Does your tanning salon still use a paper-based system with physical client record cards? If so, then it’s definitely time to upgrade. But what is tanning salon software, and why should you use it?
Tanning salon software is a digital application designed to help you manage, simplify and run your tanning salon. It offers practical features such as a comprehensive client database, appointment reminders, stock control and T-Max integration.
If you’re wondering how a computer-based system could benefit your business, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explain what tanning salon software can do and why it’s worth investing in.
Why Do You Need Tanning Salon Computer Software?
Traditional client record cards are practically obsolete in the tanning salon industry. They’re a slow, inefficient way of managing any business.
Upgrading to tanning salon computer software has numerous benefits. For example, unlike paper-based systems, you can access the software from any location (across multiple branches or on-the-go). Your data is stored securely and backed up digitally, so there’s no risk of it being lost.
The ultimate advantage of tanning salon software is that it puts you ahead of your competitors. It provides you with valuable statistics, tools and insights that can help you maximise your revenue. Your patrons will also benefit from a swifter, more streamlined salon experience.
Not to mention, having a contemporary computer-based system will make your business appear more professional in the eyes of your clients.
What Does Tanning Salon Software Do?
Of course, not every tanning salon software works in the same way or has the same attributes. However, there are many useful features you can expect from a well-designed, comprehensive system (such as ActiveSalon). Let’s explore some examples of how tanning salon software can help you organise, manage and run your business.
Digital Client Records
The main advantage of tanning salon software is that it replaces the slow, outdated system of physical client record cards.
Digital client records are stored securely, in accordance with GDPR. They allow you to access all of your clients’ details in one place, such as:
- Name
- Contact information
- Date of birth
- Date of last visit
- Date and time of next appointment
- Skin type
- Sunbed usage history
- Products used/purchased
- Remaining minutes
Tanning salon software also comes with built-in safety features. For example, before activating a sunbed, it will automatically assess the client’s skin type and appointment history to ensure they aren’t overusing the beds.
Hardware Integration
To create a seamless client experience, tanning salon software integrates with various types of hardware. This may include your cash drawer, receipt printer, barcode scanner, T-Max manager and more.
Some programs can also act as salon scheduling software. They can provide sunbed usage records, calculate estimated waiting times and offer queue management features.
Sales Targets
Tanning salon software is designed to help you reach sales targets, increase profits and reduce lost revenue. This is achieved through a combination of features, such as:
- Promotions and discounts
- Staff commission
- Client referral rewards
- Rebooking prompts, appointment reminders, online reservations and other salon booking software features
- Stock control (including low stock level reminders)
Good tanning salon software also features comprehensive reporting. This allows you to easily see your takings, who your best patrons are, and which products are most popular.
Automated Marketing
Effective tanning salon marketing is vital if you want your business to be successful. Many tanning salon software applications include automated email and SMS marketing, so you don’t have to do it manually.
As well as sending out regular newsletters, the system can automatically contact clients who haven’t visited your salon recently. This is a valuable customer retention tool, especially when used alongside promotions and discounts.
Cloud-Based Backups
Nowadays, many salon software programs offer cloud-based backups. This is incredibly useful, because it means you won’t lose any important data if your computer breaks down. It also means the software can be accessed by unlimited users, from any device and across multiple branches.
Some tanning salon software applications also feature tiered staff access levels. This allows you to create profiles for each employee and customise which parts of the system they have access to.
What Is the Best Tanning Salon Software?
Not all salon software offers the same features. So, it’s important to spend some time finding a brand that will work well with your business.
The issue with many salon software programs is that they’re primarily designed for hair, nail and beauty salons. Such systems may not include tanning-specific features such as skin typing, sunbed usage records or T-Max integration.
We recommend choosing software that is purpose-built for tanning salons, such as ActiveSalon. This way, you can take advantage of every available feature. You won’t have to shoehorn your business around a program that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
Before deciding, check tanning salon software reviews to read about others’ experiences. If you select a product which offers a free trial, you can decide whether it’s right for you before committing.
Try ActiveSalon Today with a Free 3-Month Trial
At ActiveSalon, we’re committed to providing tanning salons with the best software and service in the industry. That’s why we offer the longest free trial period of any tanning salon software UK provider. You can use ActiveSalon at no cost for three months, with no obligation to continue.
Our salon software experts will set up ActiveSalon for you and provide you with comprehensive training. Full support is available throughout the trial period to help you make the most of the amazing features on offer. We’ll ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the trial, so you can be confident in your decision to subscribe.
Contact us today and discover how ActiveSalon could transform your tanning salon business. To get started, call us on 0161 507 1598 or email support@activesalon.com.
Loukas has been a part of the tanning industry since 2013; what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing! As a Director of SolarTrack Systems, his responsibilities don’t just include ActiveSalon, but a variety of different tools and packages.
