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More and more hair salon businesses are popping up every day, and guest expectations are rising along with them. Between a crowded market, high customer expectations, and the new post-pandemic requirements many salons are facing, there’s never been a better time to ensure your salon point of sale software works to support your operations in the best possible way.
Unlike typical retail businesses, hair salons are juggling sales targets and driving revenue with extremely hands-on customer relationships. Efficiency, balanced with a personal touch, is essential to your overall success.
It starts with outsourcing the logistics to smart technology wherever possible. The best salon POS systems will take time-consuming organizational tasks off your staff’s plate and streamline your business operations with features such as automated check-ins and contactless payments. They will take care of the admin and let your staff focus on what they do best: Create a stellar guest experience.
Paired with the right POS hardware, the POS system will make your daily workflows more efficient while freeing up your staff to focus on your customers. Before we dive deeper into the key features you want to explore for your next point of sale system, here are three important points to consider first:
In 2020, the market size value of POS software reached $9.3 billion, and is forecasted to hit $18.1 billion by 2027.
As with any technology, a salon POS system is only as good as its ability to meet your specific needs and business requirements. There are some tools that stand out from the rest and support hair salons way beyond the point of sale, but ultimately there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Which point of sale system works best for you will depend on your needs, your budget, and your preferences. To get you started with the decision, we’ve gathered seven essential features to consider for your next salon POS system:
Easy scheduling is crucial to a salon business; you and your staff should be able to schedule appointments on the go and make sure that there are no snags in your day-to-day workflow. Any hair salon POS software should facilitate this, but the best options also include:
60% of individuals usually book their appointments online.
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In a world that lives and breathes data, every business needs to have a strong analytics tool to capture insights and make sense out of them. The best POS systems will utilize data from your point of sale as well as your marketing and business operations and turn them into actionable goals.
Reports with key performance indicators (KPIs) which display progress toward your goals help you assess the health of your salon business. They can highlight things like your highest ticket services, best-selling products, staff performance, and gaps in customer satisfaction, so you can make informed decisions about your business plans.
It’s worth investing in an all-in-one salon POS system which brings together sales, marketing, and operations, with an analytics tool that goes beyond just running standard Excel spreadsheet reports (because, let’s be honest, who wants to look at those?). Find a system that can:
Your salon POS system needs to be easy to set up and intuitive to use. A steep learning curve is the last thing you and your staff need when your hands are already full. Here’s what to look out for:
As digital payments are becoming more prevalent, it is important for your salon point of sale software to be equipped to accept multiple payment methods including cash, credit card, contactless payments, membership, packages, and gift cards. Ideally, your point of sale software should also offer automated payment alerts, third-party billing, and customization of receipts to fit specific occasions or to offer your customers specific information.
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The very best salon POS systems can process and track void and returned transactions, keep tabs on petty expenses, prevent theft, and regulate unintentional miscalculations — all of which can save you money and headaches. Other useful features include:
Offering retail products is a great way of making the most of your staff’s expertise. When providers love your product range and recommend it to guests daily, it can boost your revenue significantly.
You can expect some degree of inventory management in most software options, but the best salon point of sale systems will:
Product purchases don’t have to be limited to the point of sale though. To take your retail sales to the next level, look out for salon POS systems which support running an online store. When you offer and promote your product line through an online store, your guests can enjoy your products even when they can’t make it to the salon.
Aesthetics chain Skin Renewal used to struggle to manage their inventory across 16 locations. As they rapidly expanded, they lacked insight into stock levels which caused backlogs and delays.
By centralizing and automating inventory management, they saved over 500 hours per month. Here’s how.
46% of individuals spend 5-6 hours on their phone every day.
You probably spend more time on your phone than you’d like to admit, and so does your guests. So, make sure you connect with them over email and text on a regular basis. Some salon owners hire a marketing consultant for this job, but great hair salon POS systems will help you reach more guests without having to enlist a professional.
Studies show that email marketing is a great tool for building and retaining a loyal customer base. Your salon point of sale software should have email marketing capabilities that make it a breeze to compose, design, and send emails to your customers. Personalized wishes and messages for special events, offers and discounts for repeat customers, welcome messages for new customers, and newsletter subscriptions are just a few ways to engage with your audience.
Your guests are used to a personalized experience in your salon, so generic texts and emails are rarely the ideal way to connect with them. The best hair salon POS systems will make marketing a breeze with features such as:
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Your staff is the face of your business, and their success in that role is directly linked to your bottom line. What’s more: The number of 30- to 45-year-olds leaving their jobs increased by 20% between 2020 and 2021, meaning it’s more important than ever to provide a great workplace for your staff.
Implement a modern salon POS system to ensure a frictionless experience where staff can focus on providing a fantastic guest experience without being hampered by lengthy administrative tasks. Look for features such as:
Keeping your staff nurtured and engaged doesn’t just pay off in terms of business success. Supporting them using an intuitive salon POS system also keeps up morale and minimizes turnover, ensuring your guests have the same great experience at every visit.
Discover how to keep your team motivated and engaged.
Thinking of creating a great salon package? A great salon package combines value, variety, and personalization. It should offer a mix of popular services - like haircuts, color, and treatments - at a discounted rate, encouraging clients to try new services. Including add-ons like a free consultation or a complimentary product enhances the package's appeal. The key is to tailor packages to specific client needs, such as seasonal specials or event-focused bundles, ensuring they feel both exclusive and practical. Effective packaging also involves clear communication of savings and benefits to make it irresistible.
When you consider the best salon POS software and POS hardware options for your business, remember that your decision has bearing on your overall revenue — both for maintaining a loyal guest base, happy staff, and efficient business operations. Now is the time to ask yourself if your hair salon POS system is a cut above the rest or if it needs a revamp.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, Zenoti has your back with extensive features, seamless integration, and 24/7 support — all for an affordable price. To get started with a demo, reach out today!
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