Top 10 tips for choosing a salon software company

Choosing the right software company and software package can be a hard decision when ensuring all your needs and wants are met. Simon Last-Sutton, managing director of i-Salon Software offers his top 10 tips when choosing the best brand and package for your salon.

1. Explain what you are looking for in order to meet the goals of your business. Explain fully, and in as much detail as you can, what you feel is required to make your business as efficient as possible and allow your chosen company to explain how their package will work for you.
2. Research – you can never do enough research! There are many brands out there offering similar type packages so it is best to look in depth and assess the pros and cons of each as well as what they are offering to see if it would be suitable for your business. I would also look at reviews of the brands from their clients. This is a great way to see who uses their services and of course, their honest opinion.
3. Ask for an in-depth demonstration. There is no point in signing up for something that you haven’t experienced and don’t know much about.
4. Check which hardware supports the software. Although a software company predominately provides just that, check that they have hardware, which supports your chosen package or that, your own hardware within the salon is suitable for their package.
5. Involve your team. The staff within the salon, especially the front of house team, will be the ones using the software more than anyone, so involve them and take their feedback on board. That way you get an overall feel for the system from many different people.
6. Assess the cost versus quality. Always remember that the cheapest option may not be the best. Sometimes spending that little bit more will benefit the business in more ways than you think.
7. Make sure you can access the package remotely. Within the hairdressing industry we are known to travel due to the nature of our business, whether it is for shows, seminars or training.
8. Ensure you are entitled to training and support with your chosen provider. We all know that new technology or functionality can be intimidating, therefore, ensure your package includes on-going training and support from your chosen provider
9. Always chose a company who are looking to the future and of course understand the industry. Technology as we all know is rapidly moving and changing every day. Software is always changing and you need a system that will constantly keep up with the times and of course client and salon needs.
10. Take your time. Just because you are looking for a software package does not mean you need to sign up straight away. Take a chance to assess all your research and think about your decision before making it. For instance what are the three “must haves” you are looking for and why? Does the vendor you are evaluating meet all of your requirements?