There's been tons of salon and spa business tools over the years, but every once in a while, a platform comes along that prioritizes growth alongside operations. Enter Phorest salon software, a full-service cloud-based system built specifically to help salons, spas, and med spas drive client retention and revenue. But does it actually deliver on that promise? Let’s break it down in this detailed Phorest Review.
How Phorest Fits Into Your Business
Before the morning foam has settled onto your latte, Phorest gives salon and spa owners a booking system that many describe as a full business management system, not just a booking platform. It has tools to handle appointments, customers, marketing, payments, staff tracking, and reporting from one main hub. It’s built for growth, not just maintenance.
Here’s a scenario you might relate to:
Sarah runs a boutique spa with a team of five therapists. She wants clients to easily make online bookings, get automated reminders, and feel appreciated with rewards. Phorest software has integrated tools to manage appointments and client records seamlessly, while its loyalty suite and reputation tools help Sarah keep customers coming back and boost online reviews. Meanwhile, her assistant manager pulls performance and sales reports on the fly to make smarter scheduling decisions going forward.
Many salon owners find the Phorest system invaluable for managing appointments and client records.
That’s the growth-oriented experience Phorest aims to create for businesses that want more than a basic booking calendar.
What Phorest Does Really Well
Most salon software options cover the basics, but here’s which features stand out for Phorest salon software:
Built-In Marketing & Client Retention
Phorest is a customer engagement machine. Its automated SMS and email tools help fill gaps in your calendar, re-engage clients who haven’t booked in a while, and promote specials.
Phorest’s reputation management tool can automatically request clients to post 5-star reviews on Facebook and Google, which can boost your local search presence.
Loyalty Programs That Actually Work
The built-in loyalty system (often called the “TreatCard”) encourages clients to return more often and redeem points. For example, clients earn TreatCard points for every appointment booked or product purchased, which they can later redeem for free services. This motivates repeat visits and increases client engagement.
The TreatCard is an edge many Phorest users rave about when compared to other POS systems.
Powerful Reporting for Business Decisions
Whether it’s staff performance, revenue trends, inventory levels, or client behavior, Phorest’s dashboards are designed to translate data into insights. They can also integrate with outside accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, if you prefer those tools.
Branded Experience & Mobile Tools
Your clients can book 24/7 through your own branded app, social media, or website. Having your own branded experience is a nice bonus in a world where convenience usually means repeat business. Phorest also has a mobile app for staff to manage the calendar, bookings, and inventory on the go.
Client CRM
Phorest’s salon CRM keeps client records secure while giving your team the information they need to deliver personalized services. You can keep track of all service history, preferences, and notes from the CRM.
Does Phorest Support Team Help with Onboarding?
Starting new software can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re moving all your data into a new system. Phorest makes that transition easier with hands-on onboarding that guides you through setup, training, and migration so you can get started with confidence and save time from day one.
Their ongoing support is always close by, whether you prefer telephone support or quick help from a support team that understands how important fast answers are in a busy salon. When issues pop up, help comes in a timely manner, so you can focus on clients instead of tech.
Phorest is also built to be user friendly, with a level of user friendliness that works for every skill level. You don’t have to be tech savvy to feel supported.
Customization and Integration
Every beauty business runs a little differently, and Phorest gets that. Whether you manage a small salon, a busy spa, or a medical aesthetics clinic, the platform is built to adapt to your needs instead of forcing you into a one size fits all setup. From how you manage services to how you run your day-to-day operations, Phorest lets you shape the system around the way you already work.
Customization pairs naturally with smart integration. Phorest connects key parts of your business, so everything feels more organized and less scattered. Your booking tools, financial systems, online store, and social media integrations work together inside one account, helping you stay focused on growth instead of juggling platforms.
While some third-party integrations may take a little extra setup, Phorest continues to improve its features based on real feedback from beauty professionals. That steady evolution turns the software into more than just a tool. It becomes a partner that grows with your business.
How Much Does Phorest Cost?
Phorest doesn’t publish prices to the software subscription publicly, and the company requires you to request a quote, which is based on your business size and features needed. Many small or independent salon owners find Phorest to be an expensive option, with high monthly fees and additional costs for certain features.
Phorest’s pricing is tiered across four levels ranging from Starter to Elite, scaling up with features like online reputation tools, branded apps, dedicated success managers, and SMS bundles.
Here’s what we know:
- There is no standard “free version”: You’re looking at a custom plan built for your business needs and size.
- The basic Starter package is built for a minimum of 3+ professionals per business.
- A demo is available upon request.
Some users note that Phorest requires a one-year contract, and cancellation can feel a bit restrictive. If you choose to end your service early, you’ll need to keep your direct debit card active until the contract term is complete. This allows you to pay any remaining balance in installments instead of all at once, and makes sure you have access to download your data.
If your priority is growth and client loyalty rather than just scheduling, many salons find the advanced features well worth the investment. However, Phorests pricing is considered higher than some competitors, which may be a concern for budget-conscious salon owners.
If you’re a solo business that needs only basic booking, the price could feel steep, and you may want to consider other options available for salon software that offer more flexible pricing or features tailored to smaller businesses.
What Other Spa & Salon Pros Are Saying
Even the best-looking software needs to prove itself in real life. Here’s what professionals who rely on Phorest every day think about their experience:
Many salon and spa pros say Phorest stands out for its user-friendly design that works well for stylists, receptionists, and managers alike. The onboarding process and ongoing support are frequently praised, especially the added value of having a dedicated salon success manager to help with training, setup, and technical questions. Account managers are often described as responsive and helpful, with regular check-ins that make the transition smoother.
Users also appreciate that Phorest continues to evolve. New features and updates are regularly rolled out based on customer feedback, and many businesses say they switched from other systems because of Phorest’s modern cloud-based access and stronger customer service.
That said, not every experience is perfect. Some users mention slower response times from customer support after onboarding. Others note that parts of the marketing suite and reporting tools can feel complex, with a desire for more streamlined reports for service providers. Some even report occasional technical issues, like slow loading or minor bugs after updates. Some even wish for more hands-on guidance during the onboarding phase. All valid reports that can shift the overall rating for the software.
The Final Verdict: Phorest Pros and Cons
Phorest stands out as a powerful option for salons, spas, and med spas that are serious about growth. Its strengths in client retention, loyalty programs, reputation management, and in-depth reporting make it more than just another scheduling tool. It’s a full business engine designed to help mid-size teams scale smarter.
That said, Phorest isn’t the lightest lift. The lack of transparency on pricing, and the need to request a quote for your business, leaves some pros hesitant. Existing users report a learning curve or limitations around integrations and advanced customization.
Still, for businesses ready to invest in a system built for long-term success rather than short-term convenience, Phorest gets a spot on the short list.
So, my final score is 8.5/10. It’s a decent contender for growth-focused businesses, with just a few transparency and flexibility gaps keeping it from a perfect score.