Operating a spa isn’t easy, no doubt. But that doesn’t mean that it needs to be complicated. Running a spa—or any business—means juggling tons of moving parts. At that same time, there’s one thing that must remain constant: the software that supports your business.
Thing is, there’s quite a few different options out there.
Before we dive in, keep in mind: not all spa POS software are equal. However, there are a few core functions and features that most solutions have. And if they don't, you should probably rethink their candidacy for your spa software choice.
Point of Sale (POS) Transactions: Facilitates seamless checkout experiences by processing payments, applying discounts, splitting bills, adding tips, and printing or emailing receipts. Supports credit/debit cards, contactless payments, gift cards, and more.
Appointment Scheduling: Allows clients to book appointments online and helps spa staff manage schedules efficiently.
Inventory Management: Tracks products and supplies, manages stock levels, and automates reordering.
Payment Processing: Handles transactions securely, accepts various payment methods, and integrates with accounting systems.
Customer Management: Maintains client profiles, booking history, preferences, and contact information for personalized service.
Employee Management: Manages staff schedules, tracks performance, and assigns tasks.
Employee & Commission Tracking: Links services and sales to staff members for accurate commission tracking and performance insights, managed directly through the POS system.
Reporting and Analytics: Generates reports on sales, inventory, staff performance, and client trends to inform business decisions.
Marketing and Loyalty Programs: Supports marketing campaigns, manages customer loyalty programs, and sends targeted promotions.
Integration Capabilities: Integrates with other business tools like accounting software, CRM systems, and online booking platforms.
Security and Compliance: Ensures data security, PCI compliance for payment processing, and safeguards client information.
Mobile Accessibility: Allows access to key functions on mobile devices for flexibility and on-the-go management.
Let’s look at some real-world examples of how gym POS software works in action:
How Spa POS Helps:
Integrated Payments: Checkout is seamless with contactless payments and tipping built in—making the process faster and more professional.
Online Booking & Calendar Sync: Clients can easily schedule facials or massages online, with real-time calendar updates preventing double bookings.
Membership & Package Management: The system automatically tracks package usage and membership renewals, sending reminders to clients and freeing up staff from manual tracking.
Retail Inventory Alerts: Maya gets low-stock alerts for popular skincare products, helping her restock in time to keep retail sales flowing.
Outcome: Serenity Glow Spa runs more smoothly with fewer scheduling issues, better retail management, and a polished client experience that drives repeat visits and revenue.
Revenue & Performance Reports: Built-in analytics show service trends, top-performing staff, and revenue breakdowns, empowering Javier to make data-backed decisions.
Centralized Dashboard: Javier can now oversee appointments, staff schedules, and product sales from one place, cutting down on time spent switching systems.
Automated Staff Scheduling: The software builds efficient staff rosters based on appointment volume, ensuring coverage during peak hours without overspending on labor.
Client Profiles & Preferences: The system tracks client history, treatment notes, and product preferences—allowing the team to deliver a truly personalized experience.
Outcome: Tranquil Elements operates more efficiently and provides a luxury experience that feels both personal and professional—boosting client loyalty and revenue growth.
As you’ve seen, spa POS software brings a wide range of benefits—from reducing front-desk stress to enhancing your clients’ overall experience. Here's what to keep in mind when evaluating spa software solutions:
A seamless online booking experience is essential for today’s spa clients. Look for a system that lets guests book treatments, packages, and consultations 24/7—whether from their phones or your website. The best systems offer real-time availability, automated confirmations and reminders, and the ability to manage multiple rooms, staff, and services.
Bonus points if it integrates with Google Calendar, Outlook, or iCal to sync appointments and avoid double bookings.
A luxury spa experience depends on personalization. Your POS software should allow you to store and access detailed client profiles—including visit history, treatment preferences, intake forms, allergies, and notes from past appointments.
Look for tools like automated follow-ups, birthday promos, loyalty tracking, and the ability to send personalized messages. These features help you build client relationships and keep them coming back.
From service payments to retail sales, your POS system should make transactions fast, secure, and flexible. Choose software that accepts a wide range of payment types, including cards, mobile wallets, and gift certificates.
It should also track product inventory, generate receipts or invoices, and offer clear financial reporting. A strong POS system ensures spa managers can easily monitor revenue and retail performance.
Smooth staffing is critical for a relaxing spa experience. Your POS software should support scheduling, time tracking, commission management, and payroll integration.
Some systems also offer performance metrics or tip tracking, making it easy to manage both back-of-house and service staff. A clean, centralized system reduces administrative load and keeps your team focused on client care.
The best spa software is beautiful, intuitive, and easy for both staff and guests to use. Whether it’s checking in a client or ringing up a retail item, every interaction should feel effortless.
Look for platforms with a gentle learning curve and built-in training or onboarding resources. The less time you spend figuring things out, the more time you have to focus on service.
Issues can arise—even in the calmest environments. Choose a provider with responsive customer support via phone, chat, or email, and a solid knowledge base for quick self-service solutions.
Reliable support means fewer disruptions to your day and happier clients overall.
Your spa POS should work well with the rest of your tools. From accounting software to email marketing platforms, integrations reduce manual work and create a more connected system.
Check whether your chosen POS plays well with your existing tech stack to avoid data silos and double entry.
Your spa POS should match your business size, service range, and budget. Many platforms offer tiered pricing—entry-level plans for solo practitioners and more robust options for multi-room or multi-location spas.
Don’t pay for features you won’t use. Start with what fits your current needs and scale as your spa grows.
Spa POS pricing typically follows a subscription model (monthly or annual), with updates and customer support included. Some systems offer one-time licenses, but those may lack ongoing upgrades or assistance. Subscription-based systems often provide more flexibility and scalability, which is key for a growing spa business.
Investing in spa POS software isn’t just an expense—it’s a step toward delivering exceptional client experiences and running a more efficient business. The right system helps you save time, reduce errors, and elevate every touchpoint, from booking to checkout. With automation, personalization, and insightful reporting, you'll not only meet client expectations—you’ll exceed them.
Overview: Vagaro excels with its robust online booking, marketing tools, and POS integration. It’s perfect for small, medium-sized, and enterprise spas seeking a comprehensive and streamlined system that supports both client engagement and business growth without complexity.
Verified User Reviews
Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (395 reviews)
G2: 4.6/5 (272 reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,482 reviews)
Price: Starts at $30/mo.
Free Trial: Yes
CC Processing Rates: 3.5% + $0.15 per keyed-in transaction, 2.75% per swipe, dip, tap transaction
Overview: A popular all-in-one POS solution for small businesses, Square offers an easy setup, sleek hardware options, and robust tools for payments, inventory, and appointment booking—ideal for solo practitioners or smaller spas looking for flexibility without heavy costs.
Verified User Reviews
Trustpilot: 4.3/5 (6,098 reviews)
G2: 4.7/5 (811 reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (311 reviews)
Price: $0-$29+/mo
Free Trial: Yes
CC Processing Rates: 2.6% + 15¢ per tap, dip, or swipe, 3.5% + 15¢ per keyed-in transaction
Overview: Clover provides customizable POS hardware and software designed for growing businesses. With strong payment processing and third-party integrations, it’s a good fit for spas that want scalable features and a variety of hardware options.
Verified User Reviews
Trustpilot: 2.6/5 (1,791 reviews)
G2: 3.8/5 (81 reviews)
Capterra: 3.8/5 (549 reviews)
Price: N/A
Free Trial: Free quote available upon request.
CC Processing Rates: Quote available upon request.
Overview: Phorest is a salon and spa management software known for its marketing tools, loyalty features, and client retention capabilities. It’s tailored for beauty businesses looking to strengthen client relationships and grow through repeat business.
Verified User Reviews
Trustpilot: 3.7/5 (64 reviews)
G2: 4.4/5 (30 reviews)
Capterra: 4.8/5 (380 reviews)
Price: Quote available upon request.
Free Trial: N/A
CC Processing Rates: Available upon quote/request.
Overview: GlossGenius combines beautiful design with intuitive booking, payment, and client management tools. Created with solo beauty pros and small teams in mind, it simplifies daily operations while offering a polished brand experience.
Verified User Reviews
Trustpilot: N/A
G2: 4.0/5 (4 reviews)
Capterra: 4.8/5 (213 reviews)
Price: $24/mo-$148/mo
Free Trial: Yes
CC Processing Rates: Flat 2.6% processing rate
Overview: Boulevard delivers high-end appointment scheduling and client management for premium salons and spas. With a focus on personalization, automated workflows, and seamless integrations, it’s best suited for modern businesses that prioritize a luxury client experience.
Verified User Reviews
Trustpilot: N/A
G2: 4.3/5 (76 reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (325 reviews)
Price: $195/mo-$410/mo (annual and monthly plans available)
Free Trial: Demo available.
CC Processing Rates: Starting at 2.65% or as low as 1% with Boulevard Offset.
Overview: Fresha is a commission-free booking and POS system that’s free to use and designed to help beauty and wellness businesses grow. With strong appointment scheduling, payment tools, and marketplace exposure, it’s a smart choice for budget-conscious professionals.
Verified User Reviews
Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (2,517 reviews)
G2: 4.4/5 (4 reviews)
Capterra: 4.8/5 (1,437 reviews)
Price: Free for one-person businesses, $9.95/mo per team member
Free Trial: 14-day free trial available
CC Processing Rates: 2.79% + $0.20 per transaction (online), 2.29% + $0.20 per transaction (in-person)
Choosing the right spa POS software is about more than just taking payments—it’s about supporting seamless experiences, efficient operations, and luxurious service delivery. Whether you're a boutique day spa or a growing wellness center, your software should scale with you and meet your clients’ high expectations.
Use this checklist to ensure the system you choose aligns with your business goals and delivers a relaxing experience—for both staff and clients.
Is the system capable of handling secure, seamless transactions—including tips and split payments?
Does it accept credit cards, gift cards, prepayments, and contactless methods?
Is the interface easy for your front desk team and service providers to navigate?
Does it provide a smooth and polished booking experience for clients?
Can you tailor services, staff profiles, and booking rules to reflect your spa’s offerings?
Does it support flexible setup for treatments, packages, and membership tiers?
Can clients easily book, reschedule, or cancel appointments online or through mobile?
Does it include automated reminders, waitlists, and room/resource management?
Can you store client intake forms, preferences, visit history, and notes securely?
Does it support loyalty programs, personalized outreach, and targeted promotions?
Are reports available to monitor sales, service performance, and customer retention?
Can you customize reports to focus on specific KPIs or business trends?
Can you manage backbar and retail product stock in one place?
Does the system send low-stock alerts or automate reorder processes?
Does it offer built-in email and text marketing tools to promote services and specials?
Can you track client engagement and campaign effectiveness?
Is the software HIPAA-compliant and designed to keep sensitive client data safe?
Are staff permissions and access controls available?
Is live support available when you need it—ideally 24/7?
Are there educational resources like tutorials or help articles?
Can the software grow with your spa as you expand locations or service offerings?
Are integrations or advanced features available as your needs evolve?
Does the price reflect the value and features provided?
Are core features included, or are essential tools locked behind add-on fees?
Above all, your software shouldn’t just help you manage your business, it should empower you and your team to home in on your craft while boosting your bottom line.