help manage employees with ease and collect the data you need to run payroll efficiently. That’s where a solution like DaySmart can come into play.

DaySmart Capabilities

DaySmart offers affordable monthly plans, starting at just $39 per month. Known for its ease of use, appointment scheduling, and other comprehensive business management offerings, DaySmart software calculates payroll totals automatically for hourly and commission employees, allowing the business owner to generate payroll information quickly and then easily enter it into their payroll service solution. This, in turn, simplifies the payroll process, prevents manual work, maintains accuracy, and avoids the headache of calculating employee commissions between two systems.

Selecting the best payroll software for your business is no small task. When you’re grappling with an essential decision like this, there are a few, other considerations to keep in mind to make sure that the software will perform as you need it to:

1. Your Unique Business Needs  

Small businesses may use many of the same software tools, but no two are created equal. Small businesses have unique needs, and yours is no different. Specific industries, business sizes, and payroll structures are all different when it comes to the intricacies of business and staff management, which is integral in and of itself. Payroll software must include practical management tools, as DaySmart does, to store and maintain employee information, record working hours, and process payments accurately.

2. Payment Processing 

While it’s no substitute for full-scale payroll services, integrated payment processing like DaySmart is equipped with, can enhance the payroll process by enabling seamless revenue management and consolidating incoming and outgoing payments into a single platform. Small business owners love payroll software that can handle incoming and outgoing payments, so you have a complete, up-to-date view of your financial data in one place.

3. Unlimited Payroll Runs 

Listen, “Pobody’s Nerfect,” as they say. And mistakes happen. A flexible payroll system should permit unlimited payroll runs, providing the convenience of running payroll as often as needed without extra charges. If you need to run payroll more than once per pay period for whatever reason, make sure the software you choose allows unlimited payroll runs.

4. Basic Reports 

Efficient payroll systems offer comprehensive reporting features, including customizable dashboards and basic reports, so you can monitor payroll metrics and employee data. Make sure the software you choose will provide basic reports, such as payroll summaries, tax reports, and employee earnings reports, in a way that organizes the information for you to utilize. 

5. Automatic Compliance Updates 

You have enough on your plate. You shouldn’t need to worry about changing tax codes and labor regulations. But, of course, you don’t want to be in violation of anything, either. Luckily, comprehensive payroll software can keep you compliant through automatic compliance updates, minimizing the risk of errors and penalties.

6. Mobile Access

Managing your business on the go? Most small business owners are these days. And having access to your payroll software through a mobile device is undoubtedly advantageous. It allows you to manage payroll tasks, view reports, and handle staff management wherever you are, enhancing convenience and flexibility.

7. Pricing 

Payroll software can get pricey. Wide-ranging factors, such as the provider, features, business size, and specific needs, all mix together to determine how much payroll software costs. You’ll need to balance the budget with the value offered by the software when evaluating pricing options. 

As you research the best payroll software to suit your small business, keeping these factors in mind will help you make the decision that best suits your business, streamlines payroll management, and ensures tax compliance.

For context, let’s look at how DaySmart software addresses each of the crucial factors mentioned above. 

• Staff Management: Check! 
  • All DaySmart platforms include essential staff management features, including time tracking.
• Payroll Calculations: Check!
  • DaySmart handles all payroll prep without you lifting a finger.
• Payment Processing: Check!
  • DaySmart allows you to accept payments in person or online, and all payments are automatically fed into your payroll reports.
• Unlimited Payroll Runs: Check!
  • Make a mistake? No problem. Run payroll as many times as you need per pay period.
• Basic Reports: Check!
  • DaySmart provides all necessary basic reporting options you need to share with your payroll service, including payroll summaries, tax reports, and employee earnings reports. This simplifies the process of collecting commission totals and hourly pay, while saving you the stress of manual calculations and freeing up your time.
• Mobile Access: Check!
  • On the go? Stay online. DaySmart offers a mobile app so you can manage your payroll no matter where you are.
• Pricing: Double Check!
  • DaySmart software solutions help to manage payroll with prices starting at $39/month for up to 10 employees, plus just $3/employee/month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What are payroll services? 

Payroll services is an all-encompassing term that refers to businesses’ tools and processes to manage employee salaries, benefits, deductions, and tax withholdings. Online payroll software automates the payroll process, replacing hours of tedious data entry and cross-referencing with accurate and timely compensation for employees.

How do you do payroll for a small business yourself? 

These days, doing payroll for your small business isn’t an option, but you do get to decide how much of the leg work you turn over to the payroll platform. However, there are a few steps where you’ll need a human to help. 

To do payroll for a small business yourself, you still need to: 

1. Gather Employee Information: First, you’ll collect essential information from all employees, such as names, addresses, social security numbers, and tax forms (W-4).
2. Calculate Wages: Then, you’ll need to calculate employee wages for the pay period by considering hours worked, hourly rates, and any overtime.
3. Deduct Taxes and Contributions: After you have the gross wage calculated, you’ll deduct federal, state, and local taxes, as well as employee contributions for Social Security and Medicare.
4. Process Payroll: After applying taxes, you can process payroll using payroll software or an accounting system to calculate what’s owed, then generate paychecks or initiate direct deposits for the pay period. 
5. File Taxes: Each year, you’ll submit all necessary payroll tax forms and payments to the appropriate tax authorities.
6. Keep Records: Along the way, maintain accurate payroll records, including pay stubs, timecards, and tax documents, so that tax time isn’t too much hassle. 

What type of HR features should a payroll system have? 

A robust payroll system will include various HR features such as employee self-service portals, time and attendance tracking, benefits administration, leave management, and onboarding capabilities. These features streamline HR processes and improve overall workforce management.

How do I set up payroll for one employee? 

If you’re working in the US, setting up payroll for your first employee involves several steps:

1. Register Your Business: First, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and set up a business entity. This can take several weeks and a few filing fees to accomplish. 
2. Gather Employee Information: Then, collect necessary information about your employee, like name, address, and tax forms.
3. Calculate Wages: Next, you’ll determine how to compensate your employee—hourly or salaried. 
4. Set Up a Payroll System: Once you’ve agreed with your employee regarding wages, you’ll need to choose which payroll software to use to help calculate taxes, as well as create paychecks or initiate direct deposits.
5. Report and Pay Taxes: Finally, you’ll file the required payroll tax forms and submit payments to the tax authorities. 

And voila! You’ve set up payroll for your first employee. 

How long does payroll take to process? 

Payroll processing time varies depending on the complexity of your payroll and the tools you choose to use. With modern, automated payroll software, processing payroll for a small business can take a few hours to a day, while larger businesses with more employees and intricate pay structures may take longer, perhaps a few days to a week.

How secure is payroll software? 

Housing such sensitive and personal information, payroll software is designed to be highly secure. Reputable payroll software will employ encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive payroll data. This is why it’s essential to choose a trusted provider and implement robust security practices within your organization to safeguard your employees’ and businesses’ information.

How much does a payroll system cost? 

There’s no simple answer to this one, as the cost of a payroll system varies widely based on the size of your business, the complexity of your payroll needs, and the features required. For a ballpark figure, small businesses might spend anywhere from $40 to $400 monthly for payroll software. You’ll need to consider your specific needs and budget when selecting a payroll system that best suits your business. 

Set Realistic Expectations: Setup Can Be Time-Consuming

Payroll software offers slightly varied user experiences, but all have similar setup processes. This means that across the board, no matter which software you choose, setup can take time. In fact, it’s the most time-consuming and detail-oriented aspect of payroll software, so don’t be shocked when migrating to a new system has a few bumps in the road. This is normal when adopting any new technology or process. Change takes time. 

To mitigate this change, look for software services that offer step-by-step instructions, partial setup wizards, customer support experts, or that allow you to import historical data from competing payroll solutions. Any of these options may save valuable time during the setup process. 

So don’t be discouraged when setup takes time or you have a few frustrated folks who take a minute to adjust to something new. Because, in the long run, automated payroll software runs faster, makes fewer mistakes, and gets everyone their paychecks when they need them. 

There are a lot of great payroll software options out there, and it’s up to you to determine which will be the best solution for your business needs. Depending on the business you are in, you may benefit from a payroll solution that is tailored to your industry. DaySmart, for example, offers software solutions for a wide range of industries, each offering unique features that add value to specific types of businesses. Explore our product offerings simply by clicking the link here.

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DaySmart Acquires Sawyer

Further expands DaySmart’s support of the recreation vertical

DaySmart Software, a leading provider of vertically-focused business management software,
today announced the acquisition of Sawyer, a leading provider of business management
software for the children’s activities end market. The acquisition expands DaySmart’s offering
within the recreation market to include scheduling and payments solutions for K-12
extracurricular activities.

Since its founding in 2015, Sawyer has focused on simplifying the discovery of children’s after
school and extracurricular activities. Its two-sided model, offering software solutions for
customers to run and grow their business, as well as a marketplace for parents to discover kids’
activities in their area, provides a unique solution to a segment of the recreation market
otherwise not offered today.

“With the addition of Sawyer, DaySmart offers the broadest range of recreation-focused
business software and services in the market,” said Pat Shanahan, CEO of DaySmart. “We are
delighted to welcome the Sawyer team to DaySmart and serve our customer base together.”

“Sawyer’s mission since day one has been to build best-in-class technology solutions to connect
parents with providers of out-of-school learning opportunities,” said Marissa Evans Alden, CEO
and Co-Founder of Sawyer. “DaySmart’s history within the recreation space and its commitment
to SMB excellence is well aligned with our priorities of providing our customers with best-in-
class technology and support. We are excited to accelerate our growth potential as part of the
DaySmart team.”

About DaySmart

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, DaySmart Software is committed to providing SMB and
enterprise clients tailored business management solutions to help them run and grow their
businesses. Since 1999, DaySmart has offered vertically focused cloud-based applications and
payment processing solutions to businesses of all sizes, spanning across the recreation, vet,
pet, salon, spa, and body art industries. The company’s comprehensive platform empowers
customers to manage, connect, and grow their client base within a single solution. For more
information about the company and its suite of solutions, visit www.DaySmart.com.

About Sawyer

Sawyer, founded in Brooklyn in 2015, connects children, parents, and providers of the best
enriching childhood experiences through a suite of industry-leading technology solutions with a
goal to ensure every child has the opportunity to discover their own love of learning.

Sawyer reaches thousands of small business owners, enterprise organizations, non-profits, and
traditional educational institutions and gives them the business intelligence tools to drive
decision making. Sawyer also helps over a million parents navigate the intense, fragmented
world of early childhood development by creating tools that manage their children’s day-to-day
lives. Leonis Partners served as financial advisor to Sawyer during the acquisition process.

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The Best Salon Software for 2024

Everyone is online. And if your salon still only makes reservations manually, by phone or email, then let’s face it. You’re working too hard. 

Imagine customized scheduling based on service provider preference and fewer client no-shows. Consider how much easier your salon could run with comprehensive management software. 

Luckily for you, we’re here to unpack the top salon software options for 2024, dissect their pros and cons, and discover which salon software is a perfect fit for your needs.

What is Salon Software? 

Salon software is a comprehensive business management system specifically designed with salons, spas, and barbershops in mind. It streamlines many aspects of daily salon operations, such as appointment scheduling, inventory management, employee tracking, communication with customers, and client relationship management. 

Increasing demand from consumers for personalized services and enhanced client experiences in salons means that this software is no longer a luxury but rather an essential tool for salon owners and managers to enhance productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition. 

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Salon Software 

When migrating online for the first time, or even transitioning to a new solution, choosing the right salon software can feel overwhelming. Salon owners must consider many factors when deciding what’s right for their salon. A few factors to keep in mind throughout your search are the software’s capability for appointment scheduling, business management, client communication, and overall growth. Let’s unpack each of these factors separately. 

First, we’ll look at scheduling capabilities to streamline the check-in experience for clients and your staff.

Appointment Scheduling Capabilities

Customized Online Scheduling Website 

Being able to build a customized online scheduling website with minimal effort is a game changer for salon owners. This empowers your clients to book appointments with ease and skip calling the salon. In fact, research shows that 67% of clients prefer the convenience of online booking. The best salon software offers user-friendly interfaces where clients can select their services, preferred stylists, and available time slots. And, of course, this feature is not just great for you. It also reduces the workload of your front desk staff and minimizes scheduling conflicts.

Online Digital Forms and Waivers 

Is collecting client information slowing down service consultations? Salon software can take that off your plate with online digital forms and waivers that streamline the consultation process for both staff and clients. Clients can complete necessary forms, such as consent forms or health questionnaires, from their smartphones or computers prior to their appointment. With this, they can breeze into the spa and go straight to their service.

Walk-in Kiosk Manager

Got a spot open in a stylist’s schedule? No problem. Salon software with a walk-in kiosk manager feature can facilitate the management of walk-in clients without someone having to watch the front desk all day. Walk-in clients can request an appointment and snag an open slot. This greatly reduces long lines at the front desk and means that no client is turned away. Plus, this simple feature can improve the overall client experience and lead to increased walk-in business.

Next, you’ll want to look at management options for things like client management, bookkeeping, and mobile app access. 

Management Capabilities

Client Management  

Messy stylist notebooks with client information are a thing of the past. With the effective client management tools available through today’s salon software, you can maintain comprehensive client profiles without the hassle of pen, paper, or wasted time. The best salon software will store client preferences, appointment history, color formulas, and product purchase records, so you can even recommend new products between appointments. This feature creates a highly personalized experience, fostering client loyalty and many repeat visits.

Bookkeeping and Report Management 

The bookkeeping of a client-facing business is not typically a favorite task of salon owners. However, the ability to manage bookkeeping and generate detailed reports is crucial for tracking your salon’s financial health. Luckily, salon management software can take all those pesky numbers off your plate with features that simplify income and expense tracking, allowing you to monitor profitability and budget while making informed financial decisions for your business.

Mobile App Access 

Mobile app access means you’ve got a built-in mobile office to take care of your scheduling, appointments, and even check-out on the go. Most stylists aren’t in the studio 9 to 5 every day, but having a mobile app means they can check in on appointments, update client profiles, or access reports while away from the salon.

Once you’ve determined your management needs, consider the software’s communication options. 

Communication Capabilities

Appointment Reminders 

No more no-shows! Appointment reminders are essential for keeping your salon’s schedule organized. This feature can send automated reminders via text or email so clients never miss their appointments. Plus, you don’t have to remember to call or text clients the day before to remind them yourself.

Text Marketing 

Communication features like text marketing allow salon owners and stylists to engage with clients through promotional campaigns, exclusive offers, and event announcements. You can even send your client a birthday message with a coupon! Text marketing reaches clients directly and, if done well, builds client loyalty so they don’t stray to other salons. 

Email Marketing

When in doubt, over-communicate. Email marketing is an incredible tool for nurturing customer relationships, allowing you to send personalized emails with promotions, newsletters, and updates. Like text marketing, effective email marketing boosts customer retention and encourages repeat business.

Two-way Texting 

Beyond simple text marketing, some salon software systems also offer a two-way texting feature. This provides seamless communication between your salon and clients without stylists having to give out their personal numbers. Clients can respond to appointment confirmations, make inquiries, or request changes, all directly within the software platform.

One of the main goals of implementing salon software is to make your life easier, so your business can grow. Consider, then, what tools for growth are already integrated into your chosen salon software. 

Growth Capabilities

Integrated Credit Card Processing 

Salon software should ultimately help you grow, so integrated credit card processing is a must. After an appointment, clients are ready to show off their new look and spend minimal time checking out and rebooking. Salon software with integrated credit card processing streamlines payment acceptance and enhances the client checkout experience. This salon software feature should support multiple payment methods and provide secure and efficient transactions in order to be reliable.

Reputation Management 

Reputation is the name of the game, and new clients will always Google a new salon before requesting an appointment. Software solutions with reputation management tools can help your salon maintain a positive five-star online image by enabling you to collect and manage client reviews and ratings. Building a strong online reputation attracts new clients and builds trust in your community.

Social Media Integration 

Today, you have to be on social media to show off your stylists’ skills. But you don’t have to hire a social media manager to do this effectively. A comprehensive salon app will include simple social media integration that streamlines the process of booking, allowing followers to book directly from your Facebook or Instagram profile. You can also share images or promotions in your posts so followers can book from your profile page. This feature couples nicely with online reputation management by utilizing social media to enhance your online presence and engagement with clients.

These features, when considered carefully in your salon software selection, can lead to more efficiency, client satisfaction, and overall growth of your salon. 

Top Benefits of Implementing Salon Software

Salon owners know they’ve got to keep pace with technology in order to keep their business afloat. In 2024, adopting the right technology can boost your business big time. Salon software has taken the beauty and wellness industry by storm as a powerful tool to help salons of all sizes simplify and improve operations by automating tasks, streamlining processes, and providing valuable insights. 

Here are some of the many benefits of salon management software.

• Improved Client Experience. 

The heart of a successful salon is its clients – the community. With that said, one of the biggest and most obvious benefits of salon software is an improved client experience. Salon software allows clients to conveniently select services, choose their preferred service provider, book an appointment, and even pay a deposit. This user-friendly option reduces work for your staff. Plus, they can ensure their preferred stylist is available through a user-friendly interface that also reduces the work of your staff. Even more, salon software stores client information and purchase history, which can be used to provide a more luxurious and personalized experience. 

• Enhanced Salon Efficiency. 

Salons, as a place of pampering, should feel relaxed, not business-like. Clients like to visit with stylists, and stylists usually prefer to focus on what they do best – making their clients look and feel fabulous. With salon software, stylists can continue to focus on what’s important, while the technology will keep your salon running efficiently. Salon software helps by automating tasks such as inventory management, employee scheduling, and maintaining customer communication – so your stylists don’t have to! Plus, while stylists are busy offering high-end customer service and making their guests feel pampered, the software can focus on tracking employee productivity, identifying popular services, and analyzing sales data to improve your overall business. 

• Streamlined Appointment Management. 

A huge challenge in the salon industry is time-consuming phone call confirmations, client no-shows, and scheduling miscommunications. But appointment reminders sent through salon software help minimize this struggle by texting and/or emailing clients ahead of time, keeping your salon’s books filled. 

• Better Financial Tracking and Reporting. 

Stylists are creative, and, to put it gently, financial tracking and reporting are, well, dull. This is why salon owners love having software to track finances and generate reports for them. Bookkeeping and reporting features in salon software help monitor the financial health of your salon without stressing you out over dollars and cents. Because all businesses have to maintain a bottom line, salon software simplifies the tracking of income and expenses, enabling you to monitor profitability, budget effectively, and make informed financial decisions. 

• Effective Marketing and Communication. 

No matter how well you foster community in your business, client turnover can be a real challenge. The right software can help salons market their businesses and communicate with their clients by sending email marketing campaigns, sharing last-minute openings by text, and managing customer loyalty programs. It can also collect customer feedback to improve the client experience and develop new products and services.

Types of Salon Software

Not all salon software is created equal. Many different types of salon software are available, each tailored to meet specific salon needs. 

The most common types of salon software include:

• Appointment Scheduling Software. 

This software helps salons manage scheduling by allowing clients to book online—as well as send reminders to clients to reduce no-shows and cancellations. Salon scheduling solutions typically include features like customized online scheduling websites, mobile app capabilities, and automated appointment reminders.

• Point of Sale (POS) Software. 

POS software is used primarily to process payments and manage inventory but can also be used to track sales data and generate reports. As POS software centers around transaction processing, it’s especially adept at client checkouts, retail sales, and payment processing. Many modern POS systems can also manage inventory and track product sales, which can also be a handy feature for salons. 

• Marketing and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. 

CRM software manages customer relationships and markets the salon’s business. Since this software focuses on marketing and client relationship management, it allows salon owners to create targeted marketing campaigns, track client interactions, and collect and manage customer reviews. An effective CRM tool helps build and maintain a positive online reputation.

• Comprehensive Salon Management Suites. 

A salon software suite, like DaySmart Salon, combines all of the features of different types of salon software into one seamless solution. This can be a great option for salons since this software integrates various salon software types into a single platform. These suites – we’ll explore some of our favorites further down – offer appointment scheduling, point of sale, marketing, and CRM tools all in one, providing a holistic solution for salon management.

How to Select the Best Salon Software for You

Choosing the right salon software for your business requires careful consideration. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Identify Your Salon’s Specific Needs. 

What are the most important features to you? What are your budget constraints? Operational requirements and challenges? Every salon is unique, and your choice of software should reflect your salon’s specific needs. 

• Consider Your Budget. 

Salon software can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars each year. It’s no secret that budget constraints can be a significant factor when choosing software. And yet, while you should stay mindful of cost, sometimes investing in a more feature-rich solution can lead to better long-term results.

• Look for User-Friendliness and Training. 

Adopting new software is a significant transition for your salon. So, the software should be easy to use for both you and your staff to minimize the learning curve. Be sure to choose a software solution that offers adequate training and support to keep team morale high during the adjustment.

• Seek Vendor Reputation and Support. 

New software solutions come and go quickly these days. In 2024, it’s best to choose a software vendor with a good reputation that offers excellent customer support so you can rely on using the software for years to come. Don’t be shy when it comes to reading reviews, asking for references, and inquiring about their customer support services.

• Ensure Data Security and Compliance. 

You’re dealing with sensitive information like home addresses and credit card details, so your salon software solution should be secure and compliant with all applicable regulations. Data security is of utmost importance since your clients’ trust in your salon relies on safeguarding their data.

The Best Salon Software of 2024 

Now that you’re pumped up on all the efficiency and growth that salon software can bring to your business, it’s time to review the software solutions themselves. 

Let’s look at the best salon software available in 2024:

DaySmart

Easy to use, affordable, and comprehensive, DaySmart Salon one of the best options for salons in 2024. Daysmart offers a salon software platform with robust features, including online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. It’s also known for its excellent customer support. Aside from a few imperative integrated software options offered, DaySmart Salon offers an all-in-one solution, preventing the need for additional integrations, which can become costly.

Pricing: DaySmart Salon offers affordable monthly plans starting at $29/month. 

Acuity

Acuity is also an easy-to-use and affordable salon software option that offers features like online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. However, users report that it can be buggy at times, and some features require additional fees.

Pricing: Acuity offers affordable monthly plans starting at $16/month. Some features, such as payment processing and gift certificates, require additional fees.

Fresha

Fresha is free, which can be a great option for your first-ever salon software. Plus, it’s easy to use and still offers many of the features needed, like online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. However, it does not offer 24/7 customer support, and some features require additional fees.

Pricing: Fresha offers a free monthly plan with unlimited usage and no subscription fees. Optional paid features include payment processing, marketplace fees, automated notifications, and marketing services.

Boulevard

Boulevard is another salon software option that offers online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. And although it also has powerful reporting tools and well-respected customer support, it can be expensive for small businesses.

Pricing: Boulevard offers more expensive monthly plans starting at $175/month. 

Meevo

Meevo is an affordable salon software option that includes online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. While it does include customer support, reviewers note that Meevo only has limited integration with other software for such a high price tag. 

Pricing: Meevo offers affordable monthly plans starting at $139/month. 

Phorest

Phorest boasts a wide range of features, including online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. While it offers powerful integrations with other software and good customer support, it can be expensive for small businesses.

Pricing: Phorest does not offer a free trial or membership. Inquire about pricing to learn more. 

Gloss Genius

Gloss Genius is an easy-to-use and affordable salon software platform offering comprehensive features, including online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, reporting, and customer support.

Pricing: Gloss Genius offers a free trial and affordable monthly plans starting at $24/month. 

Rosy

Rosy is an affordable salon software platform that offers features such as online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, inventory management, CRM, employee management, and reporting. Plus, it’s highly customizable and offers affordable monthly plans.Pricing: Rosy offers a one-month free trial and affordable monthly plans starting at $37/month.

Implementing salon software can be an invaluable asset for all sizes of salons. Saving time, money, and resources by automating tasks, streamlining processes, and providing valuable insights allows salon software to revolutionize your salon operations completely.

But don’t jump into anything too quickly, as adopting new software can be time-consuming, and you don’t want to start from scratch if you choose the wrong solution for your salon. By considering your salon’s unique needs and budget, you can select the right software that automates processes, supports your business growth, and also enhances the daily lives of your stylists and clients.

Schedule a demo with DaySmart Salon today to see if our software is right for you.

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