Vagaro is a specialized POS and business management platform designed specifically for salons, spas, and fitness businesses. With over 100,000 businesses using the platform, it is one of the leading solutions in the beauty and wellness industry.
Vagaro at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25/mo (single user) |
| Processing Fee | 2.2% + 19¢ |
| Free Trial | 30 days |
| Best For | Salons, Spas, Fitness Studios |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 |
Key Features
- Online Booking: 24/7 appointment scheduling with automated reminders
- Client Management: Complete client profiles with history and preferences
- Inventory Management: Track retail products and supplies
- Marketing Tools: Email campaigns, promotions, and gift cards
- Payroll: Built-in payroll with commission tracking
- Memberships: Recurring billing for membership programs
- Marketplace: Get discovered by new clients on Vagaro marketplace
Vagaro Pricing 2025
| Users | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 User | $25/mo |
| 2 Users | $35/mo |
| 3 Users | $45/mo |
| 4 Users | $55/mo |
| 5 Users | $65/mo |
| 6 Users | $75/mo |
| 7+ Users | $85/mo |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable per-user pricing
- All-in-one salon management
- Excellent online booking
- Marketplace exposure
- 30-day free trial
Cons
- Limited customization
- Processing fees add up
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be slow
Vagaro vs Competitors
Vagaro vs Mindbody: Vagaro is more affordable ($25 vs $129/mo) but Mindbody offers more advanced features for larger operations.
Vagaro vs Square Appointments: Square is simpler but Vagaro offers deeper salon-specific features like chair rental management.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
Vagaro is the best value salon POS for small to mid-sized salons and spas. Its affordable pricing and comprehensive features make it a top choice for beauty businesses looking to streamline operations.
Quick Facts: Salon POS
Expert Tips for Choosing a POS System
Start with a Free Trial
Never commit to a POS system without testing it first. Most reputable providers offer 14-30 day free trials. Use this time to run real transactions, train your staff, and identify any workflow issues before signing a contract.
New to POS Systems?
Start with our quick guide for business owners
Get StartedCalculate Total Cost of Ownership
The monthly software fee is just the beginning. Factor in hardware costs, payment processing fees, add-on modules, support tiers, and potential early termination fees. A "$0/month" system might cost more than a $100/month system when you add everything up.
Prioritize Integration Capabilities
Your POS should connect with your accounting software, e-commerce platform, delivery apps, and loyalty program. Poor integrations lead to manual data entry, errors, and wasted time. Ask vendors about their API and native integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cash register simply records sales and stores money. A POS (Point of Sale) system is a comprehensive business management tool that processes payments, tracks inventory, manages employees, generates reports, and integrates with other business software. Modern POS systems provide data-driven insights that help you make better business decisions.
POS costs vary widely. Software ranges from $0-$200+ per month. Hardware costs $500-$2,000 for a basic setup. Payment processing fees are typically 2.3%-2.9% plus $0.10-$0.30 per transaction. Consider the total cost of ownership over 3 years, including add-ons and upgrades.
Some POS systems are processor-agnostic, allowing you to choose your payment processor. Others require you to use their integrated processing. Locked-in processing can be convenient but may limit your ability to negotiate rates. Always ask about processing flexibility before committing.
Data portability varies by provider. Most systems allow you to export sales history, customer data, and inventory lists. However, the format may not be directly importable to a new system. Always ask about data export options and consider this when choosing a POS.