When it comes to managing your salon, technology is your most valuable business partner. This 2012 Technology Guide introduces you the business management software players in the professional beauty industry, as well as a number of other companies that help you navigate today’s latest technologies to better your salon business.

Bizlink Management

ClienTrak! Spa & Salon Software

Crimpers Management Software

Demandforce

Envision Salon and Spa Management Software

Insight Salon & Spa Software

JTE System

Korvue

Leprechaun Spa and Salon

Linkup Marketing

Mikal Salon & Spa Software

Milano Software

Millennium by Harms Software Inc.

Mindbody, Inc.

Rosy Salon Software

SalonBiz Software, Neill Technologies

SalonBooker

Salon Iris Software by DaySmart Software Inc.

SalonMSSNGR

Salonware Software

Salon Transcripts

Shortcuts Software

StyleSeat

SuperSalon by Rogers Software Development Inc.

TouchSuite Salon/Spa by Invenstar

Verasoft

Virtual Cloud Software

 

Bizlink Management Software >>

bizlinkms.com

877-424-5093

sthompson@bizlinkms.com

Newest product:  Retail purchase reminders to the clients

Platform: Web based

Key features: Online Booking, text message/e-mail conformations and reminders to clients for appointments, automated service reminders for clients to return to get services, sales report, profit/loss report/commission reports, credit card integrations

 

ClienTrak! Spa & Salon Software >>

clientrak.com

800-397-4582

Fax: 412-939-3393

mgc@nucocorp.com

Newest product:  iPhone Mobile App

Platform: Windows

Key features: Complete Point-of-Sale System, mobile app, web booking, automated appointment reminders, e-mail marketing, lowest cost credit card processing

 

Crimpers Management Software >>

crimpers.com

707-765-9297

derek@crimpers.com

Technology offered: full salon/spa management software, online appointment booking system, automated salon marketing system (surveys/newsletters/cards), internet appointment making and checking by clients

Platform: Windows

Key features: Full auto appt scheduling, Internet appt booking, many reports, payroll, purchase order system, employee evaluations, client contact thru email and other ways

 

 

Demandforce >>

demandforce.com

800-210-0355

sales@demandforce.com

Newest product: In addition to Google, Facebook, Citysearch and Mapquest, all Demandforce reviews are now syndicated to Bing, Judy’s Book, YP.com. From these sites, clients can request an appointment right from the page and it is tracked in your Demandforce software

Platform: Demandforce is a SaaS based solution that syncs with the existing management software

Key features: Targeted and segmented marketing campaigns, certified reviews collection and web syndication, online reputation marketing, e-mail and SMS appointment reminders and confirmations, social media automation.

 

Envision Salon and Spa Management Software >>

envisionsalon.com

800-231-9445

Fax: 407-253-0984

sales@ennoview.com

Newest product: MyDash iPhone App: Mobile App allowing clients to book appointments, write reviews, and more right from their iPhone or iPad

Platform: Windows

Key features: Appointment, point of sale, inventory, and client manager;  goal tracking reports;  automated marketing and appointment confirmations via email and text messaging; integrated loyalty point system;  online access; iPhone and android apps; real-time online booking, gift certificate sales, client reviews and referrals.

 

Insight Salon & Spa Software >>

salon-software.com

888-919-5841

sales@salon-software.com

Newest product: New in 2012, Automated marketing with Insight auto pilot and Two-way integration with Demand Force. Marketing features include; guest reviews; Facebook integration; and an online referral system that makes client communication and revenue tracking easy.

Platform: Windows, Mac, iPad and Andriod. Insight’ cloud version operates on any device, anywhere

Key features: Flexibility of the cloud or the software. Businesses have the option of owning or getting a monthly subscription. Appointment book, real time online booking with true text and email confirmations for 100 percent deliverability. Online booking on your Facebook and website, text and email marketing features, sales reports, inventory control, credit card integration, gift cards and loyalty points, client management, quick books integration, touch screen capability. Multi location module.

 

Emicor >>

salonsoftware.net

1-800-737-4115

sales@salonsoftware.net

Newest product: Live Surveillance, Fingerprint Time Clock, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Platform: Cloud Computing software

Key features:  Point-of-Sale (POS); appointment book and online booking; service and inventory management; e-mail account; credit card integration; automatic email notification; text messaging reminders; fingerprint Time clock; client database; employee database; marketing & email blasts; social networking; accounting ; tips and commissions; reports and analysis; security and data protection; surveillance; instant access to review sites; instant access to product, education and industry sites; remote access

 

Korvue >>

korvue.com

866-567-8838

248-412-4000

Fax: 413-812-5004

korvue.com

Newest product: Custom Mobile Applications for staff or clients. Korvue supports custom mobile applications designed for mobile platforms such as the iPhone/iPod, iPad and Android with new mobile framework.

Key features: This framework allows salons to interact with staff and clients without limits of one-size-fits all software.

 

Leprechaun Spa and Salon Software >>

leprechaun-software.com

800-373-1684

Fax: 412-939-3393

sales@leprechaun-software.com

Newest product: iPhone Mobile App

Platform: Windows

Key features: Complete Point-of-Sale System to include: Sales reporting, marketing, inventory, payroll, goals, appointment scheduling, e-mail reminders, gift card redemption, credit card processing

 

Linkup Marketing >>

linkupmarketing.com

800-214-7032

info@linkupmarketing.com

Newest product: Custom Facebook apps

Platform: Web-based, all platforms

Key features: Linkup marketing is a full service marketing agency for the salon and spa industry. It is specialized in social media applications, websites, mobile applications and custom digital solutions for beauty businesses worldwide.

 

MIKAL Salon & Spa Software >>

mikal.com

800-448-5420

Fax: 513-528-8264

sales@mikal.com

Newest product: Award-winning Tablet app. It is a queue crusher for the salon/spa that allows client check in, appointment bookings, client info updates and other functions that relieve the time and reduce the lines at the front desk for check in and check out.

Platform: Any Windows version XP or higher and Windows server versions; tablet app can run on Windows, Android, and I-Pad

Key features: Complete Point of sale with integrated package, series, and membership tracking. Full cash control with deposit tracking and operator audit reports. Integrated with QuickBooks. Ability to interface with 17,000 credit card processors and no fee gift card and client loyalty programs. Client management with eight user defined technical cards, gift card/certificate tracking, memberships with auto-billing, multiple client pictures, buying.

history, booking history, and integrated follow up marketing with our Autopilot marketing system. Detailed time clock and tip tracking with productivity reports. Automatic no cost e-mail and text marketing and campaign management. Appointment book with integrated real-time online booking, smart booking for multi-service appointments and group bookings. No cost e-mail and text confirmation system. Employee tracking with goal setting, payroll analysis, complete payroll. Inventory control with purchase orders and barcode control.

 

Milano Software >>

milanosoftware.com

800-667-1596

Fax: 905-884-9505

business@milanosoftware.com

Newest product: Version 8; Real-Time Head Office Software. New online bookings that are web-integrated ready

Platform: Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Windows 7 Business/Ultimate, Windows Server 2003/2008 (Head Office)

Key features: V8: Real-Time Head Office Communication to Central Database;  faster client relation management system;  advanced database security; VPN compatibility; quick and accurate multi-client bookings; time saving waiting list with automatic prompting; target behavior marketing – personalized promotional e-mails with campaign management; unlimited client data with linked forms; results driven staff goal setting; profit center and business forecasting tool; online booking; customizable loyalty programs; gift card tracking and processing; SQL database without the cost of MS SQL licenses for multi locations salons and spas.

 

Millennium Salon Software>>

harms-software.com

888-813-2141

Fax: 973-402-8813

sales@harms-software.com

Newest product: Some products/services include: Advanced appointment book, POS – allows for credit card processing, gift card functionalities and more, automated marketing capabilities with e-mail and text message features (Millennium will email/ text clients their appt. times & confirmations), inventory management, business management features to help the business grow and increase revenue, online booking – clients will be able to buy gift cards and book appointments online, multi-location and franchise management, smartphone features – clients will be able to have reports and security alerts sent right to smartphone, integration with demand force, integration with constant contact, integrated PCI Compliant Credit Card Processing Solution.

Platform: PC and MAC

What makes this product different: Over 75 employees share a mission and vision to take care of every client with compassion and a proactive approach to give them everything they need to not only get through the day, but to succeed. Another thing people can’t replicate is our long history and the fact that many of the business statistics and innovation you see in software today came from Millennium. A points/rewards system that encourages clients to try new services, pre-book, and create behaviors that lead to growth, was invented at Millennium. The first online booking engine in the beauty industry started at Millennium. The primary difference is we continue to surge forward and focus on our clients’ needs. A reputation isn’t built in a day but after 25 years the difference has become the people at Millennium who are innovating and serving our clients in a way that nobody else is.

 

MINDBODY Salon Software>>

mindbodyonline.com/salon

877-755-4279

Fax: 866-759-7958

sales@mindbodyonline.com

Newest product: MINDBODY Appointment Booker App for Facebook, Skilled Stylist mobile app, Demandforce integration, ongoing feature upgrades to streamline check-in, appointment confirmations, reports, and more.

Platform: Desktop = Mac, PC, tablets, smartphones

Key features: Online sales and scheduling, staff and resource scheduling, point of sale, day-to day automation, business analytics, client relationship and marketing tools.

 

Rosy Salon Software >>

rosysalonsoftware.com

877-346-7679

sales@rosysalonsoftware.com

Newest product: Rosy

Platform: PC/Mac, iPad/Android, iPhone/Android

Key features: Easy to use online scheduling, point of sale, email/text reminders, e-mail marketing, Facebook integration, inventory, mobile/remote access, credit card processing, complete reporting, secure backups.

 

SalonBiz Software>>

salonbiz.com

800-809-2802

contactus@salonbiz.com

Newest product: We are focused on instant access anywhere, SalonBiz Cloud is our newest web-based product it offers mobile booking and online booking for your clients.

Platform: Windows or Mac computer, Oracle database

Key features: Central management functions allow to standardize operating procedures; key performance measurement tools help you grow staff and business; recommend retail and re-book easily on iPad app; never miss an opportunity to reserve appointments with Mobile Booking; keeping doors open 24/7 with online booking; customize own reports with report center; instant access - from anywhere and on various devices; flexibility –it is designed to grow with you so it is a great tool for a salon of any size; user friendly interface makes training simple and intuitive ; simple set up for single and multi locations

 

SalonBooker >>

salonbooker.com

866-966-9798

sales@salonbooker.com

Newest product: SalonBooker Android mobile app with credit card swiper for payment processing

Platform: PC, Mac, mobile and tablet devices

Key features: Web-based software lets salons access their business from any device with an internet connection, plus utilize online booking, scheduling, point-of-sale, comprehensive CRM tools, social media marketing, email marketing, employee management, no-fee online instant gift certificates, eCommerce tools, reporting and more

 

Salon Iris Software by DaySmart Software Inc. >>

saloniris.com

800-527-7600

Fax: 734-943-6018

sales@daysmart.com

Newest product: Mobile apps for almost every mobile device: Android app for phones and tablets, iPhone and iPad app, Kindle Fire app, Nook Color and Nook Tablet app, BlackBerry PlayBook app

Platform: Windows, Android, iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Key features: Salon Iris software is designed to help save businesses time and money, and increase profitability through built-in appointment scheduling, full point of sale, client tracking and history, inventory control and ordering, e-mail and text message marketing, employee and payroll management, online booking, over 200 detailed business performance reports, database backups, remote access, and more. Salon Iris software remote access works through any laptop, computer, phone, or mobile device with Internet access, and free apps are available for Android devices, iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet and Color, and the BlackBerry PlayBook

 

SalonMSSNGR >>

salonmssngr.com

303.442.3223

support@salonmssngr.com

Newest product: SalonMSSNGR is a new web-based system that allows salons to send and receive text messages directly with their client's mobile phones from the salon's computer. SalonMSSNGR™ makes salons “text-friendly” in order to confirm appointments or notify one another if one is running late, without tying up phone lines or relying on e-mail.

Platform: SalonMSSNGR is a Chrome browser-based texting system hosted on the front-desk computer. It works on both PCs and Macs alongside your desktop applications.

Key features: Save time on appointment confirmations by sending texts; manage up to 12 concurrent text conversations; stylist running late? Just send a text; client running late? Just receive a text; save notes for each customer; print text conversations for back-up.

 

Salonware Software >>

salonsoftware.com

888-260-8181

Sales@salonspaware.com

Newest product: Salonware version 18.0 with many new features including multi-location capabilities

Platform: PC and Mac

Key features: From the new automated marketing module (with text messaging and voice confirmations) to a new credit card module allowing pre-authorized payments. The new version allows for multi-locations salons and spas.

 

Salon Transcripts >>

salontranscripts.com

800-766-4778

sales@salontranscripts.com

Newest product: Billboard/Dashboard. Encourage peak performance and keep your staff on track using Billboard’s goal monitoring and goal guidance functions. Quickly monitor staff and enterprise performance with Dashboard -- delivers a wealth of information on one customizable, easy-to-read screen.

Platform: Apple – Mac OSX

Key features: STX software for salons and spas manages employee scheduling and compensation; tracks service and retail sales; provides effective marketing to clients and analyzes results; tracks inventory; allows for online booking of client appointments; sends e-mail and text message appointment reminders; allows staff to remotely check their schedules; accommodates gift card sales and more. STX is the easiest salon and spa management system to learn and use.

 

Shortcuts Software >>

shortcuts.net

866-678-7324

Fax: 714-622-6603

info@shortcuts.net

Newest product: The SOLAR system is a suite of online tools that combines with the Shortcuts POS software to provide the perfect mix of installed and cloud-based features. Shortcuts connects to clients through online booking, automated emails, controlled surveys and reviews. SOLAR also provides owners with anywhere, any device access to a performance dashboard, which delivers key metrics benchmarked against the industry.

Platform: Shortcuts POS can be installed on any windows based PC and can run on Mac, with SOLAR being accessible through any browser on any platform and device.

Key features: Appointment book and employee scheduling, point-of-sale, client management, inventory management, reporting, online booking, automatic email marketing, loyalty and promotions, online reputation management, anywhere access 24/7, online gift certificates, dashboard, social media integration and much more.

 

StyleSeat >>

styleseat.com

415-937-0520

info@styleseat.com

Newest product: Features that give new customers to the company's professionals while also helping them retain those customers.

Key features: Online booking/scheduling, website/photo gallery, client management and retention, online social media marketing, revenue tracking/business stats, client-search directory, client checkout, education from Milady and mobile applications.

SuperSalon by Rogers Software Development Inc. >>

supersalon.com

888-458-1001

Fax: 888-820-2185

sales@rogerspos.com

Newest product: Mobile Apps for customer check-in, SalonCheckIn.com  (for web based appointments/call aheads), Custom Report Builder, Biometric Time Clock Kiosk, iPad support for many salon functions.

Platform: Windows XP or Windows 7 Pro, Mac (required use of VM), Additional clients can be run on any platform including iPad, Tablets

Key features: Can be easily configured to function in walk in/appointment or hybrid business model. Full iOffice web-based central management and reporting system. Data is continually synched between POS systems and iOffice. iOffice includes custom report builder, auto-email reports, data export, payroll, retention analysis, synch (update) multiple salons instantly. True touch screen interface offers full feature set while remaining very easy to operate and to train staff in its use. Full set of modules to help your business including: RateMyVisit.com customer feedback system, SalonCheckin.com online check-in and appointments, customer self check-in kiosk, video menu boards including wait list and advertising, loyalty, marketing and gift card programs, SMS reminders, confirmations, etc, theft auditing system, central customer database, integrated credit card processing with full end-to-end encryption, full cosmetology school functionality, biometric authentication, international capability (Used in Americas, Europe, Asia, ME, etc).

 

The Shout Lounge >>

theshoutlounge.com

800-214-7032

info@theshoutlounge.com

Newest product: The Shout Lounge Local connects salons to great social media content.

Platform: web-based, all platforms

Key features: Unique social media management

 

TouchSuite Salon >>

touchsuite.com

800-793-3203

info@touchsuite.com

Newest product: TouchSuite Salon elite and TouchSuite Salon tablet

Platform: Windows Embedded for Point of Service

Key features: Touchscreen interface, enhanced color-coded appointment scheduler, full client management, manage products and vendors, automated e-mail reminders, birthday and thank you e-mails, schedule marketing emails, save/edit tickets, process gift cards and accept credit cards.  Full point of sale and in-depth reporting. Remote access, online booking and remote backup

 

Verasoft >>

verasoft.com

866-567-8838

Fax: 413-812-5004

verasoft.com

Newest product: PrimeIX Custum Software

Key features: PrimeIX allows total custom software design for large companies. It integrates seamlessly with capable legacy systems, website and vendors. PrimeIX technology can incorporate human resources, call centre, lead generation, advanced scheduling (both online and onsite), full CRM and project management, department dashboards, warehousing and pipeline management. PrimeIX is a full end-to-end system that brings all departments and subsidiaries on one platform.

 

Virtual Cloud Software>>

virtualspaandsalon.com

800-382-5510 x1

Fax: 800-934-5136

info@virtualspaandsalon.com

Newest product: AIM (all in-one marketing) text, email, voice messaging, instant messaging, social media integrated with sales and appointment history for relevant campaigns. Virtual concierge service person uses AIM to implement and maintain marketing plans such as confirmations, new clients, birthdays, and lost clients so the salon and spa doesn’t have to. VC can set up any combination campaign from virtual history for a one time or recurring campaign.

Platform: The Amazon ec2 plug and play Cloud

Key features: Virtual Cloud Software is a Robust All In One software running on the Amazon ec2 Cloud with one point of contact for server and software support 24/7, SaaS (software as a service) on PaaS (platform as a service), Virtual Recommend Retailing software increases today’s sales ticket using mobile devices in a touch screen paperless environment and measures, virtual AIM (all in one marketing) increases tomorrow’s sales ticket.
using text, e-mail, voice, instant messaging and social media for relevant campaigns, Integrated POS, CRM inventory and appointment scheduling, virtual wizard sets up business applications according to salon/spa’s interactive. Questionnaire on the Cloud, online appointment scheduling, customizable loyalty points and membership, client focus through the virtual client dashboard, comprehensive analytics.

Lauren Salapatek

Lauren Salapatek

Web Editor

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