Is Fresha free for salon businesses in the UK?

Understanding Fresha's 'Free' Model

Fresha markets itself as 'free' for businesses, and indeed, its core salon management software, including scheduling, client management, and point-of-sale, is available without a monthly subscription fee. However, Fresha generates revenue and covers its operational costs through a commission structure. Businesses using Fresha incur a 20% booking fee for any new client bookings made via the Fresha marketplace. This fee applies only to the first appointment of a new client. Additionally, Fresha charges payment processing fees of 1.29% + 20p per transaction for payments processed through their system. While the absence of a monthly fee can be appealing initially, these transactional costs can add up, particularly for growing businesses relying on Fresha to attract new clientele.

The Impact of Booking Fees on UK Salons

For UK salon businesses, the 20% new client booking fee can significantly impact profitability. If a new client books a £50 service through the Fresha marketplace, £10 would be deducted as a booking fee. Over time, these fees can accumulate, potentially reducing your net revenue, especially if you acquire many new clients through their platform. While existing client bookings are not subject to this fee, relying on new client acquisition through Fresha's marketplace means a portion of that initial revenue is always remitted. Businesses must weigh the benefit of marketplace exposure against the cost of these commission charges when evaluating their total expenditure.

LushLane: A Clear, Fixed-Price Alternative

LushLane offers a straightforward, fixed-price solution for UK salon and beauty businesses. Our core salon management software, including booking, client management, and staff scheduling, costs £22 per month. This price includes up to 3 staff members, with additional staff costing £5 per month each. There are no commission fees on any bookings, ever, regardless of whether they are new or existing clients. Payment processing fees are handled directly by Stripe at their standard rates, not by LushLane. We offer a 60-day free trial with no card required, and there's no contract, allowing you to cancel at any time. Every salon also receives a free, customisable one-page website at lushlane.co.uk with live booking functionality.