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Before you invest in salon or spa POS software, here’s what you need to know.
WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
REVIEWED BY
Expert Contributor
Most POS systems for small businesses can work in a salon, but they often lack the niche features you need to succeed.
Salon POS software is built specifically for service-based businesses, with tools for scheduling, commissions, and client management. But with so many options, how do you know which one’s right for you?
Sorting through all the POS options can feel overwhelming, so start by narrowing down what matters most.
Your budget should be the first step. Think about:
You’ll also pay payment processing fees, usually around 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. Some providers require you to use their in-house processor, while others let you bring your own — often with lower rates.
If you already have a preferred processor, make sure the POS you choose supports third-party payment processing before you commit.
If you don’t know what your business needs, finding the right POS will feel impossible. Start by focusing on core salon-specific features that make daily operations easier:
Not every feature is essential, but most will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. For more details, check out our guide to the best salon POS integrations.
Before choosing a POS system, think about what kind of hardware fits your space and workflow. Most POS setups fall into three categories:
Want to compare specs and pricing? Check out our POS hardware buyer’s guide.
Running a salon is all about helping clients relax — and the right POS system can do the same for you. A salon-specific POS streamlines your scheduling, payments, and client management so you can focus on what you do best.
Still exploring your options? Check out our other salon POS resources, including our guide on why you need a salon-specific POS, to find the perfect fit for your business.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
Square POS is an intuitive and simple point of sale platform. It offers customizable tools and a variety of add-ons to fit your business needs and reach your goals.
Get Started
