GlossGenius vs. Fresha: A Side-By-Side Comparison
The ideal salon management software can transform your business operations by streamlining everyday processes, freeing you to concentrate on core priorities: increasing appointment volume, providing exceptional client experiences, supporting your staff, and driving sustainable growth. With an abundance of beauty software options flooding the marketplace, selecting the perfect fit for your specific requirements can seem daunting.
GlossGenius and Fresha stand out as premium – and accessible – choices in this competitive landscape, particularly for beauty establishments, spa facilities, and hair studios. But what distinguishes these powerful platforms from one another, and how do they stack up when evaluated side by side?
Our comparative review of these salon software leaders will examine the essential factors to consider when selecting the right platform, from fundamental features to long-term business goals.
Who Is GlossGenius?
GlossGenius is an all-in-one booking and client management software known for its attractive, user-friendly interface and feature set tailored mainly to the beauty and wellness industry.
GlossGenius offers a streamlined, color-coordinated scheduling interface with waiting lists, appointment notifications, and customer data storage. While its calendar functionality is competitive, team schedule synchronization requires upgrading tiers. The platform provides cancellation protection against missed appointments and focuses on web-based client booking rather than a dedicated customer mobile app—similar to Fresha's approach.
Staff management features include employee scheduling, adjustable access levels, and commission tracking, though advanced capabilities are also limited to the Gold Plan subscription
GlossGenius is an effective solution for single-calendar users and business owners alike who are looking to improve daily operational efficiency.
Who Is Fresha?
Fresha is a cloud-based appointment booking and business management platform serving salons, spas, and wellness businesses in over 120 countries. Originally launched as "Shedul" in 2015, it was rebranded to Fresha in 2020.
Fresha's most notable strength lies in its intuitive round-the-clock reservation system, available via mobile applications and web portals, which minimizes appointment cancellations and simplifies booking processes. The solution combines appointment management, transaction handling, and customer relationship tools within a unified framework, featuring smooth integrations with Google, Instagram, and Facebook for direct scheduling access.
The system encompasses automated messaging features (email, text, app notifications), promotional tools, customer information oversight, and financial transaction management. It adapts effectively from solo professionals to enterprise operations across multiple locations.
Key Features
Here we’ll break down key features that business owners and service providers should expect from their software, and how the two companies match up.
Online Booking & Scheduling
24/7 appointment scheduling fills your schedule automatically, eliminating endless phone tag. Customers want immediate booking availability while you need to reclaim your valuable time.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Streamlined online booking platform with customizable booking sites.
-Scheduling tools include automated waitlists, auto-appointment reminders, and gap/processing time management.
-Client management features include custom forms, deposit requirements, and flexible cancellation policies.
FRESHA
-User-friendly booking system available via company websites or standalone booking links.
-Scheduling tools feature automated text/email alerts and seamless Google Calendar sync.
-Full-spectrum customer relationship management features.
Client Facing App
A custom, branded app makes booking easy for clients while projecting professionalism and credibility, while marketplace visibility attracts fresh customers without active effort on your part.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Web-based booking system with no dedicated, downloadable client app.
-Website booking, get confirmations, reminders, thank you's and personalized birthday notes plus book appointments through Instagram and Facebook.
FRESHA
-Top-rated mobile reservation application with strong user reviews.
-Business can oversee appointments, access calendars, and control business functions via mobile devices.
-Especially beneficial for small to mid-scale business operations.
Pricing & Value
Your technology should grow alongside your business, not outpace it or fall behind it. Clear, adaptable pricing models support expansion without surprise charges or restricted access to essential features.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Three-tiered subscription model: Standard, Gold, and Platinum plans
-14-day free trial available for all plans with no credit card required
-Free data transfer service and setup support included
-Gold Plan includes up to 9 team members at no extra cost, Platinum offers unlimited team members
FRESHA
-Free basic app w/ optional paid features & add-ons
-Two-tier structure: free for independent professionals, $9.95 per month per bookable team member for teams
-Marketplace commission model: 20% one-time commission (minimum $6) only on new clients acquired through Fresha's marketplace
-No charges for bookings from your own website, Google, or social media channels
Marketing & Client Retention
Consistent marketing brings clients back and keeps your books full. Automation saves hours of manual outreach every month.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Integrated email and SMS campaign tools with customizable messaging.
-Rebooking reminders designed to maintain client engagement.
-Google reviews integration and
-AI-powered marketing automation personalizes communication based on client behavior and appointment history.
FRESHA
-Automated appointment notification emails.
-Robust rewards systems increase customer loyalty and rebooking.
-Smart messaging automatically updates clients on rewards earnings and membership levels.
-Clients able to manage their communication preferences.
Payment Processing
Payment processing should be swift and secure, creating a seamless experience. An effective POS system effortlessly manages transactions, gratuities, memberships, and booking changes.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Built-in payment processing system with flat 2.6% rate across all transaction types including online, in-person, and manual card entry.
-Point-of-sale with next-business-day payouts and instant payout options.
-Deposit collection with card-on-file rules to secure appointments.
-Multi-payment support including Buy Now, Pay Later options.
-Split payment functionality for flexible customer experiences.
FRESHA
-Fresha Payments™ enables businesses to handle digital transactions, process customer payments, and oversee financial documentation within a unified system.
-Built-in point-of-sale functionality facilitates payment collection straight from scheduling interface.
-Tiered processing rates: 2.29% + $0.20 for in-person payments, 2.79% + $0.20 for online transactions, 3.30% + $0.20 for manual card entry.
-Accommodates advance payment collection to minimize cancellations.
Reports
Knowing which strategies succeed (and which fall short) enables strategic growth. From service revenue and product sales to inventory reports, live analytics drive informed decision-making and streamlined business operations.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Comprehensive analytics with 12+ report types including sales, appointments, inventory, and commission tracking across all plan levels.
-Weekly GrowthGenius automated reports monitor business performance and identify growth opportunities.
-Team analytics with scorecards, leaderboards, and goal-setting tools for unlimited users (Platinum plan).
-Financial reporting including expense tracking, sales tax reports, and most valuable clients analysis.
FRESHA
-Basic analytics included with complimentary access to essential business metrics and performance tracking.
-Upgrade available for enhanced analytics offering 8 supplementary comprehensive reports plus customizable reporting capabilities.
-Selective report visibility management for different staff roles.
Inventory & Product Sales
An effective inventory management system monitors stock levels for both retail items and service supplies, handles vendor relationships, and ensures your top-selling products and essential materials stay available.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Automated inventory adjustments that sync stock levels instantly when products are sold through the POS system.
-Dual categorization system separating service-related products from retail merchandise.
-Barcode scanning functionality for efficient product identification and inventory updates.
-Smart notification system with low-stock alerts and on-demand inventory reporting.
FRESHA
-Product level monitoring to oversee supply quantities and availability status.
-Inventory audits for precise stock control and accuracy verification.
-Streamlined procurement system for product replenishment.
-Real-time inventory oversight via centralized dashboard spanning all business locations.
Customer Support
Effective support ensures minimal downtime, helps staff quickly resolve issues that could otherwise disrupt service delivery, and provides the training and guidance needed to maximize the software's features for optimal business performance.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Multi-channel support through phone, text messaging, and email communications across all subscription tiers.
-Premium customer support tier for Platinum plan subscribers.
-Complimentary onboarding services with free data transfer, training, and system setup assistance.
-Dedicated implementation support with personalized guidance for business migration.
FRESHA
-Extensive knowledge base featuring business management software documentation and tutorials.
-Enhanced support services providing specialist guidance through real-time chat and telephone channels.
-Dedicated client relations team managing inquiries related to the Fresha platform for both service providers and end customers.
Long Term Growth
Growth-enabling features in booking software are important because they allow businesses to expand without technology constraints. Multi-location management, scalable automation, integrated marketing, and flexible user permissions ensure the platform supports rather than limits business expansion.
GLOSS GENIUS
-Multi-channel booking through Instagram, Facebook, and Google integrations for expanded client acquisition.
-Performance tracking tools with goal-setting capabilities and team analytics.
FRESHA
-Seamless integrations with major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google to attract more clients.
-Global marketplace exposure connecting businesses with millions of potential customers for new client discovery.
Final Thoughts
Both GlossGenius and Fresha deliver robust salon management capabilities, but they serve different business models and growth stages with distinct advantages.
Fresha positions itself as the accessible choice, offering a completely free tier for solo practitioners and affordable team scaling at $9.95 per team member. Its standout advantage lies in client acquisition through global marketplace exposure that connects businesses with millions of potential customers, complemented by comprehensive loyalty programs and flexible payment processing rates that reward in-person transactions (2.29%). This makes Fresha ideal for budget-conscious businesses, new practitioners, or those prioritizing customer acquisition and retention through rewards programs.
GlossGenius focuses on revenue optimization and operational efficiency, featuring advanced booking policies with deposits, waitlists, and card-on-file automation that maximize appointment value while minimizing no-shows. With predictable flat-rate processing (2.6%), AI-powered marketing automation, and comprehensive implementation support, GlossGenius excels for established businesses that want to maximize revenue per client rather than simply acquire more clients. Choose GlossGenius if you operate in competitive markets where booking policies are crucial, prefer cost predictability, and need intelligent marketing tools to drive client retention and higher spending per visit.
For most small to medium beauty businesses, GlossGenius offers better long-term value through its focus on revenue optimization and client retention tools. While Fresha's free tier is attractive, Gloss Genius's advanced booking policies, AI marketing, and flat processing rates justify the subscription cost.