If you own a salon or combination salon-spa, you'll operate more efficiently, professionally and profitably when you take advantage of salon software. No longer must you try and read through all the erasures and scribbles to find openings and cancellations. Software lets you handle business details more efficiently so you make fewer mistakes and free up more time for additional clients.

Salon software helps you run and grow a successful business by providing the tools to collect information, analyze your business from different angles and help you make smarter, more informed business decisions. While sifting through loads of salon software information, consider the following:

1. Compare prices for salon software — they vary widely.

2. Look for ease of installation/use of your salon software as you consider different software options.

3. Check out technical support plans offered by each salon software provider to ensure you get the support you expect.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase salon software for your salon

Get software that lets you focus on your salon's needs.

I recommend: If you rent a booth or own a single-operator salon, order the Envision Solo software. You'll get a drag-and-drop appointment calendar, fully integrated point of sale, walk-in appointment queue, gift card/gift certificate ready, inventory tracking and control, full reporting capabilities and the ability to compile client information, photos and formulas. Download the SalonBiz Light software from Extended Technologies if your salon employs four or fewer service/staff members. Designed to help small salons transition to computerized management, the software includes point of sale, an appointment book, inventory management, basic reports and AVEDA product database, benchmarks and vital signs reports.

Buy salon software for your salon-spa

Look for software designed for combination salon-spa businesses.

I recommend: Ask for the free demo of the Beauty Track software for your salon and day spa. Easy to install, the software will perform all your point-of-sale functions and track inventory. It includes an appointment scheduler, employee functions, 30 days of standard technical support, pay-per-call after hours support, the ability to input client information and photos, reports and more. Either download or get the free CD demo of Insight software modules for your salon and spa. Once you purchase the software, you'll receive one full year of unlimited toll-free support and software updates included in your cost. Only purchase the modules you need for the most return on your investment; detailed modules include appointments, sales, clients, employees, services, tanning, inventory, payroll and reports.

Order salon software for all your management functions

Consider one software solution to handle all aspects of your business.

I recommend: For an all-in-one salon management software solution, request a free demo of Elite Salon & Spa Management software. The software's featured highlight AutoBook helps you easily and quickly book custom packages and find the first available time for a single service in a full schedule. You'll also find salon software features like sales register functions, appointment book, client files, inventory, graphs and reports, marketing tools and more. Take care of all your management functions with Salon Iris software. It helps manage employee information, allows online booking, schedules rooms for services like facials, massages and tanning, maintains a custom list of service descriptions/prices, tracks remaining minutes for tanning customers, maintains client pictures, formulas and other information and creates automatic mailing lists and labels. The software also includes security features, finance applications, inventory functions and convenience features like call reminders and wide area networking for multiple salons.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the salon software list of hardware requirements before purchasing any package. Not only must your operating system work with the software, often times you'll also need to check your Internet access, computer specs receipt printer, document printer, router and print servers. Also know whether the software license permits installation on more than one computer, and look for companies offering free upgrades for software purchased.