
You Don't Own a Salon. You Own A Business.
In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.
The 2014 SALON TODAY Software and Technology Guide for salon owners, managers and stylists.

If you aren't tapped in to the latest technology, you might struggle to achieve the next level of salon business success. Technology can elevate your business and be pivotal in bringing back loyal clients, attracting new ones, motivating your team to reach goals and capturing more service and retail sales.
This brief guide introduces you to salon management software and tools developed for the professional beauty industry.
855-VITOUCH (855-848-6824)
sales@virtualitouch.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Virtual iTouch for Spa & Salon Mobile iPad/iPhone App
KEY FEATURES: No upfront cost with low monthly subscription model, 100 percent mobile spa and salon iPhone and iPad App, virtual monitor for managing appointments, self-service kiosk, social collaboration built in, Avatar TV (optional) to generate advertising dollars.
NEWEST PRODUCT: Seamless marketplace for salons and spas to book last-minute appointments
KEY FEATURES: List and price last-minute appointments and accept bookings (salons and spas), find and book last-minute appointments (clients).
BizLink Management Software
877-424-5093
info@bizlinkms.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Automated savings plan—new platform for hybrid salons with booth renters and commission stylists working in one salon.
KEY FEATURES: Automated text message and email marketing reminders for customers to return for service visits and buy retail previously purchased.
ClienTrak! Spa & Salon Software
800-397-4582; Fax: 412-939-3393
salesoffice@usa.net
NEWEST PRODUCT: Mobile Feature
KEY FEATURES: Sales reporting, marketing, inventory, payroll, loyalty program, goal tracking, appointment scheduling, appointment confirmation and reminder emails, gift card sales/tracking, integrated credit card processing.
Demandforce
800-210-0355
sales@demandforce.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Improved Intuit Local Network to connect with businesses with more than 257 million local consumers to broaden their reach and get exposure to people already doing business in their area
KEY FEATURES: Automated email and text messaging, review collection and syndication to major sites and search engines, connection with 257 million local consumers via Intuit Local Network.
Envision Salon & Spa Management Software
800-231-9445
Fax: 877-231-9443
sales@ennoview.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: EnvisionCloud, full-featured online software
KEY FEATURES: Desktop software or cloud-based software available with schedule and point of sale, inventory and client management, extensive business reports, online booking for staff and clients, integrated marketing, automated appointment confirmations, mobile solutions and integrated credit card processing with Integrity Payment Systems.
GoLoyal
646-736-1904
Fax: 866-442-2180
sales@goloyal.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: GoLoyal’s Facebook fan program widget; plugs into the fullservice email program assisting businesses in increasing fan base on Facebook.
KEY FEATURES: Full-service email marketing; everything is managed for the client. Facebook fan program, Facebook VIP e-club subscription form, Facebook tab set-up (services, stylists, pricing tabs all within your Facebook page), website design/development, email blasts sent and resent after three days to those who haven’t opened them.
John Amico Salon Software
800-JOHNAMICO
john.amicojr@johnamico.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: John Amico Salon Software
KEY FEATURES: Online client scheduling, mobile access, appointment scheduling, email and text confirmations, email and social marketing, Facebook integration, point of sale, integrated credit card processing, inventory controls, business management.
KORVUE
866-567-8838
sales@korvue.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: KORVUE Custom Cloud, KORVUE Franchise Cloud, KORVUE Custom Mobile, KORVUE Mobile HR
KEY FEATURES: Complete end-to-end solution from scheduling to point of sale, from ecommerce to online gift cards to realtime online booking, from human resources to advanced payroll and commissions, from client portals to employee portals, from employee manager dashboards to executive dashboards, from advanced inventory management to warehouse management and electronic ordering, from electronic forms to electronic signatures, from contract management to recurring billing, from email and SMS marketing to integrated surveys and service ratings.
Leprechaun Spa & Salon Software
800-373-1684
Fax: 412-939-3393
salesoffice@usa.net
NEWEST PRODUCT: Mobile Feature
KEY FEATURES: Sales reporting, marketing, inventory, payroll, loyalty program, goal tracking, appointment scheduling, appointment confirmation and reminder emails, gift card sales/tracking, integrated credit card processing.
Localist
773-451-3000
sales@localist.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Localist interactive online calendaring platform
KEY FEATURES: Cloud-based calendaring platform helps salons build and manage custom online calendars to support training and education activities, publish and promote events, create newsletters, track RSVPs, integrate calendar content with social media platforms, search and filter events to match interests, Tailgate (native mobile app).
NEWEST PRODUCT: Just in Time Appointment (JITA) marketing system and Employee Mobile Booking App (EMBA)
KEY FEATURES: Integrated one-vendor solution from booking and sales tracking to e-marketing and accounting; book client appointments from anywhere with smartphone/iPhone, enter new client information, pre-booking, show schedule in realtime.
MiladyPro.com
800-998-7498 ext. 2700 for sales
delmar.milady@cengage.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Newly launched web site for ongoing professional beauty and wellness education
KEY FEATURES: Online, on-demand technical and business education, articles, free webinars, job coaching, books, community interaction, portfolio building.
Milano Software
905-884-4888
Fax: 905-884-9505
sales@milanosoftware.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Mobile/Version 8/MilanoConnect
KEY FEATURES: Appointment bookings, business management and marketing.
NEWEST PRODUCT: Meevo Cloud Salon Software
KEY FEATURES: Convobar, Smart Center, customizable smart tiles, success center, role-based, multi-tasking in the Cloud, industry leading reports, innovative appointment book, staff scheduling, inventory management, smart boards, easy/simplified training, highest level of credit card security (Point-2-Point Encryption).
MINDBODY
805-419-2856
georgia.suter@mindbodyonline.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Multiple-appointment booking
KEY FEATURES: Client management, scheduling, payroll, point of sale, inventory management, marketing, analytics, online booking, Facebook appointment booking.
ProSolutions Software, Inc.
800-710-3879
Fax: 818-897-6429
info@prosolutionssoftware.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: DARCI, daily automated reminder and client information system
KEY FEATURES: SQL database, instant conversion of reports to Excel, data mining for custom reports, DARCI, online store, and all of the traditional features you expect from salon and spa management software.
Rosy Salon Software
877-346-7679
sales@rosysalonsoftware.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Rosy free, mobile-friendly web page, fully customized websites
KEY FEATURES: Online client scheduling, appointment scheduling, point of sale inventory controls, text and email confirmations, email and social marketing, mobile access, Facebook integration, business management.
Salon & Spa Ultimate
855-466-9332
Fax: 855-466-9332
sales@salonultimate.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Integrated customer satisfaction surveys
KEY FEATURES: Automated mailing system, mobile optimized appointment book, last-minute appointment offers, full-featured cloud access, automatic data backup, online gift card sales, consolidated web management for multi-location.
SalonBiz, SpaBiz
888-809-2802
Fax: 985-439-9561
contactus@salonbiz.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: SalonBiz Cloud
KEY FEATURES: Simplify marketing communications and get accurate reporting with single-client database for multi-locations, establish an online presence for clients with web booking, drive stylist performance with our mobile app (which gives access to their numbers and their book).
SalonBooker (Booker Software)
866-966-9798
sales@salonbooker.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Booker Mobile App
KEY FEATURES: Social promotion, appointment distribution, booking website, email marketing, scheduling, online booking, Facebook booking, mobile and tablet booking, point of sale, credit card processing, ecommerce, mobile payment processing, customer management, employee schedule and payroll, inventory management, reporting.
Check out Booker's Blog!
Salon Connexions by Keratin Complex
866-709-7786
NEWEST PRODUCT: Connexions by
Keratin Complex
KEY FEATURES: Salon can easily manage Keratin Complex business, earn points and redeem those for products, tools, marketing and educational support; sales reps have a log-in and can manage all of the Keratin Complex accounts and keep up-to-date what is being purchased and redeemed by salons; distributor administrators can also run reports to learn how each of their salons are doing with Keratin Complex products.
Salon Iris Software
800-527-7600
Fax: 734-943-6018
sales@daysmart.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Salon Iris Version 11 with next generation of online booking
KEY FEATURES: Complete point of sales system with integrated credit card processing, scheduling and appointment management system, product and inventory management, remote access with iOS and Android apps, advanced email and SMS marketing, online booking with Facebook integration, Quickbooks synchronization module, Demandforce integration.
NEWEST PRODUCT: Stylist Perfect stations
KEY FEATURES: State-of-the-art web-based salon management system, integrated online booking, branded email and text marketing, automated voice/email/text confirmations, client review capture, in-salon advertising, unique real-time communication system between stylist stations and front desk, secure off-site system access through Internet, salon chain enterprise system available, and iPad, mobile, Windows and Apple compatible.
Schedulicity
877-582-0494
michael@schedulicity.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Fill My Book
KEY FEATURES: Touch-friendly online appointment calendar, automatic appointment reminders (email and text), client-segmented email marketing, multiple service scheduling, mobile web application, Book Again feature for clients, comprehensive client profile module, product add-ons at time of booking, business page listing at the schedulicity.com portal, reporting module.
Shortcuts Software
866-678-7324
info@shortcuts.net
NEWEST PRODUCT: Shortcuts Fusion
KEY FEATURES: Appointment booking, confirmation, remote access via mobile and tablet, point of sale, inventory management, client management promotions, reporting, email and text message marketing, client satisfaction and service review management, wallboards, self-check-in, automated email marketing, automated surveys, memberships, loyalty clubs and marketing.
The Shout Lounge
info@theshoutlounge.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Plan your pins on Pinterest (new to list of social media services supported)
KEY FEATURES: Schedules social media posts in the future using a calendar, automatically publishes it at key times of the day, reports performance metrics and notifications of online brand mentions.
Snip Salon Software
888-424-3203
jason@snipsalonsoftware.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Ability to track each client’s referral method
KEY FEATURES: See and schedule appointments from anywhere, automatic email and text appointment reminders, full client history, reporting.
StyleSeat
888-496-6833
info@styleseat.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: StyleSeat Payments (for both clients and professionals)
KEY FEATURES: Access new clients through online marketplace, online booking and full scheduling, payment processing online and in salons, full mobile application and website, business management tools, automatic text message and email notifications.
STX Software
800-766-4778 ext. 1 for sales
sales@stxsoftware.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Online Services (OLS) for STX
KEY FEATURES: Email marketing, online booking, 24/7 gift card sales, email/text appointment reminders, automated data backup, remote employee schedule access
SureTint Technologies
877-820-1656
info@suretint.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: SureTint System 4.0
KEY FEATURES: Tablet computers, LCD touchscreen monitors, USB Smart Scale and SureTint’s patented Color Management Software that includes proprietary batch sizing technology. Reduces color waste, provides on-demand reports, improves accuracy of formulas delivering consistency, efficiency and savings.
Vagaro
800-919-0157 ext. 1 for sales
sales@vagaro.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Vagaro Pro App
KEY FEATURES: Automatic email marketing (“Thank-you” emails, birthday emails, etc.), service bundling, inventory management on-the-go, calendar syncing (with iCal, Google, Outlook), 24/7 online booking, email and text reminders for stylists and customers, credit card processing, reports and payroll, customer tracking, inventory management, free website, social marketing, email marketing
Webappclouds.com
app@webappclouds.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: Salon Mobile App for Clients
KEY FEATURES: Appointment request, app sharing via social media, check appointment status, mobile referral program, click to call, mobile appointment reminders, GPS driving directions to salon, reviews, gallery, custom feedback, before-and-after shots, services menu, mobile gift cards, contact us, geofencing, about us, push notifications, custom app branding, special offer distribution via app, check-in rewards, app share, scratch-off tickets.
WebOpenings
646-736-1900
Fax: 866-442-2180
sales@webopenings.com
NEWEST PRODUCT: New point of sales software integrations launched enable many more spas and salons to utilize WebOpenings.
KEY FEATURES: Assists in last-minute appointment booking automatically, integrated with point of sale systems, yield management rules platform where business determines which service(s), which provider(s), at what price point, during what time frame to fill; performance-based; Facebook online booking.

In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.

In her latest blog, Amy Pal helps you develop your own clear guidelines around complimentary free employee services.

From managing air traffic on busy days to handling frustrated guests' complaints, your front desk team often serves as the salon's emotional shock absorber. From a customer service lesson from the DMV to a list of strategies for caring for your front line, our experts offer ideas for alleviating stress, celebrating wins, and setting goals.

According to the KIM Report, top-line salon revenue appears steady or slightly up, but that growth is driven primarily by service price increases. Beneath the surface, retail performance and client visit frequency (appointment drift) are under real pressure. In his latest blog, Alain Audet offers strategies for keeping your salon's retail sales strong.

Putting your family to work in the salon offers some real tax benefits, but you have you have to play by the rules of the tax code to claim them. Azarvand Tax Law's Leticia Skrabut, Esq., shows you how.

Discover how to create a true “WOW experience” for every client by first building a culture where your team feels engaged, empowered, and inspired. Drawing on Calvin Stovall’s Iconic Framework, this blog explores how salon, spa, and clinic leaders can strengthen culture, elevate customer experience, and build a business that stands out for the long term.
Sponsored by Phorest Salon Software

The wellness industry is growing fast, and salons and barbershops already are an important part of it. In her first blog, Tracy Rado shares where the wellness dollars are heading, and how salons can grow with this movement.

While salon sales are increasing, owners often feel they're working harder for the same or less profit. Leverage Q2 data from The KIM Report, Alain Audet reveals some of the structural changes that are dampening your growth and why your region and your salon size matters.

Weaknesses in your business are amplified during the Holiday Season. Spark Pro Global's Lucy Randall shows you five things to do now to have the strongest holiday season yet.

In Kati Whitledge's latest blog, she shares how salons have moved away from dress codes and embraced appearance standards. But by removing strict dress codes, some businesses may have unintentionally lowered their appearance standards. Whitledge helps you explain to your team why an appearance standard is important and how to smoothly implement a new appearance policy.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for for-profit businesses that provides a financial incentive for eligible employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. Leticia Skrabut, Esq., walks you through how to claim that credit.

Developing strong work habits early in one's career supports long-term success in the salon industry. Jesse Linares offers new stylists his top five tips.

Most salon owners have no idea what these numbers are. You can hit record sales and still have a profit problem. The difference comes down to four numbers almost nobody was taught to track.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

A five-area audit every owner-dependent salon needs to run. You built something that looks successful. Now find out if it can survive without you.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

At Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, Director of Operations Natasha McMillen helps bring her wife Janet St. Paul's vision to life, elevating every system from education to operations.

Expand your color service menu with the Pinstripe technique. Brooks and Brooks' Marlon Hawkins walks you through the technique.