There is a common misconception that salon software is something only large salon chains need to invest in. Since they offer more services and have a larger team, a centralised system will help them navigate the day-to-day operations. While this is true, the scale of your business does not determine whether you should be reliant on technology or not.
The Indian salon industry is evolving at a very fast pace. From high-end luxury salons to neighbourhood beauty parlours, the grooming and wellness industry is growing exponentially. As the industry continues to expand, so does the competition. Salon owners need to find innovative ways to differentiate themselves and one such way is hair salon software.
Why Do Small Beauty Parlours Need Salon Software?
Running a beauty parlour in a tiny neighbourhood is no mean feat. It comes with its own set of challenges. Whether it’s managing day-to-day operations or juggling client bookings, it’s tough. Another challenge faced by small salon owners is that they have walk-ins throughout the day which hampers staff productivity. The only way to get clients to book an appointment is by having a salon online booking system in place.
Since small beauty parlours operate with tight margins and limited staff, they need beauty parlour management software the most. It can honestly be a game-changer for them. Here’s how:
- Professionalism
Clients today gauge the nature of your business based on how professional it is. Lack of professionalism can spoil your name in the market. Even if you’re a small beauty parlour or nail salon, professionalism matters. When you adopt digital tools in your business, you can compete with large salon chains. Don’t be left behind. Instead, stay ahead of your competition. Salon management software is revolutionising the beauty business by offering online booking, digital invoicing, loyalty points and membership plans, and personalised client notes.
- No More Missed Bookings
A common problem in beauty parlours is that a client just walks-in and takes a verbal appointment with the staff present there. They take the appointment without checking the register which leads to double-bookings later. With salon appointment software, clients can see real-time availability of their favourite stylists or technicians and then schedule an appointment. They can book online during business hours or after. They also receive automated confirmations and reminders upon booking. With fewer no-shows the revenue is doubled as well. Beauty parlours usually don’t have a designated system in place and thus don’t end up using their staff and resources to their full potential.
- Time-saving & Operational Efficiency
Small neighbourhood salons usually have one person juggling multiple roles. The chief hair stylist is also the receptionist, marketer and floor manager. By the end of the day, they’re so burnt out that they don’t get to do their job well. As a beauty parlour owner, you often might find yourself in a catch-22 situation. That is because you have limited funds to hire a full-time manager and at the same time you’re dealing with unmotivated employees. The best way to free up their time is by investing in the right salon software solutions. Since everything is automated, they can focus on customers instead of admin work. From appointment scheduling to inventory management, payments and receipts, everything can be done. This not just saves time but also enhances operational efficiency.
- Marketing made Easy
As a small salon, marketing your business offerings is harder. You need to break through the clutter and ensure people know about you. With beauty parlour management software, you can run automated marketing campaigns while saving time. Also, it comes with in-built SMS and email marketing. Whether it’s announcing new services or promoting discounts, the software is equipped with all the features you need to promote your business. You can also set up loyalty programs to keep your clients engaged.
- Better Customer Retention
The customer churn is usually higher in small salons/beauty parlours. This is because people usually go there for convenience. For instance, it may be close by or reasonable. The only way your beauty parlour can become a go-to for a client is when you have a system in place. That’s where customer retention comes in. Since salon software stores client history, preferences and special occasions, you can send targeted promotions to your clients. You can even track who hasn’t engaged in a while and target them as well. When your marketing is personalised, people will come back.
The Bottomline
Hair salon software is a game-changer for the beauty industry. In fact, if you own a small beauty parlour, software makes you do more with less. Mundane admin work is eliminated while you get to concentrate on retaining clients better, and ensuring your business is growing and organised. Want help finding the right software for your beauty parlour? Explore Salon360App, an all-in-one-solution that lets your small salon be found.
