Vagaro POS Review: Empowering Wellness Businesses

Vagaro POS System Overview

Vagaro, founded in 2009 by Fred Helou, emerged as an online platform that provides scheduling, point-of-sale, marketing, and client management tools for fitness businesses. Originating from a personal need to book a haircut appointment while abroad, Vagaro initially concentrated on the beauty sector but swiftly broadened its scope to encompass a wider range of wellness businesses. While their services are primarily focused in North America, they have expanded to other regions.

In 2022, they opened their first physical international office in England after an increase in customer demand around the world. Although they serve all business sizes, they target small to medium-sized businesses in the wellness industry, from independent practitioners to multi-location franchises. Vagaro has amassed a significant client base, serving over 83,000 businesses daily and facilitating over 136 million appointments through their software.

With features such as online booking, automated reminders, payroll, inventory management, and marketing tools, Vagaro aims to simplify the day-to-day operations of wellness businesses. This allows business owners to focus on delivering exceptional services to their clients. Vagaro prioritizes data security, safeguarding user information with SSL encryption for both computer and mobile transactions. Moreover, payment processing benefits from PCI-Compliant credit card gateway and banking networks, enhancing overall security.

Vagaro Features & Services

This company stands out among POS software management platforms due to their wide array of tools that help business owners run and manage their companies. The software offers features such as:

• Dual screen: Your business can use a 15.6-inch POS monitor with the Vagaro Pay Desk dual touch screens, so you can work while your client confirms the totals and fills out or signs forms on their screen. Pay Desk lets your employees perform all types of tasks efficiently with no disruptions
• Mobile accessibility: This company offers the Vagaro Pro app for both businesses and clients, enabling on-the-go access to essential features. As a business owner, you can configure or specify which services are available when a client is away from your business facility. This application can easily be attained through the Apple and Android app stores
• Appointment scheduling: This software offers several scheduling capabilities so you can efficiently manage appointments, allocate resources, and avoid double bookings. You can block off time on days you are unavailable so clients don't make bookings or add customers to a waitlist if the timeslot they desire is unavailable
• Online booking: Your clients can easily book appointments online through your website, Google, Facebook, Instagram, or the Vagaro app. You can also implement settings that allow your customers to cancel or reschedule an appointment and set rules for confirming appointments for certain clients
• Client management: This system allows you to maintain detailed client profiles and track appointment history, preferences, and purchase behavior. For instance, you can record whether a client has allergies or desires specific formulas for services like manicures or hair dyeing. This fosters personalized interactions and helps you build better relationships with every customer
• Payments: Multiple customers who have appointments on the same day can have their payment made by a single payee. Clients can also enjoy paying for your services in four interest-free installments. Additionally, Vagaro allows you to accept and track other modes of payment, such as third-party payment processors
• Loyalty program: The loyalty program rewards customers with points when they purchase a service or package, renew a membership, or book a class. When they reach the redeeming value, they can later use these points to get complimentary items, gift cards, and discounts
• Reporting and data analytics: The software captures a lot of data and provides comprehensive reporting and analytics tools. You can use this data to decide which operations you can improve so your customers become better involved with your business
• Marketing tools: This company offers a range of other marketing features, such as email campaigns and text marketing. You can also get featured on their marketplace so potential clients can find you when they search for your service within your location. These marketing tools empower businesses to attract new clients, retain existing ones, and drive revenue growth

Vagaro Plans & Pricing

Vagaro provides new US customers with a free trial that lasts up to 30 days. This allows you to access all features, including email and text marketing, daily deals, and credit card processing.

Their software subscription has seven pricing editions, beginning at $30 per month and reaching $85. The editions depend on the number of "bookable calendars" required. The base fee covers one bookable calendar, with each additional calendar incurring a $10 increase per month. This pricing structure is directly tied to the number of service providers within your business, defined by this company as individuals who perform services and require a calendar.

Besides bookable calendars, you can choose from various add-on services the company offers that will increase your monthly fee. For Vagaro Drive, live stream, check-in app, online store and website builder, you need to pay a $10 fee per month, while text marketing costs $20 per month.

In addition, there are separate Fixed Acquirer Network fees (FANF) on card payments. However, this does not apply to anyone whose monthly sales are below $200. Large merchants (those with a monthly sale volume of $200-$1250) have to pay a FANF of 0.15% of the total sales made instead of a fixed dollar amount.

Advantages & Disadvantages

While the system has several advantages that users can enjoy, it is not without some cons.

Perks of Vagaro POS

• Free trial: You are given a 30-day trial to use the system with access to all features. You can test the features during this period and gauge if the platform meets your needs
• Marketing tools: This system includes several marketing tools, such as email marketing, loyalty programs, and daily deals. These allow you to promote your product and special offers to draw more consumers to your business
• Analytics and reporting: The analytics and reporting tool provides information such as sales performance, customer behavior, and business trends. With this information, you can plan ways to improve your business's marketing and management
• Online booking: Vagaro enables businesses to offer online booking options through apps or websites. Your clients can conveniently schedule appointments regardless of their location
• Automation and reminders: This company helps reduce last-minute cancellations by sending automated appointment reminders, notifications, and confirmation requests. This allows you to manage schedules better and optimize your business's resource consumption

Disadvantages of Vagaro POS

• Customer support: The company provides customer support services through multiple channels, including email, phone, and live chat, allowing business owners to choose their preferred means. Although Vagaro offers round-the-clock customer service, many clients have complained about prolonged response times, particularly during peak demand or outside standard work hours.
• Hidden costs: This POS system imposes penalty charges for inaccuracies in user-provided information, which can also extend to returned deposits, chargebacks, and transactions necessitating investigation
• Hardware prices: Some businesses may require hardware or add-on accessories that the company sells and can be quite expensive. This can pose a significant challenge for startups or solo practitioners, as the combined costs of hardware and subscription fees can be overwhelming

User Reviews

Vagaro has consistently received overwhelmingly positive feedback from most users and boasts numerous positive reviews. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited the company in 2015, and it holds a B+ rating. Despite several negative remarks on BBB, which dropped their rating to one star, Vagaro excels on other platforms. Trustpilot has over 116 reviews with a 4.3-star rating for excellent customer service. On G2, they fare even better, earning a 4.5-star rating from 167 reviews. Their highest ratings are on Capterra, where they receive 4.7 stars from over 3,000 reviews.

Positive feedback

Most of Vagaro's customers are satisfied with the company's services, particularly the customer support provided. Many users commend the prompt and efficient assistance they receive from the support team, noting their knowledgeable and helpful approach to resolving technical issues. Most appreciate the platform's ease of use, customization options and templates, marketing tools, and booking features. Additionally, the company is consistently praised for simplifying operations and contributing significantly to the success of businesses.

Critical feedback

Complaints filed with the BBB shed light on a range of issues. These encompass reports of staff members displaying rudeness, instances where customers failed to receive the services they paid for, and a lack of transparency regarding additional fees for specific services. Some users also encountered difficulties when attempting to cancel subscriptions and were frequently billed incorrectly. Vagaro typically responds to these complaints by providing their perspective on the matter. However, many complainants express dissatisfaction with the responses provided.

A common concern raised in negative reviews involves difficulties encountered during the free trial period, especially with cancellation procedures. Some customers reported struggles in getting responses from the company, while others mentioned promised follow-ups that never happened. In response to these reviews, Vagaro states that they provide clear information, including a countdown until charges commence. However, they deny any billing misconduct.

Customer Support & Services

Vagaro prioritizes reliable customer support to ensure users have a seamless experience with the software. If you're having trouble or have further inquiries regarding their service, you can contact their support team via email, live chat, or phone at (925) 718-0971 ext. 1. You can also follow them on their social media platforms, Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube to stay up to date with their latest products.
They also provide a blog page to guide users through any challenges they may encounter. Furthermore, users have the opportunity to participate in weekly webinars where they can ask questions and receive real-time answers.

Conclusion

In summary, Vagaro offers a versatile POS system tailored for wellness businesses. Founded in 2009, the company initially focused on beauty services before expanding their reach. They serve over 83,000 businesses daily and facilitate over 136 million appointments. Their platform includes features like dual-screen capabilities, the Vagaro app, appointment scheduling, online booking, client management, payments, loyalty programs, and robust reporting tools. Vagaro keeps their pricing flexible, starting at $30 per month, with additional add-ons available for purchase at any time.

While the company offers a 30-day free trial and numerous advantages like marketing tools and analytics, they also have their disadvantages, which include lacking customer support during peak times and potential hidden costs. Despite drawbacks, Vagaro maintains positive feedback across platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra, highlighting their reliability and effectiveness in streamlining operations for wellness businesses.

Vagaro may be the ideal solution if you operate a salon, spa, gym, or any business in the fitness or wellness industry. However, if you're still weighing your options, consider exploring our list of top POS providers. Unsure about which POS company suits your business best? Utilize our comparison tool to make an informed decision. Dive deeper into the POS industry with our insightful blog articles.

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