If you run a salon, barbershop or any service business in the UK you know the grind is real. A good booking system is not nice to have, it’s a lifesaver. You’ve probably heard of Booksy Biz as it’s a big name in the business management app world. It promises to be an all in one solution to book appointments, manage clients and market your services. But does it deliver?
We dived into hundreds of reviews from UK business owners to get the lowdown. We’ll look at what people love, what drives them mad and whether Booksy Biz is the right partner for your business.
So, What Exactly is Booksy Biz?
Think of Booksy Biz as your digital front desk, personal assistant, and marketing guru all rolled into one app. It is a complete management tool built for service pros like hairstylists, barbers, and nail techs. The whole idea is to simplify your day-to-day operations so you can focus on your clients.
Here is a quick rundown of what it does:
- Calendar Management: You get a customizable calendar where you can color-code services and easily manage or reschedule appointments.
- Client Management: The app stores all your client info, their appointment history, and their preferences, which makes it easy to build great relationships.
- Mobile Payments: Booksy offers secure payment processing, so you can take payments online or in person with tap-to-pay and a card reader. You can also set up cancellation policies and require deposits to protect your income.
- Marketing Tools: It comes packed with email and SMS marketing tools, a social post creator, and automated campaigns to help you get the word out.
Booksy and Its Competitors
Let’s tackle the big question: booksy vs fresha? You will see this debate pop up everywhere when you look for booking software. While the sources do not give us a head-to-head feature battle, it is clear that business owners often consider Fresha as a top alternative. Your final choice will likely come down to what your specific business needs. People also frequently compare Booksy to other platforms like StyleSeat, Square Appointments, and Vagaro before they make a decision.
So, What’s the Good News? What Users Love
Many business owners are huge fans of Booksy Biz, and for good reason. They praise its simple interface, smart scheduling, and powerful marketing tools that genuinely help them grow.
Effortless Scheduling and Management
The number one thing people rave about? It just makes scheduling so much easier. Clients can book themselves anytime, day or night, even at 3 am. This frees you from the constant back-and-forth of phone calls and messages, which lets you focus on the client in your chair. Plus, those automated reminders are a game-changer for cutting down on no-shows.
A Powerful Tool for Client Growth
Booksy is not just a calendar; it is a client-magnet for many users. The app’s marketing tools, especially the social media integration, help businesses get seen. The “Boost” feature, although it has a cost, gets a lot of credit for bringing in new customers. One barber even said he gets two to three new clients every week just from being on the app. For new stylists, it is a fantastic way to build a client list from scratch.
Streamlined Business Operations
Beyond booking, Booksy helps you run your whole operation from one place. Users love the built-in payment system for taking prepayments and deposits, which secures their income. The platform also offers great analytics and financial reports that give you a clear picture of how your business performs.
Okay, But What are The Downsides
It is not all perfect. Some users share stories of serious frustration with terrible customer support, unexpected costs, and annoying technical glitches. These issues have been big enough to make some loyal customers look for another option.
Customer Support Woes
The biggest red flag, mentioned over and over, is the customer support. Users describe the support team as unhelpful, slow, or just plain unreachable. People report endless wait times on the phone, emails that take weeks to get a reply, and chat support that leaves them hanging for hours. This has left business owners feeling ignored, belittled, and stuck with major problems.
Costs and Hidden Fees
Let’s talk money. For some, the monthly subscription of £40.00 is a bit steep compared to other options. On top of that, users complain about what they feel are “hidden charges”. These include transaction fees for payment processing and the commission for the Boost feature. The Boost tool, which helps you get new clients, charges a one-time 30% commission on that client’s first service, a cost some find too high.
Technical Problems and Glitches
Nothing is perfect, and users report their share of technical headaches. People mention the app can freeze, load updates slowly, or crash at the worst times. And while business owners might find the backend easy, their clients do not always agree. Some customers say the client-facing app is “clunky,” which leads them to book by phone anyway. Others note that older, less tech-savvy clients can struggle with the system, especially with prepayments.
A Special Note: The Genbook Migration
A lot of the frustration you will read online comes from people who used to be on Genbook, a software that Booksy bought out. For many, the forced switch to Booksy was a “terrible experience”. They reported losing hundreds of hard-earned reviews, entire client cancellation lists, and features they loved on the old platform. Some even had double bookings right after the switch.
How Much Does Booksy Biz Cost in the UK?
In the UK, the paid version of Booksy Biz starts at £40.00 per month. There is no free version, but Booksy does offer a free trial so you can test it out before you commit. Just remember to factor in the extra costs, like payment processing fees and the commission on the Boost feature, if you plan to use it.
The Bottom Line: Is Booksy Biz Worth It for Your UK Business?
So, after all that, should you go for it? It is a tough call.
On one hand, Booksy can be a powerhouse. It automates your schedule, simplifies payments, and can genuinely help you find new clients. For many pros, especially those just starting, it is a total game-changer.
On the other hand, you cannot ignore the chorus of complaints about customer service. When a tool is this central to your business, you need to know you can get help when something goes wrong. The extra fees can also make it a more expensive choice than it first seems. Your best bet is to weigh what matters most to you. If you need powerful marketing and are willing to risk potential support headaches, Booksy might be a great fit. If reliable support and a clear price are your top priorities, you might want to explore your options carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my clients find Booksy easy to use?
Yes, most clients find it super simple and love that they can book appointments whenever they want. But, a heads-up: some less tech-savvy clients might find it a bit tricky, especially with things like paying deposits online.
2. Can Booksy actually get me new clients?
It sure can! Many users say Booksy is fantastic to bring in new people, particularly with its Boost feature and social media tools. One barber even gets two to three new customers a week because of it.
3. What is the biggest complaint about Booksy?
Hands down, the biggest and most common complaint is about the customer service. People often say support is slow, unhelpful, and hard to get a hold of, which is a major source of frustration when problems pop up.
4. Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Some users think so. Besides the monthly subscription, you have to account for transaction fees on payments. Also, the popular Boost feature has a one-time 30% commission on a new client’s first service, which can add up.
5. Is there a free version of Booksy?
No, Booksy Biz does not offer a free version of its main software. They do, however, offer a free trial, which lets you try out all the features before you decide to pay for a subscription.