Phorest Reviews
50 Review(s)
softwareOverall Rating
4.3
50 Review(s)
Rating Distribution
5
(34)
4
(5)
3
(6)
2
(1)
1
(4)
Satisfaction Score
Ease of use
9
Value for money
8
Customer Support
8
Functionality
8
Overall Rating
4.3
50 Review(s)
Rating Distribution
5
(34)
4
(5)
3
(6)
2
(1)
1
(4)
Satisfaction Score
Ease of use
9
Value for money
8
Customer Support
8
Functionality
8
Filters
Ratings
Provider Size
Time Used
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Bait and Switch
Bait and Switch
Pros
Roster functions effectively for scheduling appointments.
Cons
The reports are too numerous and overly complicated, definitely not intuitive. It seems like they don't understand what's required for back-office reporting in a salon. When I download payroll to CSV, the information is useless, disorganized, and reads top to bottom instead of left to right, which is standard for most systems. There are differences in functionality between the desktop and web applications, so I'm constantly toggling between the two to get the information I need. Most importantly, the sales team didn't fully disclose that I'd be locked into a 1-year contract with automatic renewal unless I provide at least 2 months' notice in writing to cancel. Most systems don't have contracts. Be cautious of the SMS texts and what's included versus extra. Features that are standard in other systems cost extra with Phorest. I've had to reach out multiple times to get a function added that should've been available from the start. Every time I try to use the help function, the instructions don't match the functionality we have in our system.
Ease of use
3
Value for money
2
Customer Support
3
Functionality
2
Pamela
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
April 2024
Unlock Your Salon's Potential with Phorest's Comprehensive Management Platform
Unlock Your Salon's Potential with Phorest's Comprehensive Management Platform
Pros
Phorest offers a comprehensive set of features tailored specifically for salon businesses. Its intuitive interface simplifies appointment scheduling, client management, and staff organization. The software's robust marketing tools, including automated SMS and email campaigns, help attract new clients and retain existing ones. Phorest's integrated point-of-sale system streamlines inventory management and transactions. Salon owners can gain valuable insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions thanks to detailed reporting and analytics. The Phorest mobile app enhances the overall customer experience by providing convenience and flexibility to both salon staff and clients.
Cons
The price of Phorest is a drawback because it can be too costly for smaller or independent salons. I found the learning curve high initially, and it was challenging to get familiar with all the functions and customization options. Although Phorest offers a wide range of capabilities, some unique needs or specialty salon operations may require further customization or integration with specialized software. Also, occasional technical issues or downtime can negatively impact salon operations and inconvenience clients.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
9
Angelica
Pharmaceuticals, 500+ employees
June 2023
Terrible customer service
Terrible customer service
Pros
I have very bad experience with phorest. They never return my phone calls.
Cons
I was supposed to get a free trial, but now they're charging me. The software looks outdated, like it's from 1980, and it's neither compatible nor does it do what they claimed. I had to cancel my card because they said I'm in a contract, which wasn't how it was sold to me. Try Vagaro Pro; it's much better and more professional.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Jessica
Individual & Family Services, 1-10 employees
May 2023
Facilitates online booking and avoids time on the phone
Facilitates online booking and avoids time on the phone
Pros
Clients can schedule appointments at their convenience without waiting in line, even outside office hours.
Cons
It's less effective when I want to select multiple services in one appointment it still works but is a bit more confusing.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Gm
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 500+ employees
Less than 6 months
March 2023
Man kann jeden vor warnen
Man kann jeden vor warnen
Pros
Nichts.... I'm very disappointed! Tried it for 2 months... still don't have all my data... very poor service.
Cons
Very poor service, very expensive, and I can only warn everyone against it.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Fadime
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
November 2022
User Friendly
User Friendly
Pros
I use Phorest to book appointments at my salon. It is very easy to navigate. I can effortlessly select the service type, choose the stylist, and pick the date and time. It lists the available days and times, which I prefer over a calendar view. I receive email confirmations when I book appointments and email reminders as the date approaches. I also get text message reminders and a survey after my appointment. The system keeps a record of my previous appointments with details like date, time, and stylist, and I have the option to rebook the same type and stylist with a single click.
Cons
I can't set up reminders for my appointments.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
9
Jessica
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 101-500 employees
November 2022
Ehhhh
Ehhhh
Pros
It's fantastic if you have multiple locations. The software is continuously updated and works across multiple platforms.
Cons
The marketing is inferior, sharing reviews is difficult, and modifying existing prices and services is challenging.
Ease of use
8
Value for money
7
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Kaitlin
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
October 2022
no longer a costomer
no longer a costomer
Pros
The reports were excellent, showing retention, new clients, and sales.
Cons
It's hard to train, and online booking was messy for clients and always felt off.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
10
Customer Support
5
Functionality
5
Janine
Consumer Services, 11-50 employees
More than a year
January 2022
Very Happy
Very Happy
Pros
I run a small salon by myself, so I use Phorest to the extent that I need. It is incredibly simple to navigate and offers numerous features tailored to your business. Everything needed to grow and support your business is accessible with a few clicks. The ease of personalizing settings and marketing tools within Phorest stands out to me.
Cons
I really like this software and its features.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Belinda
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
More than a year
December 2021
Ok System with horrible customer service and no follow up
Ok System with horrible customer service and no follow up
Pros
The POS system is efficient. Product setup is straightforward.
Cons
The worst customer care I've dealt with in a very long time. The online store is subpar, the marketing looks horrible, and the system and app don't work well together. It's way too expensive for the service you receive.
Ease of use
4
Value for money
6
Customer Support
2
Functionality
4
Anonymous
Not Specified, 1-10 employees
More than a year
November 2021
Very basic, would not recommend for large operations
Very basic, would not recommend for large operations
Pros
It is simple for staff to use and visually appealing.
Cons
The reporting is quite limited, I can't store credit card details, there can only be one confirmation email, and it can't be resent.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
6
Customer Support
8
Functionality
6
Ela
Hospitality, 51-100 employees
More than a year
August 2021
Unprofessional Company with hidden charges and poor data management
Unprofessional Company with hidden charges and poor data management
Pros
The appointment diary is simple and visual but basic. The online reputation manager helps manage reviews, but after seeing other systems, I find it basic and only available in their most expensive package.
Cons
The company has hidden charges they deduct at source, making them invisible and unauditable. They consistently overcharge, applying higher charges to bills than the original contract, and insist on payment by direct debit, making it hard to detect these issues. They manipulate my data without knowledge or consent, for instance, opting many of my clients out of marketing without my knowledge. I discovered this by accident, and it turned out to be an issue in their software, which they initially denied but eventually admitted. I don't know if they corrected the fault just in my account or if other customers are still affected but unaware. A few years ago, they made a major change to how their online booking system worked without informing clients, causing all our online bookings to go down. It took weeks for them to admit the mistake was theirs, costing me thousands in website redesign to overcome their change. This reflects poor change management and a lack of understanding of how customers use their software.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Anonymous
Not Specified, 51-100 employees
More than a year
February 2021
Phorest Experience
Phorest Experience
Pros
The most crucial aspect of Phorest is its easy accessibility to everything you need. You pay a premium for convenience, which is why it's so successful.
Cons
The cost of Phorest is very high, but as I mentioned, you pay for convenience. Another thing I disliked was that customer service never aimed to fix a situation, just to make an issue right. Many issues occur, and eventually, preventive actions would be more preferred than accommodations.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
7
Customer Support
7
Functionality
10
Chris
Marketing and Advertising, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
October 2020
Only good as a diary- old fashioned software
Only good as a diary- old fashioned software
Pros
The diary features provided are excellent, offering a robust and intuitive way to manage appointments, and the staff rostering capabilities are also impressive, making it easier to organize and schedule employee shifts efficiently.
Cons
Useless for marketing, their upgraded' marketing suite is frustrating and not at all intuitive. It takes hours to produce a simple newsletter, making it not worth using. If I want to save a draft to revisit later, good luck finding it. Customer service doesn't really want you to call, so I've been cut off again. They do respond to support tickets, but only on another day, making it all slow. If you're a busy salon, it's not the best.
Ease of use
4
Value for money
2
Customer Support
5
Functionality
5
Sharon
Retail, 1-10 employees
More than a year
March 2020
We Don't love it anymore
We Don't love it anymore
Pros
I appreciate the simplicity of use, the dependable support, and the innovative ideas for future enhancements.
Cons
It's not keeping up with the times; features we thought would have progressed by now are still lacking, especially emails. The support is nothing like it used to be.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
4
Customer Support
4
Functionality
4
Vivian
Cosmetics, 51-100 employees
More than a year
February 2020
Phorest is the best option on the market
Phorest is the best option on the market
Pros
Easy implementation and support for multiple locations. Regular updates improve the software continuously. It meets all our booking and POS needs and includes an excellent built-in rewards system with customizable features. The comprehensive reports make it easy to track business performance and individual employee progress, allowing management to set and monitor goals. The online booking system works seamlessly with Phorest's app and integrates with our business website and Facebook page. The pricing is reasonable.
Cons
I wish the reviews could be listed directly as a Facebook review instead of something we have to post ourselves on our business page wall. I also hope to see a better system for employee categories soon. If I want to change the price of one service an employee does, I have to create a new category specifically for them, and there's no way to copy and paste the old category. It turns a 1-second change into a 15-20 minute ordeal.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Omar
Retail, 51-100 employees
More than a year
July 2019
Poor customer care
Poor customer care
Pros
The software excels in client management, fostering strong client connections, and providing robust email marketing capabilities.
Cons
US customer support is awful! Absolutely terrible. When they were in Ireland, it was amazing. I can't wait to leave as I've tried to communicate with their teams for months, but nothing has improved. The software doesn't have YouTube tutorials to help problem-solve, and many features are not easy to find or use. When a client is a no-show and I collect the deposit, it goes to billing instead of my bank account. That's just ridiculous.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
4
Customer Support
2
Functionality
6
Monique
Writing and Editing, 1-10 employees
More than a year
June 2019
Good soft ware
Good soft ware
Pros
I organized my appointments, centralized my information, stock, staff, etc.
Cons
It has not improved my no-shows, it's expensive, and it can be complicated at times. I love the gift card system, but again, it's expensive. I can't upload enough photos per treatment, still no consents available, and recently there have been a lot of service disruptions.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
2
Customer Support
10
Functionality
7
emma
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
More than a year
November 2018
The best receptionist ive ever had
The best receptionist ive ever had
Pros
The online booking option is very helpful as we include it in our automated email response. The ability to fully charge no-shows is also an excellent deterrent.
Cons
It crashes every once in a while, usually for no more than 60 minutes, and probably only a handful of times a year. They are very quick to address any problems.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
laura
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than a year
August 2018
Own a saloon, or beauty spa, you should try this
Own a saloon, or beauty spa, you should try this
Pros
What I like the most is that Phorest Salon Software is a one-stop shop for hair salons, beauty salons, and spas.
Cons
It's a great software for salons, by far the one I like the most. The pricing can feel a bit expensive for some people.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Anonymous
Not Specified, 500+ employees
July 2018
Really great well thought out software
Really great well thought out software
Pros
We chose this software after a demo walkthrough for our salon. It has almost everything we need. We particularly appreciate the built-in review features for major sites like Google and Facebook, helping us get more reviews. We like the drag-and-drop features for rescheduling appointments, and the text or email notifications with confirmation links for clients to confirm appointments. There are plenty of reports available.
Cons
A little pricey for the top level. Not a huge selection of integrated hardware. I was hoping they'd have a card reader similar to the Square reader, but they don't.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Anonymous
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
June 2018
Stressful, hectic, traumatic
Stressful, hectic, traumatic
Pros
I loved the reports, the ease of using it on a mobile device, the communication it maintained with our clients, and the simplicity of rebooking clients.
Cons
I can't book clients for the correct time frame, can't book tanning appointments or packages, and have to schedule training during my business hours to learn how to operate the software. Customer support is not always available.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Anna
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
June 2018
Great Software, Great Support but could be improved
Great Software, Great Support but could be improved
Pros
This software is fantastic for any salon. We use it in our Worthing branch, and it makes managing appointments very easy! No training is needed because it's so intuitive. The drag-and-drop interface simplifies employee scheduling, and it offers a staff-by-staff view of their day plan, which is helpful in case of absences.
Cons
To give clients complete control, we've integrated this software into our website, allowing them to see all available options and times for treatments. What I'd like to see soon is the ability for clients to book a specific appointment with a staff member. The system is closed to the outside world, making it hard to grow my business using this software. It's limited by its own design, so before you invest, make sure you're not looking for any additional features before committing.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
7
Customer Support
8
Functionality
9
Andy
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 11-50 employees
More than a year
April 2018
Brilliant cloud based solution
Brilliant cloud based solution
Pros
I really appreciate how the system confirms appointments and manages the entire inventory. You can monitor the entire staff, which helps attract more clients.
Cons
When conversing with clients, there's nothing specific to maintain their requested data, which could be noted.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Vijay
Retail, 51-100 employees
More than a year
April 2018
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
Pros
The automated client outreach is a significant time-saver. I also like the loyalty scheme feature, which I believe will support further growth along with the integrated social media marketing.
Cons
I think the training sessions would be much more beneficial in smaller groups. With Phorest, there appear to be many add-ons to the original purchase price and monthly fee, but hopefully, as Phorest's software encourages growth and client retention, these will be an investment.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
George
Retail, 51-100 employees
More than a year
March 2018
Makes salon administration easy
Makes salon administration easy
Pros
I love how convenient it is and how it gives me access to the salon 24/7. It's very professional, and the customer support is excellent.
Cons
The software has a cost, and there are fees associated with online booking. Sometimes, access issues occur because it's cloud-based, affecting our ability to process clients and make bookings, though these instances are very rare.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Linda
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
March 2018
Amazingly easy transfer
Amazingly easy transfer
Pros
The mobile app's convenience and the access it provides our clients are fantastic. User feedback within the system helps improve services, create new possibilities, and ensure the actual user's voice makes a difference. Great customer support! Switching from our old salon software to Phorest was very easy.
Cons
It's still a bit quirky, but the support line is very helpful and always available for troubleshooting.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
7
Nancy
Not Specified, 11-50 employees
Less than 6 months
February 2018
Makes life easier for client and company
Makes life easier for client and company
Pros
I admire the app for staff access, the ease of online bookings, and the reports that save me time on accounting.
Cons
I've been trading for 11 years but have no financial reports ported over to Phorest, so I can't compare year to year. A lot of the clients' notes were missing too.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
10
Geraldine
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
So far has been great. Everyone is very helpful
So far has been great. Everyone is very helpful
Pros
What I like most about the software are the customizable marketing texts that I can send out as needed.
Cons
What I like least about the software is that it needs to be installed on your computer instead of just signing in from a website.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Norma
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
I have this software for last 7 years and think it is the best in the market
I have this software for last 7 years and think it is the best in the market
Pros
This system is simple, and I like that it gets regular updates to improve it. The support is very good too.
Cons
I wish working with the database on the pages was simpler. For example, when working on the clients' database, if I move from page 1 to page 2 to delete or archive a client, the system automatically brings me back to page one. It's quite annoying when I'm working on page 5 and want to handle more than one client on that page. I constantly have to scroll back from page one.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
10
Sandra
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
January 2018
This software has changed my life!
This software has changed my life!
Pros
It made Christmas at my salon run the best yet. Adequate appointments with sufficient turnaround time made us all less stressed. Love it, love it, love it!
Cons
I can't set a maximum number of treatments (like massages) per day. We have to manually monitor the diaries and cancel where necessary to ensure each therapist doesn't have, say, 7 massages in a row.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Lucy
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
Really good so far!
Really good so far!
Pros
It's so much easier to navigate, super intuitive! Customer support is amazing, they're so friendly and respond ASAP. It has almost everything I need, and the training was great!
Cons
I wish it was easier for one person to pay for two different people (we have many families). Also, I would like a three-segment timing structure (Start - Gap - Finish).
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Jesse
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
Still very new to Phorest but so far so good. Customer service is excellent and software features.
Still very new to Phorest but so far so good. Customer service is excellent and software features.
Pros
The features cover 90% of what I needed. The reports are good, and the ease of use and marketing assistance are the main pros.
Cons
Forms are not ready yet. We can't sell courses online, and it's a bit expensive for new salon owners.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
7
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Abhi
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
December 2017
Exceedingly excellent!
Exceedingly excellent!
Pros
It offers a better experience for our clients and has elevated our salon from good to excellent, making us stand out.
Cons
It's a bit expensive for new salon owners.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Lilly
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
December 2017
New to Phorest they have been super helpful so far!
New to Phorest they have been super helpful so far!
Pros
Phorest is easy to understand and hopefully will boost the business. The app is a great extra feature, allowing use on many devices and checking on the business anytime. The training is great for the whole team.
Cons
Commissions still need to be handled separately, which could be integrated into the software for a more comprehensive product.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Kou
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
Excellent Customer Support
Excellent Customer Support
Pros
This software really helps me manage the business more easily.
Cons
It doesn't integrate with the merchant services unit, so I have to cash up twice, once on the system and once on the merchant service terminal and hope the two match! Also, there are no stats on emails, which makes me prefer Mailchimp.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Angela
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
More than a year
November 2017
Pretty easy to follow. Great team to deal with
Pretty easy to follow. Great team to deal with
Pros
It is nice and simple to use and does a lot of things for me. It helps run a busy salon and has a much wider range of features compared to I-Salon System. I really like the features and how clear everything is.
Cons
I would add the option of popping up alerts for each online booking appointment, like "please contact the salon" for certain services if they can't be booked with the app.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Michal
Not Specified, N/A employees
Free Trial
November 2017
Great for innovation and new things but basics are lacking. Things to improve!
Great for innovation and new things but basics are lacking. Things to improve!
Pros
The reporting is good for managing the team at a glance. Client emailing and marketing help keep in touch, and accessing the system anywhere without extra cost is good.
Cons
Quoting prices to clients is lengthy and difficult. The user interface when taking payments isn't as fluid as shortcuts. Tracking schedules and reporting hours for payroll is not sufficient; it only tracks worked hours, not holiday hours. Support can be dismissive of these issues. The advanced features are great, but the basics are lacking. The commission taken from online bookings is too high.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
7
Customer Support
5
Functionality
7
Hayley
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
completely awesome very knowledgeable.
completely awesome very knowledgeable.
Pros
I love the program and its accessibility. It's very similar to programs I've used before. I'm looking forward to our next training. I have nothing else to add for now.
Cons
I wish there were more features for independent contractors. It feels like the system was built mainly for commission-based salons.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
7
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Mark
Not Specified, N/A employees
Free Trial
November 2017
first class training. The support and speed this was set up was fabulous .
first class training. The support and speed this was set up was fabulous .
Pros
Everything. I've used i-salon and shortcuts, and there's no comparison. The help desk was amazing, and everything was perfect. I love the treat cards and the fact that it is paperless, which is a massive advantage. Having consultation cards on the system looks very professional, and the company is very forward-thinking.
Cons
I can't change package time lengths, but that's a minor issue. Overall, I'm extremely happy with the software.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
sharon
Cosmetics, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
Its a great system with lots of added benefits
Its a great system with lots of added benefits
Pros
The online booking tool is brilliant, and the salon apps are super easy and efficient. The marketing tools are great, with SMS reminders, SMS marketing, email, etc. The system was very easy.
Cons
A few general things are missing. While big improvements are great, it's also important to address general needs. For example, Phorest's Paymentmate software needs to be released. Please add a reprint receipt option on the appointment page and a currency calculator on cash-up. User voice needs a redesign.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Catriona
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
This has been a pleasant and smooth process
This has been a pleasant and smooth process
Pros
The detailed reports, marketing options, and ease of use are fantastic. Appointments are easy to manage, and the app allows me to access my reports and schedule at home conveniently.
Cons
Phorest is expensive, and ongoing costs can be high depending on SMS usage. Treat cards are costly, and I didn't realize you don't need them as points can be added automatically.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Andrea
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
Love Phorest! Have used many other softwares.
Love Phorest! Have used many other softwares.
Pros
It's very intuitive and specifically focused on salons. They really understand what salons need and how to reach their customers.
Cons
It's taking some time to learn it well enough to operate at its full potential. There are so many features that we are just now getting into.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Amber
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than a year
November 2017
Implementing Phorest has been an excellent experience , so motivating, engaging & professional
Implementing Phorest has been an excellent experience , so motivating, engaging & professional
Pros
After researching various clinic software, Phorest has exceeded my expectations. My favorite feature is how it simplifies client engagement and retention, making clients feel valued through automated texts and emails. The loyalty scheme supports further growth alongside social media marketing. The software centralizes stock, staff, client, and clinic management, saving time with stock management and offering comprehensive reports. The Phorest Go app is very useful, and the setup support was excellent. I can't imagine managing without Phorest now!
Cons
One feature that's missing but is a work in progress is client consultation sheets, consent forms, and the storage of notes. Phorest is an excellent piece of software, but it tends to be more salon-oriented. I feel Phorest recognizes the need to incorporate a support package more suitable for clinics. The training sessions would be more beneficial in smaller groups. With Phorest, there seem to be many add-ons to the original purchase price and monthly fee, but hopefully, as Phorest's software encourages growth and client retention, these will be an investment.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Emma
Computer Software, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
October 2017
lovely
lovely
Pros
When there's a misunderstanding or mistake, customer service is right there to help, patiently explaining everything step by step.
Cons
Sometimes, simplicity is hard to achieve. Also, clients using online booking find it difficult to navigate the website.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Emilia
Not Specified, 1-10 employees
More than a year
October 2017
Everyone has been really helpful, efficient and really supportive helping me set up my new software.
Everyone has been really helpful, efficient and really supportive helping me set up my new software.
Pros
It's really intuitive. The staff have been amazing and genuinely want to help me grow my business. I love that all reviews can be linked in one place for easy monitoring. Managing stock is very easy, and the Treatcards excite my clients. I can't wait to use my salon app.
Cons
The fact that it's web-based is a downside, but so far, it's the only downside. It would be great to do more on Phorest Go! I do a lot from home on my day off, and it would be useful to see more on my phone or tablet rather than having to buy another computer for home or bring my work computer home.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Amy
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
October 2017
Great experience, very helpful and we got alot of information, a very positive experience. Motivate
Great experience, very helpful and we got alot of information, a very positive experience. Motivate
Pros
Phorest is great for holding all our client information, giving easy access to everything we need at the touch of a button. It makes booking appointments much easier and stress-free. Everything is organized, allowing us to focus more on our clients. The support team is amazing, and it's reassuring to have their help for any problems or queries.
Cons
A lot of my information did not transfer over from my old Millennium system, including my product line and client account balances. I would like the option to send single text reminders when necessary.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Davida
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
October 2017
Best thing we ever did taking on phorest
Best thing we ever did taking on phorest
Pros
I admire that I finally have my life back with zero clients contacting me. It handles everything, and the marketing side is amazing!
Cons
There is nothing bad I could say about the system at the moment. I enjoy all its functions, and it serves us well!
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Jessica
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than a year
October 2017
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
Pros
I like that everything is easy to find. Big buttons make it simple. Data input is simple, maybe too simple, but it works. I like the free email functionality and the paid SMS functionality. Linking to social media is also good for smaller salons.
Cons
Reports are not easy to create if you don't want the standard ones. I would improve that aspect and make clever reports. Also, I would prefer the app to be improved as it looks very dated and old, and it's not as personalized as needed. Additionally, push notifications for appointment reminders should be standard, but this function is not available. Everyone uses push notifications, even for blogs and social media content.
Ease of use
8
Value for money
8
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Vi
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
October 2017
Couldn't do without it
Couldn't do without it
Pros
It's easy to use with great content, making salon management simple. Staff KPI and performance tracking are excellent, and customer service always solves any problems.
Cons
There is not anything about the software that I dislike. However, online booking can occasionally become disorganized, and I also find the stock management system to be quite challenging and difficult to handle effectively.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Stacey
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
October 2017
Filters
Sort by:
Bait and Switch
Bait and Switch
Pros
Roster functions effectively for scheduling appointments.
Cons
The reports are too numerous and overly complicated, definitely not intuitive. It seems like they don't understand what's required for back-office reporting in a salon. When I download payroll to CSV, the information is useless, disorganized, and reads top to bottom instead of left to right, which is standard for most systems. There are differences in functionality between the desktop and web applications, so I'm constantly toggling between the two to get the information I need. Most importantly, the sales team didn't fully disclose that I'd be locked into a 1-year contract with automatic renewal unless I provide at least 2 months' notice in writing to cancel. Most systems don't have contracts. Be cautious of the SMS texts and what's included versus extra. Features that are standard in other systems cost extra with Phorest. I've had to reach out multiple times to get a function added that should've been available from the start. Every time I try to use the help function, the instructions don't match the functionality we have in our system.
Ease of use
3
Value for money
2
Customer Support
3
Functionality
2
Pamela
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
April 2024
Unlock Your Salon's Potential with Phorest's Comprehensive Management Platform
Unlock Your Salon's Potential with Phorest's Comprehensive Management Platform
Pros
Phorest offers a comprehensive set of features tailored specifically for salon businesses. Its intuitive interface simplifies appointment scheduling, client management, and staff organization. The software's robust marketing tools, including automated SMS and email campaigns, help attract new clients and retain existing ones. Phorest's integrated point-of-sale system streamlines inventory management and transactions. Salon owners can gain valuable insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions thanks to detailed reporting and analytics. The Phorest mobile app enhances the overall customer experience by providing convenience and flexibility to both salon staff and clients.
Cons
The price of Phorest is a drawback because it can be too costly for smaller or independent salons. I found the learning curve high initially, and it was challenging to get familiar with all the functions and customization options. Although Phorest offers a wide range of capabilities, some unique needs or specialty salon operations may require further customization or integration with specialized software. Also, occasional technical issues or downtime can negatively impact salon operations and inconvenience clients.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
9
Angelica
Pharmaceuticals, 500+ employees
June 2023
Terrible customer service
Terrible customer service
Pros
I have very bad experience with phorest. They never return my phone calls.
Cons
I was supposed to get a free trial, but now they're charging me. The software looks outdated, like it's from 1980, and it's neither compatible nor does it do what they claimed. I had to cancel my card because they said I'm in a contract, which wasn't how it was sold to me. Try Vagaro Pro; it's much better and more professional.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Jessica
Individual & Family Services, 1-10 employees
May 2023
Facilitates online booking and avoids time on the phone
Facilitates online booking and avoids time on the phone
Pros
Clients can schedule appointments at their convenience without waiting in line, even outside office hours.
Cons
It's less effective when I want to select multiple services in one appointment it still works but is a bit more confusing.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Gm
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 500+ employees
Less than 6 months
March 2023
Man kann jeden vor warnen
Man kann jeden vor warnen
Pros
Nichts.... I'm very disappointed! Tried it for 2 months... still don't have all my data... very poor service.
Cons
Very poor service, very expensive, and I can only warn everyone against it.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Fadime
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
November 2022
User Friendly
User Friendly
Pros
I use Phorest to book appointments at my salon. It is very easy to navigate. I can effortlessly select the service type, choose the stylist, and pick the date and time. It lists the available days and times, which I prefer over a calendar view. I receive email confirmations when I book appointments and email reminders as the date approaches. I also get text message reminders and a survey after my appointment. The system keeps a record of my previous appointments with details like date, time, and stylist, and I have the option to rebook the same type and stylist with a single click.
Cons
I can't set up reminders for my appointments.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
9
Jessica
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 101-500 employees
November 2022
Ehhhh
Ehhhh
Pros
It's fantastic if you have multiple locations. The software is continuously updated and works across multiple platforms.
Cons
The marketing is inferior, sharing reviews is difficult, and modifying existing prices and services is challenging.
Ease of use
8
Value for money
7
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Kaitlin
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
October 2022
no longer a costomer
no longer a costomer
Pros
The reports were excellent, showing retention, new clients, and sales.
Cons
It's hard to train, and online booking was messy for clients and always felt off.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
10
Customer Support
5
Functionality
5
Janine
Consumer Services, 11-50 employees
More than a year
January 2022
Very Happy
Very Happy
Pros
I run a small salon by myself, so I use Phorest to the extent that I need. It is incredibly simple to navigate and offers numerous features tailored to your business. Everything needed to grow and support your business is accessible with a few clicks. The ease of personalizing settings and marketing tools within Phorest stands out to me.
Cons
I really like this software and its features.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Belinda
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
More than a year
December 2021
Ok System with horrible customer service and no follow up
Ok System with horrible customer service and no follow up
Pros
The POS system is efficient. Product setup is straightforward.
Cons
The worst customer care I've dealt with in a very long time. The online store is subpar, the marketing looks horrible, and the system and app don't work well together. It's way too expensive for the service you receive.
Ease of use
4
Value for money
6
Customer Support
2
Functionality
4
Anonymous
Not Specified, 1-10 employees
More than a year
November 2021
Very basic, would not recommend for large operations
Very basic, would not recommend for large operations
Pros
It is simple for staff to use and visually appealing.
Cons
The reporting is quite limited, I can't store credit card details, there can only be one confirmation email, and it can't be resent.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
6
Customer Support
8
Functionality
6
Ela
Hospitality, 51-100 employees
More than a year
August 2021
Unprofessional Company with hidden charges and poor data management
Unprofessional Company with hidden charges and poor data management
Pros
The appointment diary is simple and visual but basic. The online reputation manager helps manage reviews, but after seeing other systems, I find it basic and only available in their most expensive package.
Cons
The company has hidden charges they deduct at source, making them invisible and unauditable. They consistently overcharge, applying higher charges to bills than the original contract, and insist on payment by direct debit, making it hard to detect these issues. They manipulate my data without knowledge or consent, for instance, opting many of my clients out of marketing without my knowledge. I discovered this by accident, and it turned out to be an issue in their software, which they initially denied but eventually admitted. I don't know if they corrected the fault just in my account or if other customers are still affected but unaware. A few years ago, they made a major change to how their online booking system worked without informing clients, causing all our online bookings to go down. It took weeks for them to admit the mistake was theirs, costing me thousands in website redesign to overcome their change. This reflects poor change management and a lack of understanding of how customers use their software.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Anonymous
Not Specified, 51-100 employees
More than a year
February 2021
Phorest Experience
Phorest Experience
Pros
The most crucial aspect of Phorest is its easy accessibility to everything you need. You pay a premium for convenience, which is why it's so successful.
Cons
The cost of Phorest is very high, but as I mentioned, you pay for convenience. Another thing I disliked was that customer service never aimed to fix a situation, just to make an issue right. Many issues occur, and eventually, preventive actions would be more preferred than accommodations.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
7
Customer Support
7
Functionality
10
Chris
Marketing and Advertising, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
October 2020
Only good as a diary- old fashioned software
Only good as a diary- old fashioned software
Pros
The diary features provided are excellent, offering a robust and intuitive way to manage appointments, and the staff rostering capabilities are also impressive, making it easier to organize and schedule employee shifts efficiently.
Cons
Useless for marketing, their upgraded' marketing suite is frustrating and not at all intuitive. It takes hours to produce a simple newsletter, making it not worth using. If I want to save a draft to revisit later, good luck finding it. Customer service doesn't really want you to call, so I've been cut off again. They do respond to support tickets, but only on another day, making it all slow. If you're a busy salon, it's not the best.
Ease of use
4
Value for money
2
Customer Support
5
Functionality
5
Sharon
Retail, 1-10 employees
More than a year
March 2020
We Don't love it anymore
We Don't love it anymore
Pros
I appreciate the simplicity of use, the dependable support, and the innovative ideas for future enhancements.
Cons
It's not keeping up with the times; features we thought would have progressed by now are still lacking, especially emails. The support is nothing like it used to be.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
4
Customer Support
4
Functionality
4
Vivian
Cosmetics, 51-100 employees
More than a year
February 2020
Phorest is the best option on the market
Phorest is the best option on the market
Pros
Easy implementation and support for multiple locations. Regular updates improve the software continuously. It meets all our booking and POS needs and includes an excellent built-in rewards system with customizable features. The comprehensive reports make it easy to track business performance and individual employee progress, allowing management to set and monitor goals. The online booking system works seamlessly with Phorest's app and integrates with our business website and Facebook page. The pricing is reasonable.
Cons
I wish the reviews could be listed directly as a Facebook review instead of something we have to post ourselves on our business page wall. I also hope to see a better system for employee categories soon. If I want to change the price of one service an employee does, I have to create a new category specifically for them, and there's no way to copy and paste the old category. It turns a 1-second change into a 15-20 minute ordeal.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Omar
Retail, 51-100 employees
More than a year
July 2019
Poor customer care
Poor customer care
Pros
The software excels in client management, fostering strong client connections, and providing robust email marketing capabilities.
Cons
US customer support is awful! Absolutely terrible. When they were in Ireland, it was amazing. I can't wait to leave as I've tried to communicate with their teams for months, but nothing has improved. The software doesn't have YouTube tutorials to help problem-solve, and many features are not easy to find or use. When a client is a no-show and I collect the deposit, it goes to billing instead of my bank account. That's just ridiculous.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
4
Customer Support
2
Functionality
6
Monique
Writing and Editing, 1-10 employees
More than a year
June 2019
Good soft ware
Good soft ware
Pros
I organized my appointments, centralized my information, stock, staff, etc.
Cons
It has not improved my no-shows, it's expensive, and it can be complicated at times. I love the gift card system, but again, it's expensive. I can't upload enough photos per treatment, still no consents available, and recently there have been a lot of service disruptions.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
2
Customer Support
10
Functionality
7
emma
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
More than a year
November 2018
The best receptionist ive ever had
The best receptionist ive ever had
Pros
The online booking option is very helpful as we include it in our automated email response. The ability to fully charge no-shows is also an excellent deterrent.
Cons
It crashes every once in a while, usually for no more than 60 minutes, and probably only a handful of times a year. They are very quick to address any problems.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
laura
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than a year
August 2018
Own a saloon, or beauty spa, you should try this
Own a saloon, or beauty spa, you should try this
Pros
What I like the most is that Phorest Salon Software is a one-stop shop for hair salons, beauty salons, and spas.
Cons
It's a great software for salons, by far the one I like the most. The pricing can feel a bit expensive for some people.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Anonymous
Not Specified, 500+ employees
July 2018
Really great well thought out software
Really great well thought out software
Pros
We chose this software after a demo walkthrough for our salon. It has almost everything we need. We particularly appreciate the built-in review features for major sites like Google and Facebook, helping us get more reviews. We like the drag-and-drop features for rescheduling appointments, and the text or email notifications with confirmation links for clients to confirm appointments. There are plenty of reports available.
Cons
A little pricey for the top level. Not a huge selection of integrated hardware. I was hoping they'd have a card reader similar to the Square reader, but they don't.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Anonymous
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
June 2018
Stressful, hectic, traumatic
Stressful, hectic, traumatic
Pros
I loved the reports, the ease of using it on a mobile device, the communication it maintained with our clients, and the simplicity of rebooking clients.
Cons
I can't book clients for the correct time frame, can't book tanning appointments or packages, and have to schedule training during my business hours to learn how to operate the software. Customer support is not always available.
Ease of use
2
Value for money
2
Customer Support
2
Functionality
2
Anna
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
June 2018
Great Software, Great Support but could be improved
Great Software, Great Support but could be improved
Pros
This software is fantastic for any salon. We use it in our Worthing branch, and it makes managing appointments very easy! No training is needed because it's so intuitive. The drag-and-drop interface simplifies employee scheduling, and it offers a staff-by-staff view of their day plan, which is helpful in case of absences.
Cons
To give clients complete control, we've integrated this software into our website, allowing them to see all available options and times for treatments. What I'd like to see soon is the ability for clients to book a specific appointment with a staff member. The system is closed to the outside world, making it hard to grow my business using this software. It's limited by its own design, so before you invest, make sure you're not looking for any additional features before committing.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
7
Customer Support
8
Functionality
9
Andy
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 11-50 employees
More than a year
April 2018
Brilliant cloud based solution
Brilliant cloud based solution
Pros
I really appreciate how the system confirms appointments and manages the entire inventory. You can monitor the entire staff, which helps attract more clients.
Cons
When conversing with clients, there's nothing specific to maintain their requested data, which could be noted.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Vijay
Retail, 51-100 employees
More than a year
April 2018
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
Pros
The automated client outreach is a significant time-saver. I also like the loyalty scheme feature, which I believe will support further growth along with the integrated social media marketing.
Cons
I think the training sessions would be much more beneficial in smaller groups. With Phorest, there appear to be many add-ons to the original purchase price and monthly fee, but hopefully, as Phorest's software encourages growth and client retention, these will be an investment.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
George
Retail, 51-100 employees
More than a year
March 2018
Makes salon administration easy
Makes salon administration easy
Pros
I love how convenient it is and how it gives me access to the salon 24/7. It's very professional, and the customer support is excellent.
Cons
The software has a cost, and there are fees associated with online booking. Sometimes, access issues occur because it's cloud-based, affecting our ability to process clients and make bookings, though these instances are very rare.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Linda
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
March 2018
Amazingly easy transfer
Amazingly easy transfer
Pros
The mobile app's convenience and the access it provides our clients are fantastic. User feedback within the system helps improve services, create new possibilities, and ensure the actual user's voice makes a difference. Great customer support! Switching from our old salon software to Phorest was very easy.
Cons
It's still a bit quirky, but the support line is very helpful and always available for troubleshooting.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
7
Nancy
Not Specified, 11-50 employees
Less than 6 months
February 2018
Makes life easier for client and company
Makes life easier for client and company
Pros
I admire the app for staff access, the ease of online bookings, and the reports that save me time on accounting.
Cons
I've been trading for 11 years but have no financial reports ported over to Phorest, so I can't compare year to year. A lot of the clients' notes were missing too.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
10
Geraldine
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
So far has been great. Everyone is very helpful
So far has been great. Everyone is very helpful
Pros
What I like most about the software are the customizable marketing texts that I can send out as needed.
Cons
What I like least about the software is that it needs to be installed on your computer instead of just signing in from a website.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Norma
Consumer Services, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
I have this software for last 7 years and think it is the best in the market
I have this software for last 7 years and think it is the best in the market
Pros
This system is simple, and I like that it gets regular updates to improve it. The support is very good too.
Cons
I wish working with the database on the pages was simpler. For example, when working on the clients' database, if I move from page 1 to page 2 to delete or archive a client, the system automatically brings me back to page one. It's quite annoying when I'm working on page 5 and want to handle more than one client on that page. I constantly have to scroll back from page one.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
9
Functionality
10
Sandra
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
January 2018
This software has changed my life!
This software has changed my life!
Pros
It made Christmas at my salon run the best yet. Adequate appointments with sufficient turnaround time made us all less stressed. Love it, love it, love it!
Cons
I can't set a maximum number of treatments (like massages) per day. We have to manually monitor the diaries and cancel where necessary to ensure each therapist doesn't have, say, 7 massages in a row.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Lucy
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
Really good so far!
Really good so far!
Pros
It's so much easier to navigate, super intuitive! Customer support is amazing, they're so friendly and respond ASAP. It has almost everything I need, and the training was great!
Cons
I wish it was easier for one person to pay for two different people (we have many families). Also, I would like a three-segment timing structure (Start - Gap - Finish).
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Jesse
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
January 2018
Still very new to Phorest but so far so good. Customer service is excellent and software features.
Still very new to Phorest but so far so good. Customer service is excellent and software features.
Pros
The features cover 90% of what I needed. The reports are good, and the ease of use and marketing assistance are the main pros.
Cons
Forms are not ready yet. We can't sell courses online, and it's a bit expensive for new salon owners.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
7
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Abhi
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
December 2017
Exceedingly excellent!
Exceedingly excellent!
Pros
It offers a better experience for our clients and has elevated our salon from good to excellent, making us stand out.
Cons
It's a bit expensive for new salon owners.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Lilly
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
December 2017
New to Phorest they have been super helpful so far!
New to Phorest they have been super helpful so far!
Pros
Phorest is easy to understand and hopefully will boost the business. The app is a great extra feature, allowing use on many devices and checking on the business anytime. The training is great for the whole team.
Cons
Commissions still need to be handled separately, which could be integrated into the software for a more comprehensive product.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Kou
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
Excellent Customer Support
Excellent Customer Support
Pros
This software really helps me manage the business more easily.
Cons
It doesn't integrate with the merchant services unit, so I have to cash up twice, once on the system and once on the merchant service terminal and hope the two match! Also, there are no stats on emails, which makes me prefer Mailchimp.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Angela
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
More than a year
November 2017
Pretty easy to follow. Great team to deal with
Pretty easy to follow. Great team to deal with
Pros
It is nice and simple to use and does a lot of things for me. It helps run a busy salon and has a much wider range of features compared to I-Salon System. I really like the features and how clear everything is.
Cons
I would add the option of popping up alerts for each online booking appointment, like "please contact the salon" for certain services if they can't be booked with the app.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Michal
Not Specified, N/A employees
Free Trial
November 2017
Great for innovation and new things but basics are lacking. Things to improve!
Great for innovation and new things but basics are lacking. Things to improve!
Pros
The reporting is good for managing the team at a glance. Client emailing and marketing help keep in touch, and accessing the system anywhere without extra cost is good.
Cons
Quoting prices to clients is lengthy and difficult. The user interface when taking payments isn't as fluid as shortcuts. Tracking schedules and reporting hours for payroll is not sufficient; it only tracks worked hours, not holiday hours. Support can be dismissive of these issues. The advanced features are great, but the basics are lacking. The commission taken from online bookings is too high.
Ease of use
7
Value for money
7
Customer Support
5
Functionality
7
Hayley
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
completely awesome very knowledgeable.
completely awesome very knowledgeable.
Pros
I love the program and its accessibility. It's very similar to programs I've used before. I'm looking forward to our next training. I have nothing else to add for now.
Cons
I wish there were more features for independent contractors. It feels like the system was built mainly for commission-based salons.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
7
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Mark
Not Specified, N/A employees
Free Trial
November 2017
first class training. The support and speed this was set up was fabulous .
first class training. The support and speed this was set up was fabulous .
Pros
Everything. I've used i-salon and shortcuts, and there's no comparison. The help desk was amazing, and everything was perfect. I love the treat cards and the fact that it is paperless, which is a massive advantage. Having consultation cards on the system looks very professional, and the company is very forward-thinking.
Cons
I can't change package time lengths, but that's a minor issue. Overall, I'm extremely happy with the software.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
sharon
Cosmetics, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
Its a great system with lots of added benefits
Its a great system with lots of added benefits
Pros
The online booking tool is brilliant, and the salon apps are super easy and efficient. The marketing tools are great, with SMS reminders, SMS marketing, email, etc. The system was very easy.
Cons
A few general things are missing. While big improvements are great, it's also important to address general needs. For example, Phorest's Paymentmate software needs to be released. Please add a reprint receipt option on the appointment page and a currency calculator on cash-up. User voice needs a redesign.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Catriona
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
This has been a pleasant and smooth process
This has been a pleasant and smooth process
Pros
The detailed reports, marketing options, and ease of use are fantastic. Appointments are easy to manage, and the app allows me to access my reports and schedule at home conveniently.
Cons
Phorest is expensive, and ongoing costs can be high depending on SMS usage. Treat cards are costly, and I didn't realize you don't need them as points can be added automatically.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Andrea
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
November 2017
Love Phorest! Have used many other softwares.
Love Phorest! Have used many other softwares.
Pros
It's very intuitive and specifically focused on salons. They really understand what salons need and how to reach their customers.
Cons
It's taking some time to learn it well enough to operate at its full potential. There are so many features that we are just now getting into.
Ease of use
9
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Amber
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than a year
November 2017
Implementing Phorest has been an excellent experience , so motivating, engaging & professional
Implementing Phorest has been an excellent experience , so motivating, engaging & professional
Pros
After researching various clinic software, Phorest has exceeded my expectations. My favorite feature is how it simplifies client engagement and retention, making clients feel valued through automated texts and emails. The loyalty scheme supports further growth alongside social media marketing. The software centralizes stock, staff, client, and clinic management, saving time with stock management and offering comprehensive reports. The Phorest Go app is very useful, and the setup support was excellent. I can't imagine managing without Phorest now!
Cons
One feature that's missing but is a work in progress is client consultation sheets, consent forms, and the storage of notes. Phorest is an excellent piece of software, but it tends to be more salon-oriented. I feel Phorest recognizes the need to incorporate a support package more suitable for clinics. The training sessions would be more beneficial in smaller groups. With Phorest, there seem to be many add-ons to the original purchase price and monthly fee, but hopefully, as Phorest's software encourages growth and client retention, these will be an investment.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Emma
Computer Software, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
October 2017
lovely
lovely
Pros
When there's a misunderstanding or mistake, customer service is right there to help, patiently explaining everything step by step.
Cons
Sometimes, simplicity is hard to achieve. Also, clients using online booking find it difficult to navigate the website.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
9
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Emilia
Not Specified, 1-10 employees
More than a year
October 2017
Everyone has been really helpful, efficient and really supportive helping me set up my new software.
Everyone has been really helpful, efficient and really supportive helping me set up my new software.
Pros
It's really intuitive. The staff have been amazing and genuinely want to help me grow my business. I love that all reviews can be linked in one place for easy monitoring. Managing stock is very easy, and the Treatcards excite my clients. I can't wait to use my salon app.
Cons
The fact that it's web-based is a downside, but so far, it's the only downside. It would be great to do more on Phorest Go! I do a lot from home on my day off, and it would be useful to see more on my phone or tablet rather than having to buy another computer for home or bring my work computer home.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Amy
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
October 2017
Great experience, very helpful and we got alot of information, a very positive experience. Motivate
Great experience, very helpful and we got alot of information, a very positive experience. Motivate
Pros
Phorest is great for holding all our client information, giving easy access to everything we need at the touch of a button. It makes booking appointments much easier and stress-free. Everything is organized, allowing us to focus more on our clients. The support team is amazing, and it's reassuring to have their help for any problems or queries.
Cons
A lot of my information did not transfer over from my old Millennium system, including my product line and client account balances. I would like the option to send single text reminders when necessary.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Davida
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than 6 months
October 2017
Best thing we ever did taking on phorest
Best thing we ever did taking on phorest
Pros
I admire that I finally have my life back with zero clients contacting me. It handles everything, and the marketing side is amazing!
Cons
There is nothing bad I could say about the system at the moment. I enjoy all its functions, and it serves us well!
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Jessica
Not Specified, N/A employees
Less than a year
October 2017
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
It is a good software, easy to use and quick.
Pros
I like that everything is easy to find. Big buttons make it simple. Data input is simple, maybe too simple, but it works. I like the free email functionality and the paid SMS functionality. Linking to social media is also good for smaller salons.
Cons
Reports are not easy to create if you don't want the standard ones. I would improve that aspect and make clever reports. Also, I would prefer the app to be improved as it looks very dated and old, and it's not as personalized as needed. Additionally, push notifications for appointment reminders should be standard, but this function is not available. Everyone uses push notifications, even for blogs and social media content.
Ease of use
8
Value for money
8
Customer Support
10
Functionality
9
Vi
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
October 2017
Couldn't do without it
Couldn't do without it
Pros
It's easy to use with great content, making salon management simple. Staff KPI and performance tracking are excellent, and customer service always solves any problems.
Cons
There is not anything about the software that I dislike. However, online booking can occasionally become disorganized, and I also find the stock management system to be quite challenging and difficult to handle effectively.
Ease of use
10
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Stacey
Not Specified, N/A employees
More than a year
October 2017