What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

I am looking for any advice on good software to purchase for a salon I am opening in a couple months. I'd like to know what others are using and get an idea of their experience. I see a lot of posts on Helios but they are usually accompanied by a negative experience.

Also can someone explain if most of the software out there also works as your credit card processor? Our bank has actually offered us credit card processing which so far has beat most of the other rates I have seen in other enterprise services, so I'd prefer to use my bank for credit card processing (aside from the fact that the money is available next day). Just wondering if this is advisable if the software I am paying for is offering me the same service.

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

TanTrack is a easy-to-use, quick to learn, and affordable salon software. You purchase it one time and it's yours, with no on going fees. It does offer CC processing with their software, but you can use other processers, as I do.

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

Ok great thank you for your input I will be checking that out.

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

SunLync is the most advanced system available, but, as a result, it's also fairly complex. I've been on it for 7 months, and I'm still learning how to use all the functionality it comes with out of the box.

CC processing, including EFT, is seamlessly integrated when you use SlimCD as your gateway (this is in addition to your merchant services processor, which can still be your bank.)

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

One thing to remember, once you pick a softwear company, you are lock in for life.

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

I have switched software 4x in the past 15 years; never an issue, it just takes time.

I am getting ready to switch back to a "tanning" software (I am on a "spa" software right now). I may go back to Salontouch or give SunLync a try.

I like Salontouch, but their sales dept. is a big turn off; perhaps an indication of their client support dept. (the reason I left them the first time). I thought they would have implemented some better C/S training by now.

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

I have to differ with you , Tan Track, when doing a update or a new computer update take about 4-6 hours, and that if no problem, and there are alway some , so you will have to shut down store , do update and then if not new at it learn it as you go, more time down .Oh yes and more $$$ they dont do nothing until you pay, you want cash drawer, $$$, credit card machine ,$$$, scanner gun, $$$, FGinger print ID, $$$ all come with the big $$$, and that my friend is when they have you ,and by the way call them for tech support and see how long it take for them to get back to you.

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

We use Spa-Booker for all of our booking and ecommerce services. There is a monthly charge, but I would say it's well worth it. I was able to replace a few different pieces of software with Spa-Booker and I can access it all from my phone. If you're looking to open a salon they also have a very similar service called Salon Booker. I've never used it myself, but I've nothing but a good experience with Booker and I can't see why it would be any different.

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

ParrotHead, does tantrack have an EFT function like Sunlync is described as having?

Concept999 how expensive is Sunlync being that it is most advanced? are there any monthly fees or is the software a one time buy like tantrack?

Re: What software to buy? all advice welcomed
 

Joey, I signed up for SunLync at last year's Nashville show, where they offered a show special of $500 set-up (normally around $800 I believe.) The monthly fees depend on the level of tech support you want. We have support access 7 days a week, but it costs us $90 a month.