How Much Does Appointment Booking Software Cost for Salons?
Salon booking software pricing: free tools, subscriptions, commission models. What do you actually pay and what's worth it for your business?
How Much Does Salon Booking Software Cost?
Anywhere from €0 to €200+ per month — but the monthly fee is often not what you end up actually paying. The real number depends heavily on which pricing model you're in.
Here's how the three models actually play out.
The Commission Model
Platforms like Treatwell and Booksy charge no monthly fee. Instead, they take 20–30% on every booking that comes through their marketplace.
Run the numbers:
| Monthly revenue | 25% commission | What's left |
|---|---|---|
| €2,000 | €500 | €1,500 |
| €3,600 | €900 | €2,700 |
| €5,000 | €1,250 | €3,750 |
That €900 you're paying at €3,600 revenue? That's for bookings from your regulars — people who would have booked anyway.
When it actually makes sense: If you're just starting out with no existing clients, marketplace platforms bring footfall. Once you have regulars, you're overpaying.
The Subscription Model
Fixed monthly fee, no commission. Every booking is yours.
| Provider | Monthly | Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Terminz | from €0 (30-day free trial) | none |
| Shore | from €39 | none |
| Timify | from €25 | none |
| SimplyBook | from €9.90 | none |
With an existing client base, almost always cheaper than commission from month two onwards.
Free Tools
Google Calendar, Calendly Free — technically €0, but no automatic reminders, no POS, no client history. The hidden cost is time: every booking manually handled, every reminder sent by hand.
What Most People Miss When Comparing Prices
POS included? Many booking systems don't have one. You'll need a separate tool — and in Germany, certified TSE hardware on top of that. With Terminz, the POS is part of the package.
Per-stylist pricing? Some providers charge per staff member. Four stylists can double your bill. Terminz doesn't charge per stylist.
Migration costs. Switching from another system? Ask if data import is free before you commit. Terminz imports from Shore, Fresha, Treatwell, and most others at no cost.
The Calculation That Usually Settles It
If automatic reminders prevent two no-shows per week at €40 each, that's €320/month not lost. Most subscription systems cost less than that.
Figure out what you're currently paying — commission, separate tools, your own time — and compare that to a flat monthly rate. For most salons with an existing client base, the switch pays for itself in the first month.
Terminz is free for 30 days, all features included, no credit card needed.