At Rosy Salon Software, we work with a lot of people who are either choosing salon management software for the first time or are switching from an existing system that isn’t working. Everyone starts out with a problem they are trying to solve… things like more organization at tax time, better inventory control, marketing, or online scheduling for their clients. While most cloud-based software will do all of these things, you have choices.
In our discussions with salon and spa owners, we have answered a lot of smart questions about how to make the best decision and what will work long-term. In order to smooth the decision making process, we’ve decided to answer three smart FAQs about choosing the right software. Jim Bower, the founder of Rosy Salon and Spa Software (who was recently featured in Salon Today magazine), answers your FAQs below.
Q: Should the software be installed on a computer or in the Cloud?
A: There is no doubt that salons and spas will get much more value with a cloud application. Why?
1. With cloud technology there should not be any upfront costs; in fact, at Rosy, we offer free trial periods.
2. Your monthly service fee, which includes free support and automatic updates, is usually less expensive than the support costs alone for an installed system.
3. Your software and data are professionally managed, and cloud technology lends itself to more advanced features, like access from anywhere with any device.
Q: What should I look for in salon and spa software?
A: Good software understands you and what you do. One of the best features of Rosy is that it is specifically designed for the salon and spa business. Salons and spas have a unique workflow, so understanding how a salon or spa runs is critical in designing and developing good software. When you find the right salon or spa software, everything will be right where you think it should be, and that makes it easy to use. Don’t confuse ease of use with a lack of features or sophistication… after all, the iPhone has one button!
Q: What should I look for in a software company?
A: The landscape has changed over the past 10 years. In the past, most salon software companies were small-to-medium sized companies that were privately owned and managed. Today there are several salon and spa software companies that are publicly held and/or have venture capital dictating their direction. Choosing the right company is as important as the product and feature list. You need the company to have your best interests in mind. The cloud has enabled companies to reach a broader audience, and with all that data sitting on their servers, some companies may have a different agenda than you. To that point you should always:
1. Read the license agreement. Make sure that you own your clients and that you and you alone have the right to market to your clients. (Of course, with Rosy, this is always the case.)
2. Find out who owns the company and what their background is. Has the company been bought and sold, and if so, how many times in the last 10 years? Some companies exist only to get a few years down the road to their next big sale, and you are not their priority.
3. Do they service any other industries with the same product? The salon and spa industry is unique and has unique needs. Look for a company where 100% of their development results in features that you are interested in.
Do you have a question of your own? Let us know—we’ll be happy to answer and help you in your salon software transition!
Interested in taking Rosy for a test run? Start your 30 day free trial now!
Rosy Salon Software’s Jim Bower was recently featured in Salon Today magazine, discussing the benefits of cloud technology and responsive design. Check out his feature.
I have been in the industry for 30 years, just closed my salon and will be moving forward renting space as an independent contractor. I am interested in cloud based software that I will work with a lap top until I get a tablet. I will need to process credit cards, please let me know what products I will need to purchase for this. I am in the process of relocating and looking to set up by Thursday this week. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Melaina — 917-482-0302