Did you know that studies conducted on changing consumer behavior have indicated that, up to 50% of consumers do not like the idea of waiting for even 5 minutes once they’re over with the service and, if they have to undergo such an experience then almost 80% of such consumers are unlikely to consider visiting again? The same study further indicated that the developments in technology have created a paradigm shift in consumer preferences, whereby consumers, today, find the idea of handling cash both cumbersome and time-consuming. Aligning the operations to meet and exceed changing consumer behavior becomes very important for industries, particularly in beauty and wellness, where client experience can make or break relations. Perhaps, this is the reason why the idea, of “integrated payment for salons” is finding more traction. In this post, we talk about the 5 reasons why your salon should switch to an integrated payment solution.
Efficiency
One of the first and foremost advantages that businesses derive from leveraging integrated payments for salons is the speed at which the transactions are completed. As the payment system is integrated with the appointment management and invoicing module of the salon management software, it works in tandem with both and ensures that the entire operations process is streamlined for both your clients and for your guests. The integrated system also eliminates the need of having a separate payments terminal, reduces the check-out time, and also saves you from spending hours reconciling payments with the bookings. As a result, you save considerable hours, which would have otherwise been spent doing administrative work.
Accuracy
When it comes to the accuracy of transactions, and records there exists no alternative to an integrated payments system. No longer do you have to worry about having either upset clients, which may happen due to incorrect invoicing or about the loss of revenue due to plain oversight. In a market departure from the traditional POS (point of sale) system, the integrated payment system for salons takes all its data inputs directly from the outcome of the preceding activity. In other words, the direct connection with both the appointments management system and the invoicing system ensures that there exists no need for any manual data entry, thus eliminating all chances of error.
Security
When it comes to the security of financial data, there is really no alternative to an integrated payment system, resulting in complete peace of mind for both you and your clients. In stark contrast to the traditional cash registers, and other standalone POS systems, which function with card readers, an integrated payment solution works in different ways. Clients no longer have to physically carry their cards with them and can benefit from features such as end-to-end encryption and tokenization. Additionally, integrated payment systems also allow clients to settle payments by linking either their digital wallets or using third-party payment gateways such as Apple Pay / Samsung Pay, etc. For e.g. Zenoti Pay, a fully PCI-compliant integrated payment system for salons, enables you to offer your clients an omnichannel experience to settle invoices in just about two clicks. By doing the one-time exercise of storing clients’ payment information, and tokenization it to add an additional layer of security, Zenoti pay takes care of your worries. Further, it is equipped to handle payments through the website, social media pages, e-commerce platforms, apps, and mobile stores, making the process of payments a cakewalk for clients
Cash Flow
As odd as this may sound to you, an integrated payment system can help you improve your cash flow. Wondering how? Allow us to explain. Earlier there were just two ways to receive payment; the first was cash, and the second was a card swipe. While there wasn’t anything wrong with the processes, the issue was that they did not allow you the flexibility to incorporate features such as advance payment either in full or in part and allow you to accept payments through multiple channels such as apps, websites, social media pages, etc. An integrated payment system corrects this anomaly and allows you to collect payments as per the plan that works for you. Offering guests the option to make payment immediately at the time of booking an appointment it helps you get the cash well ahead of the service time. Additionally, as each and every transaction is recorded and traceable it helps you in effectively resolve disputes.
Improved Client Experience
We circle back to the beginning. Salons are places where clients come to relax, get pampered and get a unique experience. The more seamless and hassle-free the experience is, the higher the chance of the client coming in again. An integrated payment system empowers you and your business to offer your clients that seamless experience. From accurate invoicing and faster processing to securing clients’ financial data and offering them options on the technology, the integrated payment system for salons gives a whole new experience and improved experience. , it is no wonder that renowned salon chains are now choosing to incorporate integrated payment solutions into their operations. Gene Juarez, a US-based salon & spa spread over 10 locations, switched over to Zenoti Payments to offer 100% cashless and one-tap payment experience to clients, and noticed that in a year’s time up to 30% of their regular clients, having enjoyed the experience, have now registered for autopay.
Aside from the above-mentioned direct and measurable benefits, an integrated payment system reduces your labor cost, saves you time, and helps you in scaling your operations.
