Salon POS System: a Guide to Choosing the Right One

A Point-of-Sale (POS) system is a critical part of running a salon business as it helps with sale transactions, inventory tracking, customer management, and staff scheduling. A comprehensive salon POS system can help you take your salon to the next level by streamlining processes and reducing operational costs. We provide a comprehensive guide to choosing the right salon POS system for your business. You'll learn how to identify your salon's needs, compare the features of various systems, and determine the best one for you.

Key Points:
When choosing a salon POS system, consider features such as ease of use, data security, payment processing, inventory management, and loyalty programs.
Evaluate the pricing, support, and system integration of different systems to ensure the best fit for the salon.
Consider the total cost of purchasing and implementing a POS system, as well as any other associated fees.
Compare the features and capabilities of multiple POS systems to find the right one for the salon's needs.

Why Do You Need a POS System for Your Salon?

A salon POS system is essential for running a successful business. It helps streamline the checkout process, manage customer records, and track sales. It can also provide insights into your business operations that can be used to drive future decisions. Here are a few key benefits of a salon POS system:

Boost customer service. A POS system simplifies customer checkout, which can help your salon provide a better customer experience. This can help drive repeat business and attract new customers.
Increase efficiency. A salon POS system makes it easier to manage customer records, schedule appointments, and track sales. This can help you better manage your business and reduce wasted time.
Maximize profits. A POS system can provide detailed reports that can be used to analyze sales trends and identify areas of improvement. This can help you increase profits and make more informed decisions.

What Types of POS Systems Are There?

There are several different types of POS systems, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most popular types of POS systems include cloud-based systems, tablet systems, traditional desktop systems, and hybrid systems.

Cloud-Based systems. Cloud-based salon POS systems are hosted remotely, meaning they are completely software-based and store data on a remote server. They’re typically the most cost-effective option, and they offer secure, real-time access to customer information, analytics, and other features.
Tablet systems. Tablet POS systems offer a sleek, convenient design, easy setup, and a tablet-based user interface. They can be used on the go, and they offer a variety of features such as real-time data reports, integrated loyalty programs, and more.
Traditional desktop systems. Traditional desktop systems are usually the most feature-rich option, as they offer a wide range of features and a user-friendly interface. They’re also typically the most expensive option, as they require additional hardware and salon POS software.
Hybrid systems. Hybrid POS systems offer the best of both worlds, combining cloud-based and traditional desktop systems. They are typically the most versatile option, and they offer the most scalability and customizability.

How Does a Salon POS System Work?

A nail salon POS system is an all-in-one system designed to help simplify the operations of a salon or spa business. This system helps salon owners automate their client booking, inventory, and billing processes, allowing them to focus on customer service and running their business more efficiently. Here’s how a salon POS system works:

It stores client data and allows salon owners to access it whenever they need to. This includes information such as customer name, contact details, and appointment history.
It enables salon owners to process payments in a secure and efficient manner. This includes accepting credit, debit, and prepaid cards, as well as cash payments.
It offers salon owners the ability to manage their staff, keep track of appointments, and see what services are booked. This helps to ensure customer satisfaction and provide real-time updates to their team.
It makes it easier to track inventory, generate reports, and manage finances. This helps salon owners maintain a clear picture of the business’s financial health and performance.
It provides salon owners with the ability to integrate their POS system with other salon management software. This helps streamline processes and increase efficiency.

What Are The Benefits of Using a Salon POS System?

A salon POS system can offer significant benefits when it comes to managing your salon's day-to-day operations and customer experience. With the right system in place, you can:

Streamline payment processing. A POS system can help you streamline your payment processes, making it easier to collect payments and manage the accounting of your salon.
Simplify appointment scheduling. An automated system can make it much easier to schedule appointments, send reminders, and keep track of customer histories.
Provide customer data. A POS system can capture essential customer data, such as their contact information and preferences, which can be used to provide a better customer experience.
Automate your operations. An automated salon POS system can take much of the manual work out of managing your salon, allowing for more efficient operations.
Integrate with loyalty programs. A POS system can also integrate with loyalty programs, enabling you to reward customer loyalty and encourage customer retention.
Improve your customers’ experiences. An automated system can help to create a more efficient customer experience, from helping them book their appointments to making the checkout process faster and more efficient.
Have more secure transactions. A salon POS system can also help to ensure more secure transactions, as it will encrypt customer payment data.

How Much Do POS Systems for Salons Cost?

Not all POS systems are going to be the same price. It’ll depend on the features you want, the company you work with, and the setup you need. There are a few free options and others charge hundreds. Expect to pay for the following:

Equipment. Depending on your needs, you may have to buy a tablet, cash drawer, printer, and other hardware. Plus, you might have to pay a monthly fee to use the software that comes with your equipment.
Processing fees. Most POS systems charge you a fee for each transaction on your system. These fees depend on the types of payments you accept.
Integration fees. If you want to integrate your POS system with a booking system or accounting software, there may be an additional fee.

If you’re just starting your business and are looking for financing to secure equipment like a POS system, consider taking out a beauty salon loan, an equipment loan, or business credit cards.

What Features Should a Good Salon POS System Have?

In order to make the most of your salon POS system, it's important to select a system that has all the features you need. When it comes to the features of a good salon POS system, the following are essential for any effective setup.

Appointment scheduling. This is essential for managing customers' booking requests and keeping track of upcoming availability. This can be used to plan ahead, keep track of past appointments, and accept future bookings with ease. Not all POS systems offer this feature, and the ones that do often charge a premium for it.
A customer database. This feature allows you to store customer contact information, appointment history, and payment details. This makes it easier to keep track of client information and streamline future bookings.
Inventory and product management. With this feature, you can keep track of stock levels, order new products and supplies, and even track sales. This ensures that you're always fully equipped and that every customer gets all the products they need, every time.
Payment processing. This is the fundamental reason most businesses have a POS system. It allows you to easily accept payments and process refunds, keeping everything organized and electronic.
Customer support. This ensures that you and your clients can get help quickly and efficiently so that you can keep your business running smoothly and successfully.

10 Best Salon POS Systems for 2023

There’s no shortage of POS systems out there. Here are 10 that specifically serve the salon and beauty industry.

1. Square

Square is an immensely popular POS system. It comes with no contract commitments and installation fees. For salon owners just starting out, there’s a free plan with just the basics. You will pay a processing fee of 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person payments, though, which can be steep for some salon owners.

2. Shopify POS

Shopify POS offers a number of features that make it a great option for salon owners. You can manage your inventory and accept multiple payment types like credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. Plus, there’s a mobile app that allows you to access your system from anywhere.

3. PayPal Zettle

PayPal Zettle provides a simple mobile card reader. As you might guess, the system is integrated with PayPal, so customers can pay with their PayPal accounts. But you can also accept payments from other major credit or debit card carriers. You’ll also get access to customer behavior trends and payment trends so you can make changes as necessary.

4. Mindbody

Mindbody is a cloud-based salon POS and management system with tools for booking, client management, appointments, and payment processing. It also provides marketing and analytics features, and offers seamless integration with popular third-party applications.

5. SalonTouch

SalonTouch is an advanced salon POS system with powerful features, including appointment scheduling, client management, employee tracking, payment processing, and more. It also provides integrated marketing and loyalty program tools.

6. Phorest Salon Software

The Phorest Salon Software suite includes a unique client management suite, which uses analytics to provide real-time insights into customer behavior. It also offers tools for appointment booking, inventory management, marketing, and client retention.

7. SalonBiz

SalonBiz is a cloud-based salon POS and management solution that streamlines operations, including booking and appointment scheduling, client management, inventory tracking, and employee time tracking. It also offers integrated marketing, client retention, and loyalty programs.

8. Rezku POS

Rezku is a POS system with tons of positive reviews and testimonials. It works through numerous iPad models like the iPad mini (generation 4 and 5). You’ll need to provide your own iPad, and Rezku provides everything else. Through Rezku, you can easily create a loyalty program for your customers.

9. Shortcuts

Shortcuts is a full-featured salon software with integrated marketing, inventory management, and employee scheduling tools. It also offers seamless integration with popular third-party apps, such as Stripe and MailChimp.

10. DaySmart Software

DaySmart Software is an all-in-one salon POS and management system designed to help salons streamline operations and boost their bottom line. It features a comprehensive set of features, including appointment scheduling, client management, reporting, marketing, and credit card processing.

How to Choose The Right POS System for Your Salon?

Finding the right POS system for your salon is an essential part of business success. The right system can help you with managing multiple locations and take advantage of special features. In order to choose the right salon POS system, consider the following factors:

Budget. The cost of the system should be taken into account when determining which salon POS system is the best fit for your business. There are free options and premium options to choose from.
Security. Some salon POS systems have more security features than others. Make sure the system you select offers an encryption protocol for the handling of payments and other sensitive information.
Customization. Many salon POS systems offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the system to your salon’s specific needs.
Mobile compatibility. Can the salon POS system be used on mobile devices? If so, this may be a great way to manage your salon on the go.
Scalability. Be sure to select a system that can accommodate the growth of your salon. You want a system that can accommodate an increase in customers or services offered.
Reports and analytics. Look for a system that offers comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities. This will allow you to better understand your customers and track salon performance.
Integrations. If you plan on integrating your salon POS system with other software or applications, make sure that your chosen system is compatible.

Salon POS System vs Salon Booking Software

When it comes to managing your salon’s operations, two of the most important tools you should consider are a salon POS system and salon booking software. While these two tools are often confused with one another, they’re actually quite different and offer unique advantages.

Here’s a quick overview of the differences between salon POS systems and salon booking software:

Salon POS System:

Allows you to process payments, manage inventory, and track customer loyalty.
Gives you an overview of your sales, profits, expenses, and other financials.
Offers detailed customer analytics, including customer segmentation, customer trends, and customer lifetime value.
Can be integrated with other salon management systems, such as appointment bookings and employee management.

Salon Booking Software:

Allows customers to schedule appointments online or through a mobile app.
Enables you to manage appointment bookings, employee schedules, and client information.
Can help streamline customer communication, such as sending automated reminders of upcoming appointments.
Can offer features such as online payments to reduce waiting time for customers and staff.

Challenges of Using Salon POS Systems

Salon POS systems have become increasingly popular in the salon industry, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to manage customers, inventory, and financials. However, it is important to keep in mind the potential pitfalls of relying on such a system.

The following are some of the key challenges of using a POS system in a salon setting:

Cost of implementation. The process of setting up and training on a new POS system can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s important to review the costs of implementation, maintenance, and training to ensure the system is within the salon’s budget.
Compatibility issues. Salon software must be compatible with existing hardware and software in the salon to ensure smooth operation.
Security. Security is an important factor for POS systems, as salons are handling sensitive customer data. Ensure the system has secure data encryption and other security protocols in place to keep customer data safe.
Data storage. Salon POS systems should have a secure way to store customer data in order to protect it. Consider whether the system offers cloud storage to protect against data loss.

How To Set Up a POS System Step-by-Step

Setting up a POS system can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up a POS system for your salon:

Decide where you’d like to set up the system. You might want it at the reception desk, or in a separate POS room or corner.
Decide who will set up the system. Do you want to do it yourself, or do you want the help of a professional POS vendor? If you go for the latter, make sure to do your research – ask for customer references, read reviews, and compare prices.
Launch the software. Work with the vendor to install the POS software on the computers or devices you’ve chosen to use and make sure everything is running correctly.
Set up accounts and input data. This includes adding information related to your business such as your pricing structure, customer information, and inventory.
Set up the hardware. This can include barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawers, and credit card readers. Ask your vendor to help you configure these and ensure they’re connected to the software.
Train your staff. Make sure they understand how to add items to a sale, process payments, and issue receipts.
Integrate your POS system with other salon systems and apps. This includes software for customer relationship management, bookings and appointments, accounting, inventory, and more.
Have a plan in place in case something unexpected goes wrong. Consult with your POS vendor to see what support they offer in case of an error or system malfunction. This will ensure you have the help you need if something goes wrong.

Final Word

Choosing the right salon POS system is essential to running a successful salon. With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your business. However, with the right research, you can find the perfect system that meets all of your needs. Remember to consider all of the factors discussed in this guide, such as pricing, support, features, and scalability, to make sure that you select the best system for your salon.

Investing in a good POS system will help ensure that your salon runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on what’s really important – delivering quality services to your clients.