Next vs Orbis Salon

Next is a free booking app for salon professionals working in salon suites. Professionals can set booking rules, choose request-based or direct booking, customize service durations and stack appointments. Marketing tools support email, in-app and SMS campaigns, including prepared or custom campaigns. Its point-of-sale system supports deposits, cards on file, coupons, discounts, touch and touchless payments, and merged or split payments. The payment page lists a flat 2.52% processing rate on chipped card transactions, including AMEX and Discover, with no per-transaction fees. Next can connect with participating salon suite locations for rent management, website booking, cross-marketing and maintenance requests. The maker identifies hairstylists, barbers, nail artists, makeup artists, lash technicians, estheticians, massage therapists and other personal-care professionals as its audience. The app is available on Android, iOS and the web. Booking features are free; unlimited SMS texts are an optional $5 a month plan. Connection to a salon suite website and check-in system is marked as coming soon.

Orbis Salon is booking and business-management software for salons, clinics, therapists, and other appointment-led businesses. It brings together websites, multi-service booking, customer accounts, payments, forms, treatment records, photos, and reporting. Core and Pro include a bespoke multi-page website on the customer's domain and a portal where customers can manage accounts, appointments, forms, and saved payment methods. Orbis Salon Manager is available through app stores and as a Mac download, with browser access also available. Website integrations include booking systems, Google Business Profile, Google Analytics, Search Console, WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. Payments can be processed through Orbis Pay, Stripe Connect, or another supported provider; Orbis says it does not store raw card security codes. Lite costs £4.99 a month and includes one staff member, one location, 30 bookings per month, and a 50p booking service fee per booking. Core costs £9.99 a month, Pro £14.99 a month, and Clinic £19.99 a month. SMS reminders are pay-as-you-go, and Orbis does not run HMRC payroll.