Phorest

Pros

- Easy multi-location implementation and support.
- Consistent updates that continue to improve the software.
- Meets all of our booking and POS needs.
- Includes an excellent built-in rewards/points system, that has customizable features.
- Very comprehensive reports that make it easy to track the performance of the business, as well as, track the personal performance of each employee, allowing the management to set goals with employees and track their progress.
- Online booking system works seamlessly with Phorest's application and works with our business website/facebook page.
- Reasonable pricing.

Cons

- We wish the reviews could be listed directly as a Facebook review instead of something we have to post ourselves on our business page wall.
- We also hope to see a better system for employee categories in the near future. If I want to change the price on one service an employee does, I have to create a new category for them specifically, and there is no way to copy and past the old category. It makes a 1 second change into a 15-20 minute ordeal.

Pros

The versatility of the software and the use of campaigns, and marketing tools reach a wide variety. the software is easy to use and you can always find what you are looking for. The support is also always helpful.
New Staff can also take part in the videos helping to alleviate some of the onboarding.

Cons

Waitlist. It is the only thing that needs improvement, but please don't take the lead from Milano.

Pros

It seemed great at first, especially the fact that I can have as many people without paying extra.

Cons

I do NOT like the fact that you cannot designate 2 staff members to perform one treatment, I do NOT like the fact that when you cancel, you can NOT get ALL you data, they hold it hostage making you pay them $295 to export your data, and even that won't allow you to take ALL your data. This should be Illegal! I own it not Phorest!

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Phorest

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Phorest

Pros

The user-friendly aspects of the entire system- on computer and the app! The ever evolving newness! The great support staff!

Cons

At this moment in time, we cannot think of anything we dislike or would change. We are loving the new updates so far.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Phorest

Pros

The availability of our service manager to jump on a call and help us navigate and use successfully use Phorest. [sensitive content hidden] is amazing, she helped us go paperless, automate marketing and helped us save 5 hrs a day by helping us use Phorest better. She is amazing and we are super grateful to her and the team

Cons

So far it has been a pleasant experience.

Pros

Ease of use, all you need in one software.

Cons

Multi-Site functionality could improve. Would love custom report creation that is saved and you could use specific to what you coach and just email to team.

Pros

User friendly for front team, service provider and guests for online booking.

Cons

There is that stands out that i don't like. There are features i would like to see that could make phorest even better.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Phorest

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Phorest

Pros

The support I receive is awesome! As a busy salon owner I need to be able to have support quickly when things arise.

Cons

I love it all, I would like a wait list guests can self add too, that would be a great feature

Pros

Phorest is very versatile, so it offers options that work with each salon's specific needs. I also love the customer service. They quickly answer any questions that I have.

Cons

Some of the technology is is beyond me, but again, they are there to help!

Pros

Phorest is very intuitive and easy to manage and understand.

Cons

Adding retail products to a ticket is too many steps.

Pros

This software is absolutely great for any salon, we use it our self in our Worthing branch and it makes managing appointments extremely easy!

No training is needed as its very easy to use, the drag and drop interface makes scheduling our employees great, and if theres ever an absence its able to give us a staff by staff feature of their day plan (if its all booked in with Phorest)

Cons

What we have done to give the client complete control is integrate this software into our website, this lets them see all of their available options and times for treatments.

What i would like to see in the near future is staff, so someone can book a specific appointment with a member of our team!

The system itself is closed to the outside world so its quiet hard to grow your company once your using this software, its limited by its own design and before you invest i would make sure you aren't looking for any additional features before committing.

Pros

The ease of it and the reporting is excellent.
It is a simple, yet really efficient system, and does everything I need for my business. I like the fact that the brand is honest, and doesn't rip people off to get a decent system, yet offers payment programmes to enable a business to be able to afford the best system within the industry. Everything about it is brilliant.

Cons

Nothing really. Cant say I have got any cons. Anything I have suggested or requested on user voice has been implemented. The only thing I have ever found disappointing, was the tone of whoever was responding on user voice. They seemed more technical than customer focused, and came across rude and actually a bit obnoxious in their replies, which is very unlike the Phorest communication you normally give.

Pros

Great diary features, staff rostering also quite good.

Cons

Useless for marketing, their ‘upgraded’ marketing suite is frustrating and not at all user friendly. Take hours to produce a simple newsletter it’s not worth using, and if you want to save a draft to re visit later, good luck trying to find it.
Customer service don’t really want you to call, so I’ve just been cut off again. They do answer support tickets but on another day, so it’s all a bit slow, and if you’re a busy salon, it’s not the best.

Pros

Wonderful if you have multiple locations. Constantly getting updated, and can be used on multiple platforms!

Cons

The marketing is inferior, difficult to share reviews, difficult to modify existing prices and services

Pros

Marketing is the only strong point

Cons

When you make an appointment and then change the timing of the first service any services after don't update thier time so you have to delete the services and then add them back in this is a problem in witch a few lines of code in your software could fix this. This would be a better use of an update then more marketing especially if you want to be compared to stx, millennium and salon iris.

Pros

easy to use , one of the best software in the market , support team is great , cost effective , upgrade with new feature and improvement is always a plus .

Cons

few general things are missing , it is always good to wok on big improvements but its also important to work on few general things too
for example Paymentmate software from phorest needs to be released
Please bring reprint receipt option on appointment page
Please add currency calculater on cash up
user voice needs to be redesign

Pros

The layout and ease of use

Cons

The layout and ease of use

Pros

First of all let me make it very clear that this software is the BEST in the market... everything about it is easy to use, the best support team I've ever come across. I'd compare the support team experience to Amazone's or PayPal's customer service. There's nothing wrong with the software whatsoever but minor issues that I'd put it down in Cons section.

Pros

Many systems already in the software make our interactions with our clients easy and efficient. Great booking software with plenty of report analysis to check our growth and progress. They listen to consumer suggestions and are constantly improving the software and adding new features.

Cons

Some of the clickable icons are not obvious or intuitive. Some text that can be clicked on for additional options doesn't always look like a clickable button.

Pros

Easy to use and easy on the eye
Lots of reports
Text and email templates or make your own
Stock taking
I love everything about it actually!

Cons

Will be good to be able to go totally paperless at some point but I know this will come to the future

Pros

"organised my appointments centralised my information stock staff etc "

Cons

Hasnt improved my no shows , its expensive , can be complicated at times , love the gift card system again expensive . cannot upload enough photos per treatment . still no consents available recently alot of disruptions in service

Pros

I really like the way the system confirms appointments and manage the entire inventory. You can monitor the entire staff and accordingly your clients will be attracted.

Cons

while conversating with clients there is nothing specific to maintain their requested data, which can actually be noted.

Pros

Easy to use great content makes running a salon Easy.staff kpi and tracking performance .great customer service problems always solved

Cons

There is nothing I don't like.online booking can be messed up sometimes .I also don't like the stock system too hard to manage

Pros

I love that everything is customizable. Need a report? They got you. Integration for an online store? Done. How can I save time, and promote our great reviews on facebook? Ummm Phorest can do that for you.

Cons

I wish it would double as a payroll system

Pros

Appointment scheduling, sales reports, and time keeping

Cons

Unable to open multiple screens at a time. Can only view one screen of information.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Phorest

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Phorest

Pros

Technology and willingness to always update

Cons

The cost/charge per text. And the text line not being able to go to just one employee.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Phorest

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Phorest

Pros

I love Phorest it makes my job as an owner and manager so easy! The reports and the online booking system is awesome!

Cons

I would like a way to go through the client list to monitor 1 time visits from a few years a go to the rest of the regular clients that have maintained visits to archive them for a better idea of traffic.

Pros

user friendly, and the reports are amazing

Cons

how slow the software works. stalls alot or freezes

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Phorest

Pros

Roster works well.
Appointments scheduling

Cons

Too many reports that are too complex and not user-friendly. It looks like they have no idea of what is needed for back-office reporting in a salon. Payroll download to CSV with useless information, data not in any logical order, and it reads top to bottom instead of left to right which is how most systems work. There are differences between the desktop and web applications as far as functionality, so I find myself toggling between the 2 to get the information I need. And most importantly, there was not honest full disclosure from sales on what was included AND that we would be locked into a 1-year contract that will be automatically renewed unless you give no less than 2 months notification in writing to cancel. Most systems do not have a contract. Be careful of the SMS texts and what is included versus extra. Things that are included in most other systems are extra with Phorest. On multiple occasions we had to reach out to get a function added that we should have had from the beginning. Each time I try to get do something and I use the help function, go to our system and we don't have the functionality that their instructions give.

Pros

Easy to use, consistent support, consistent updates to accommodate users

Cons

Marketing templates is little bit limited

Pros

A whole range of features designed especially for salon businesses are available through Phorest. Appointment scheduling, client management, and staff organization are made simple by its user-friendly interface. The software's powerful marketing options, which include automated SMS and email campaigns, aid in bringing in new clients and keeping existing ones. The integrated point-of-sale system from Phorest makes inventory management and transactions simple. Salon owners may receive insightful information about the operation of their businesses and make data-driven decisions with the help of thorough reporting and analytics. The Phorest mobile app improves the whole customer experience by offering salon staff and customers comfort and flexibility.

Cons

The price of Phorest is a disadvantage because it could be too expensive for smaller or independent salons. Some users might initially have a high learning curve and find it difficult to become familiar with all the functions and customization possibilities. Despite the fact that Phorest provides a wide range of capabilities, some unique needs or specialty salon operations could call for further modification or integration with specialized software. Additionally, sporadic technological issues or downtime may have an adverse effect on salon operations and inconvenience clients.

Pros

The fact they never return a phone call

Cons

It was suppose to be a free trial and now they are charging me. The software looks like it’s from 1980 and isn’t compatible nor does it do what they say. I have to cancel my card because they said I’m in a contract which was not how it was sold to me. Try vagaro pro it’s much better and more professional

Pros

It allows clients to schedule appointments when it suits them without any queueing and even outside of office hours.

Cons

It is less powerful when you want to select multiple services in one appointment - still works but a little more confusing.

Pros

POS system is good. Easy product setup.

Cons

The worst customer care I have dealt with in a very long time. The online store is very sub-par. Marketing looks horrible. System and app do not work well together. Way to expensive for the service you receive.

Pros

The appointment diary is simple and visual but basic. There is an online reputation manager which helps you manage your online reviews but now I have seen what other systems can do I think it is basic and its only available when you are on their most expensive package.

Cons

The company has hidden charges which they deduct at source so you can't see them or audit them. They consistently over charge and apply higher charges to bills than your original contract and insist on payment by direct debit so its not easy to detect them. They manipulate your data without knowledge or consent, for example they opted many of my clients out of being able to receive marketing information without my knowledge, I only discovered by accident and it turned out to have been an issue in their software which they denied to begin with but then had to admit it was their fault. I have no idea if they corrected the fault just with my account or whether other customers who have been affected but are still in the dark. A few years ago they made a major to how their online booking system worked, but didn't inform any of their clients so all our online bookings on our website went down and again it took a few weeks for them to admit the mistake was theirs, but it still cost me thousands with my website developer to re-design my website to overcome their change which is incredibly poor change management and poor knowledge of their customers and how they use the software.

Pros

the reports mainly. was great at showing retention, new clients and sales

Cons

hard to train, online booking was messy for clients and always felt bets

Pros

Client management
Client connect
Email marketing

Cons

US customer support is awful! Absolutely terrible. When they were in Ireland it was amazing. I can’t wait to leave as I have tried to communicate with their teams for months but still nothing has gotten better.
Software doesn’t have you tube tutorials to help problem solve many features are not easy to find or use.
When a client is a no show and you collect the deposit it goes to your billing and not to your bank account. That’s just ridiculous.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Phorest

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Phorest

Pros

I own a small salon with myself as the only staff member so I use Phorest in the capacity that I require. It is super easy to navigate...has many many features that work around your business and it seems that everything to grow and support your business is covered by clicks of a button. The fact that you can so easily personalise your settings/marketing tools in the Phorest program to me is very much a standout feature.

Cons

I really like this software and it's features.

Pros

This system is easy to use, i like that there are regular updates to make its better and better. Very good support, too.

Cons

I would like if the working with the database on the pages would be easier. For example- if you work on clients database if you go from page 1 to work on page 2 to delete or archive some client the system automatically brings you back to page one. It is quite annoying if you are working on page 5 and you would like to work with more than one client on this page. You constantly have to scroll the system from page one. (I am not sure I explained this correctly :))

Pros

I had researched various clinic software , but Phorest to date has exceeded my expectations . To highlight my favourite feature ,the software simplifies Cilent engagement & retention , in a way clients feel valued & special - text emails etc . This automated reach out to Cilents is such a time saving feature. I do like the loyalty scheme feature this I feel will support further growth together with the intervertebral social media marketing . I like that the software has centralised stock ,staff Cilent and clinic management . The stock management feature is an excellent tool to save time in creating orders plus provides me with a suite of reports on all areas of your my clinic . The Phorest Go app is very useful & when I was setting up the Phorest team gave me lots of useful easy tips to ensure I receive and utilise all its key features . I starting the wonder how we managed before we installed Phorest !

Cons

One feature that is missing but I am aware it's a work in progress is Cilent consultation sheets , consent forms . & the storage of notes , Phorest is an excellent piece of soft ware but it does tend to be more salon orientated but I feel Phorest recognise the need to incorporate a support package more suitable to clinic . The training sessions I feel would be much more beneficial in smaller groups .
With Phorest there does appear to be a lot of add ons to your original purchase price and monthly fee but hopefully as phorest's software encourages growth & Cilent retention these will be an investment .

Pros

the ease of use, support and ideas for future

Cons

it's not updating with the the times, features we thought would have progressed by now are still lacking, especially emails and the support is nothing like it was

Pros

Easy to use for staff and good visually.

Cons

quite limited with reporting, cant store credit card details, can have only one confirmation email and can't re-send it.

Pros

It is a very straight forward to use and most definitely better/easier than any other system I used over the years. The team are so friendly /helpful.. you can be very tired at the end of a 10-12 hour day and maybe your cash up isn't going to plan. I've called the support team with such silly questions, if I can't figure out something from pure tiredness and I'm always treated with such politeness/and I'm not felt in any way that I have annoyed anyone.
I also love all the reports, available to me. Just to be able to see how some staff are doing or product sales or overall takings..

Cons

I'd love to see more of an easier approach to showing if the client was new or old when they check in, and also if they have had a patch test with us or not, especially for hd brows and waxing. (I'm saying that maybe there is something that's as clear as day but I've just never been shown how to do this)

Pros

I like that everything is easy to find. Big buttons, does what it says on the tin really. Easy to input data, maybe too easy that people just don't input anything else apart from name, tel and email and still saves it? I like the email functionality which is free, SMS functionality but it is paid. Also can link to social media, which is good for salons with less than 3 branches (easier to manage the content).

Cons

Reports are not as easy to do, if you do not want the standard stuff. I would personally improve that bit and make clever reports. Also, I would prefer the app to be improved as it looks very dated and old and it is not as personalised as you would need. Additionally, push notifications on the app for appointment reminders should come as standard and at the moment this function is not available. Everyone does push notifications, even for pushing content on blogs and social media.

Pros

The speed I can make bookings and changes. Clear, straight forward screens, easily understandable and visible. Great marketing features which I know will bring big changes to our salon. Great staff reports showing clear results of sales, targets and utilisation - a real help for one-to-ones. Appointment reminders and email marketing are a great feature which I am enjoing learning to use. Can wait for all the positive changes Phorest will bring our salon.

Cons

One or two niggly things on the screen but all about personal preference. I'd like a time scale on both sides of the page, and the hours to be shown in bold with the quarter past half past and quarter to in normal size. When I make a few selections of treatments for a client and she changes her mind the timings don't automatically bunch together - for example if the client selected an hour treatment followed by a half hour treatment the system would say book 3pm for the first and 4 pm for the second, but if the client then changed her mind with the first treatment and changed it to a half hour treatment the system keeps 3pm for the first appointment but leaves the second appointment at 4pm whereas it should automatically shift it up to 3.30pm. The only other thing we'd like is a page down button on the key board - out laptop isn't touch screen and the mouse is only a pad - it is difficult to slid up and down the page while holding a phone in one hand!