What To Evaluate When Choosing A Booking System In 2025

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia walks you through the 2025 booking‑software landscape, breaking down why the “best” platform isn’t about the cheapest subscription or flashiest AI feature, but about how well it actually works for you and your clients.

Hunter compares today’s most talked about systems, shares the must have features that still get overlooked (hello, two‑way Google Calendar!), and explains why some all‑in‑one add‑ons may do more harm than good. You’ll leave with a clear checklist of what really matters, so you can stop stalling, start streamlining, and choose a booking tool that fuels growth instead of headaches.

Key Takeaways

• Subscription vs. ROI: Why sweating a $35‑$65 monthly fee can cost you more in lost efficiency, and how a tiny price bump covers most processing fees.
• All‑in‑One Trap: The pros and cons of beauty‑specific “everything” platforms versus open systems that integrate with Zapier and third‑party tools.
• Client‑First Functionality: The booking, rescheduling, and reminder features modern clients expect (and quick tests to see which app nails them).
• Control > Convenience: Cool new AI automations sound great, until they send the wrong promo or hike deposits for the wrong guest. Here’s how to keep the reins.
• Hunter’s 2025 Shortlist: Comb and Square up top, with Gloss Genius and Vagaro close behind, plus the personal quirks that make Hunter favor one over the others.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve spent weeks comparing processing rates, worrying about email add‑on costs, or waiting for the “perfect” system to appear, this episode will help you cut through the noise. Learn how to evaluate software like a strategist, deliver a seamless client experience, and future‑proof your business with tech that actually supports your goals—so you can reclaim your time and focus on the work you love behind the chair.

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