What salon software really costs in 2026 — fees included

Comparing salon software on the subscription price is like comparing flights on the base fare. The real bill has four more lines.

The five cost lines

• Subscription: the advertised monthly price, often per user
• Marketplace commission: a cut of a 'new client's' first booking — up to 30%
• Card processing: percentage plus pence on every transaction
• Messaging: SMS bundles sold as credits
• Add-ons: forms, loyalty, reports unlocked per tier

A realistic example

A two-person salon doing £8,000/month with a 'free' marketplace platform can easily pay £150–£300/month once commission on new clients and card fees are counted. The subscription was never the cost.

Questions to ask any vendor

• What do you charge on a new client's first visit?
• Can I export my full client list today, free?
• Which of your features are extra-cost add-ons?
• What do reminders actually cost per month at my volume?

Slotora's answer is short: the software is free, commission is 0%, email reminders are free, and your data exports any time. Optional paid extras (SMS, card payments) will always be priced transparently.