Essential terms and definitions for salon owners and beauty professionals.
A digital platform that allows clients to schedule appointments online and helps salons manage their calendars, staff, and services.
When a client fails to attend a scheduled appointment without canceling or notifying the salon in advance.
The ability for clients to schedule appointments 24/7 through a website, app, or social media without calling the salon.
A partial payment collected at the time of booking to secure an appointment and reduce no-shows.
A queue of clients waiting for appointment slots. When cancellations occur, waitlisted clients are notified automatically.
Software that stores client information, visit history, preferences, and enables targeted marketing and personalized service.
The system used to process payments, manage inventory, and complete transactions at checkout.
A percentage fee charged by marketplace platforms (like Fresha) on bookings acquired through their platform.
Branding software with your own logo, colors, and domain so clients see only your brand, not the software provider's.
Technology that allows different software systems to communicate. Used to connect booking software with payment gateways, calendars, etc.
Text message notifications sent to clients before their appointment to reduce no-shows.
Automated messages sent via WhatsApp for booking confirmations, reminders, and marketing campaigns. Has 98% open rates.
Strategies and metrics focused on keeping existing clients returning to your salon, rather than acquiring new ones.
A client who arrives at the salon without a prior appointment, seeking immediate service.
Time added between appointments for cleanup, preparation, or preventing back-to-back scheduling stress.
The list of all services offered by a salon, including descriptions, durations, and prices.
The calendar showing when each team member is available to work and take appointments.
An appointment that automatically repeats on a set schedule (weekly, monthly) for regular clients.
A rewards system that incentivizes repeat visits by offering points, discounts, or free services to returning clients.
The process of requesting, monitoring, and responding to online reviews on Google, Facebook, and other platforms.
The percentage of available appointment slots that are actually booked. Higher is better for revenue.
The average amount spent per client visit, including services and retail products.
The percentage of clients who book their next appointment before leaving the salon.
Rules defining how far in advance clients must cancel and any fees for late cancellations or no-shows.
A service that processes credit card and digital payments securely. Examples: Stripe, PayTabs, Square.