Phorest Reviews

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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).

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.