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So, you’re thinking about getting a CRM for your beauty salon, huh? I get it — running a salon isn’t just about doing great hair or flawless nails. There’s a whole business side to it that can get pretty overwhelming if you don’t stay on top of things. And honestly, that’s where a good CRM comes in.

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I remember when I first started looking into this stuff. I was juggling appointment books, trying to keep track of client preferences, and sending reminders through text messages like it was 2005. It was exhausting. Then someone told me, “Hey, have you looked into a CRM?” At first, I thought, “Oh great, another tech thing I don’t understand.” But once I actually gave it a try, I realized how much easier it could make my life.

Now, the big question everyone asks is: How much does a beauty salon CRM cost? Well, let me tell you — it’s not as simple as slapping one price tag on it. It really depends on what you need, what features matter most to you, and how many people are using it in your salon.

Most CRMs for salons are subscription-based, which means you pay monthly or annually. That makes sense because you don’t want to drop thousands upfront, right? So, for a basic plan, you’re probably looking at somewhere between 30 and 70 per month. That usually covers one user and maybe a few core features like appointment scheduling, client profiles, and automated reminders.

But here’s the thing — if you’ve got a team, you’ll likely need more seats. And each additional user can add 10 to 20 per month. So if you’ve got five stylists, suddenly you’re closer to 100 or even 150 a month. That might sound steep at first, but think about how much time you’re saving by not double-booking clients or chasing people down for payments.

And speaking of features, that’s where prices start to climb. Want integrated online booking so clients can book themselves 24/7? That’s usually included in mid-tier plans. How about inventory tracking for all your hair color or skincare products? That might bump you up another tier. Some systems even offer built-in payment processing, which is super convenient — no more swiping cards on your phone or dealing with cash mishaps.

Then there are the premium plans. We’re talking 150 to 300+ per month. These are for larger salons or spas that want everything — marketing automation, detailed reporting, loyalty programs, gift card management, and even integrations with accounting software. Yeah, it sounds fancy, but if you’re serious about growing your business, these tools can actually help you make smarter decisions.

Oh, and don’t forget about setup fees. Some providers charge an initial onboarding fee — anywhere from $50 to a few hundred bucks — to help you import your client list, set up services, and train your staff. It’s not always necessary, but if you’re not super tech-savvy, it might be worth the peace of mind.

Another thing people don’t always consider? Mobile access. You want to be able to check your schedule or message a client while you’re off-site, right? Most modern CRMs have solid mobile apps, but some older or cheaper systems might not. So make sure you test that out before committing.

And hey — free trials! Almost every CRM offers a 14- to 30-day trial. Take advantage of that. Seriously. Use it to see how intuitive the interface is, whether your team likes it, and if it actually solves the problems you’re having. I tried three different ones before I found the one that felt right for my salon.

One last thing — customer support. When something goes wrong — and trust me, it will — you want someone who answers the phone or replies to emails quickly. Some CRMs offer live chat or phone support only on higher plans. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting tech issues alone, that’s worth paying extra for.

So, putting it all together, you could spend as little as 30 a month or as much as 400 if you go all out. But for most small to medium-sized salons, 70 to 150 a month seems to be the sweet spot. It gives you the essentials without breaking the bank.

Look, I know spending money on software doesn’t feel as exciting as buying new styling chairs or upgrading your lighting. But a good CRM? It’s kind of like hiring a silent assistant who never sleeps, remembers every client’s favorite shampoo, and sends birthday discounts automatically. Once you get used to it, you’ll wonder how you ever ran your salon without one.

So yeah — do your research, take those trials seriously, and pick the one that fits your workflow. Your future self — and your stressed-out front desk person — will thank you.

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