Top Shedul alternatives for salon and spa management software

Having efficient and reliable software is essential for optimizing your salon and spa management. While Shedul (Fresha now) is known for its simplicity and booking capabilities, there may be instances where salon and spa businesses seek alternative work schedules or require more flexibility in their management software.

This time, we explore alternative options to Shedul that cater to specific needs, such as flexible work schedules, holiday falls, daytime hours, and the management of full-time employees.

Discover with us the diverse range of software solutions that can help streamline operations and meet the unique requirements of salon and spa businesses.

Shedul Rebranded to Fresha

Shedul was a booking software designed for beauty and wellness businesses. It was designed to simplify the appointment scheduling process and improve operational efficiency. This system’s features provided businesses with a platform to manage their appointments, track client information, and optimize their scheduling workflow.

However, Shedul underwent a significant transformation and was rebranded as Fresha.

This rebranding aimed to reflect better the software’s enhanced features, expanded capabilities, and commitment to supporting businesses in the beauty and wellness industry.

The rebranding aim was also to provide a fresh and all-in-one interface for the industry’s evolving needs. The software still continues to prioritize simplicity, flexibility, and functionality, catering to the requirements of salon and spa owners.

Nevertheless, through rebranding, there was quite a bit of confusion among potential customers and a loss of brand recognition, as not everyone made the connection between the former Shedul and the new name.

But we clarify, no longer Shedul – but Fresha.

Fresha as a Salon and Spa Management Software

Fresha is a salon and spa management software that offers features to streamline operations and support flexible work schedules. With Fresha, businesses can manage their appointments, staff, and customer data.

One of the key features of Fresha is its scheduling capabilities, which allow companies to create alternative work schedules, flexible work hours, and establish customized time bands. This enables salon and spa owners to accommodate different work preferences and create a more balanced work-life for their employees.

Fresha also provides a user-friendly interface for managing employee schedules, tracking hours worked, and generating reports. With fixed schedules, part-time schedules, and a compressed work schedule, businesses have the flexibility to establish various work arrangements to suit their needs.

Fresha simplifies your payroll procedure by tracking hours worked and calculating pay based on established work schedules. The software supports a biweekly pay period, overtime pay calculations and handles specific pay differentials such as night pay and Sunday premium pay.

Furthermore, Fresha’s time accounting system records time spent on appointments, services rendered, and other work-related activities. This helps businesses monitor employee productivity and maintain accurate records for billing and payroll purposes.

Criteria for Evaluating the Alternatives to Fresha

If you want to find an alternative to Shedul (Fresha) platform, you need to consider some essential features that will prove to be very useful for you. As a result, we discuss:

🛠️ Features and functionalities specific to salon and spa management

An alternative work schedule should be evaluated based on its features and functionalities customized specifically for salon and spa management. Therefore, look for software that offers comprehensive appointment management, including booking, rescheduling, and cancellation capabilities. Additional features to consider include client database management, staff scheduling and tracking, resource management, inventory tracking, and integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems.

Such schedules should also support various services, and pricing options, and allow customization of booking rules and reminders to fit the unique requirements of the beauty and wellness industry.

🖥️ User interface and ease of use

The user interface (UI) and ease of use are vital factors as well. Opt for a flexible work schedule that provides an intuitive and visually appealing UI, allowing staff to navigate the software seamlessly. A clean and organized layout, along with well-designed workflows, contribute to an optimal user experience. Select software that offers easy access to key features, straightforward navigation, and clear labeling of functions.

Intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable dashboards, and interactive calendars are also beneficial for spa and hairdresser employees.

💸 Pricing and subscription plans

Money is also crucial when exploring alternatives to Fresha. Compare the pricing models and subscription options offered by different software providers. Look for transparency in pricing, ensuring that the cost aligns with the features and value provided. Consider whether the software offers flexible payment options, such as monthly or annual plans.

Price should not be the ultimate determinant of your alternative schedule, but it is good to know that you are not overpaying for your chosen tool.

⚙️ Customization and scalability

It’s also essential to look for solutions that offer customization features, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs. This includes the ability to customize:

• services,
• pricing,
• appointment durations,
• and booking rules.

More flexible work schedules should also be scalable, accommodating the growth of the salon or spa business. It should support multiple locations, accommodate an expanding staff roster, and handle increasing customer demand without compromising performance or functionality.

➕ Integration capabilities with other salon tools or platforms

Consider the integration capabilities of alternative work schedules with other salon tools and platforms. Look for solutions that seamlessly integrate with POS systems, payment gateways, accounting software, and marketing tools. Integration with popular platforms enables efficient data sharing, streamlines operations, and eliminates the need for manual data entry. It allows for a cohesive ecosystem, ensuring that information flows smoothly across different systems, enhancing productivity and saving time.

Calendesk – Your Top Alternative Work Schedule

Calendesk is a comprehensive online booking and scheduling software designed to meet the needs of, among others, salons and spas.

With this tool, businesses can:

⭐ efficiently manage appointments,

⭐ optimize an employee’s schedule,

⭐ manage full-time employees and part-time employees,

⭐ and enhance overall operations.

Calendesk offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, simplifying the process of scheduling appointments and managing work schedules. Its flexible time bands allow companies to define specific time ranges for services and appointments, ensuring optimal utilization of staff and resources during peak hours and daytime schedules.

The software also offers a range of features and functionalities that support flexible work schedules, catering to the unique requirements of the beauty and wellness industry.

Key features of Calendesk include:

• Online booking system,
• Automatic notifications,
• Online payments,
• Website builder.

You can finally manage group booking systems or establish hybrid work schedules, including a standard schedule or compressed schedule.

As because this system provides options for customizable work, allowing you to accommodate different shifts, holiday falls, full-time hours, overtime hours, and varying staff availability, businesses can finally optimize specified hours for employees, set variable day schedule, and even ensure fair compensation for their overtime hours.

Calendesk Pricing

Calendesk is not a free solution like Fresha, but it offers tons more features than the former Shedul. What’s more, the pricing is very attractive and brings great value to users.

While Fresha is free for all, it still offers a few paid features, such as payment processing and automated notifications. With Calendesk, you pay on a subscription based model, and all the features in the package are available to you.

Why Calendesk is a Better Option

From many alternative work schedules, it is Calendesk that deserves special attention. So, why is this tool a better option for Fresha?

Because it offers:

1️. Advanced Features that Can Boost Salon Bookings

With Calendesk, you can provide your clients with amazing features that were previously unattainable, including:

• easy-to-use yet sophisticated online calendar with live preview,
• automatic notifications,
• many online payments options,
• website builder (yes, you can finally build your own website),
• video consultations,
• calendar synchronization,
• data export,
• invoice automation,
• API access,
• and more.

And all of this is included in the price. The price is set and you don’t worry if you have to pay extra for something.

2️. Easy-to-use System that Can Improve Customer Satisfaction

Its intuitive interface and streamlined booking process make it effortless for clients to schedule appointments, resulting in a seamless booking experience. The system offers customizable booking options, automated reminders, and easy rescheduling capabilities, all of which contribute to enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.

A website or mobile app that is easy to use and intuitive encourages customers more than anything else. They can then choose a date and time when it suits them and make an appointment.

3️. Employee Access Control to Enhance Productivity

With Calendesk’s employee access control feature, businesses can enhance productivity and optimize staff management. The system allows managers to assign specific access levels and permissions to staff members, ensuring that they have appropriate permissions to relevant features and information.

This feature promotes efficient task allocation, minimizes errors, and improves overall team collaboration and performance. With this, you can forget about accidental overtime hours, allocating fewer hours and employees than needed, unused credit hours, and wasting employees work.

4️. Many Integrations to Further Increase Your Performance

Calendesk offers extensive integrations with other tools and platforms, empowering businesses to increase their performance even more. It seamlessly integrates with popular payment gateways, POS systems, marketing tools, and accounting software, enabling streamlined processes, automated data synchronization, and improved efficiency.

With the integration of Calendesk with existing software, businesses can leverage the power of a unified ecosystem, reducing manual work and optimizing their operations.

5️. Analytics to Track Customer Behavior

The analytics feature of Calendesk allows businesses to track and analyze customer behavior, providing valuable insights into:

• regularly scheduled hours,
• seasonal schedules,
• client preferences,
• booking patterns,
• and trends.

So, with detailed analytics, you can make data-driven decisions, optimize your services, and tailor your marketing strategies to target specific customer segments.

As a result of a better understanding of customer behavior, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall business performance.

Check out Other Alternative Work Schedules

When looking for alternative work schedules, you may also find tools like:

10to8

This tool offers comprehensive appointment scheduling and calendar management features. It provides easy integration with popular calendars and platforms. Nonetheless, some users find its interface complex and report occasional problems with customer service.

Setmore

Setmore offers a user-friendly interface and some interesting features for flexible schedules. It allows easy customization and integration with popular tools. But, the free plan has limited features, and there were reported occasional technical glitches.

Bookafy

Bookafy also provides a flexible schedule and integrates well with some basic platforms. Even so, the user interface can be overwhelming for some, and customer support can be slow at times.

ScheduleOnce

This system is known for its good scheduling capabilities and integration with various calendars. But, the interface can be complex for beginning employees, and some users have reported challenges in customizing certain features.

SimplyBook.me

SimplyBook.me is also a popular option for its features and flexible work schedule. However, some users find the interface overwhelming, and some have complained about customer support.

Appointy

Appointy offers a user-friendly interface, a fixed schedule, and features like online booking and customer management. Nonetheless, there were different opinions in terms of customization and integrations.

Timely

Timely provides variable week schedule and integrates well with popular calendars. It offers a visually appealing interface and has a strong focus on design. Despite this, the pricing plans may not suit all budgets.

The Final Verdict

Fresha empowers salon and spa businesses with flexible work schedules, efficient time management, and accurate payroll processing. Its features support businesses in establishing and managing various work arrangements, promoting work-life balance, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

However, there is a better system for your spa and salon needs, and it’s Calendesk.

Calendesk supports flexible scheduling, making it easier to create and manage employee core hours based on their preferences and availability. Compared to Fresha, it has many more features that are actually able to improve client bookings.

Calendesk serves as a valuable salon and spa management software, providing features and functionalities that facilitate flexible work schedules, enhance operational efficiency, and support the unique needs of the beauty and wellness industry.

Multiple payment options, invoicing, conducting online meetings, or managing full-time empoyee and part-time employee are no longer a problem. If you care about such a flexible schedule, take advantage of Calendesk’s 14-day trial period and let your prospects finally make an appointment.

Improve your Salon and Spa Management

Have you spent a number of hours searching for the most excellent alternative to Fresha (formerly Shedul)? We hope that with our article you will finally find the best solution.

Forget the hassle of booking appointments, use Calendesk, and you will see a positive difference in your business.