salon software ??

[asmet]

To me this seems obvious but maybe I am missing something?
Part of the purchase agreement included the sunlync software for a salon we are interested in. But what I found out is we need a server (approx $1300.00) besides the computer for it to function properly. Then the service fee is around $80.00-$90.00/monthly. I contacted Helios and I can start over for $1999.00 (computer, cash drawer, receipt printer, laser printer etc.) and only $9.99/month for the first 12 months and then $49.99 after.
Helios 24 hour tech support. Sunlync 8:00am-6:00pm tech support. The only thing I heard was Sunlync was more user friendly than Helios. Can anyone tell me why I should stick with Sunlync?

[movieking]

You only need a server for Sunlync if you are running multiple locations I believe.

[unity]

With Helios you do not have to buy the package, you can just get the software for $49/month. Most receipt printers, cash drawers and card readers will work fine with it. None of the equipment I have is "Helios Certified" but it all works fine.

	Superior UV

[PatParadise]

We have used sun touch at two salons for ten years, works great and interfaces with T-max, Intelitan, star printer, cash drawer etc. We had a computer failure and bought a new copy of Sun Touch for $795 about 16 months ago. We own the software and only pay if we need telephone service. We run sun touch with Windows XP professional and bought adaptors to connect Serial and RS 232 connectors to peripheral devices. I am not sure that Windows vista is compatible with serial or 232 ports. The monthly fees become a real killer after a few years and the prices will keep going up. Helios was free software and $35 a month a few years ago. Once you fill a data base, you have to manually to convert every sale to the new system. Good luck on your selection, PatParadise

[Nichole74]

We used Helios for 14 years at 3 locations. Switched in April 07 to Sunlync. Honestly the best thing we ever did. I have saved more time and headaches with Sunlync. They are truly a wonderful company and extremely helpful with any issue or needs. Much better tech support and the $80 is well spent.

[vancouverkelly]

Don't even think of switching to Helios!! They are the worst company in the entire tanning industry to have to deal with. Scott Bodgan is the President and he will lie straight to your face and is a total jerk who will do anything to screw any client out of a dollar. They buy a computer form Dell for $400 and sell it back to you for $1500. I used them for 6 years and switched to Sunlync and like the above poster, best decision ever. Don't worry about the extra $30/month becuase that's nothing compared to all the extra time and money that you'll watch go down the drain if you get suckered into signing up with the worst company in tanning.

[MATT A]

Originally Posted by vancouverkelly

Don't even think of switching to Helios!! They are the worst company in the entire tanning industry to have to deal with. Scott Bodgan is the President and he will lie straight to your face and is a total jerk who will do anything to screw any client out of a dollar. They buy a computer form Dell for $400 and sell it back to you for $1500. I used them for 6 years and switched to Sunlync and like the above poster, best decision ever. Don't worry about the extra $30/month becuase that's nothing compared to all the extra time and money that you'll watch go down the drain if you get suckered into signing up with the worst company in tanning.

I have bought a lot of dell computers and never paid 400. Worst company in the entire tanning industry? That's funny have used heilos for years with no issue so have many other salon owners. I have helped several customers get started wtih helios no issue. I have helped a few switch from other software to helios no issue. I actually think Scott is stand up guy and him and his wife are both honest people to deal wtih. I have yet to see any money getting drained by using them. I think Sunlync and Helios are both great software.

[unity]

I have said it before and will again, on the whole Helios is the best of the worst. By that I mean all tanning POS software is YEARS behind real retail POS systems. Helios is the most used so there is LOTS of community support. The Helios support staff is not very reliable. I have a ticket going over mont now that has been open, I call each week to check its status. But I have had a problem like that with any software company I have worked with. It happens. For the most part though you will not have problems and get fast resolution. There was a point were had not called them for over a 365 days!

But whatever you go with, there are three that stand-out on top it seems. Tan Tracks, Sunlync and Helios.