Boulevard Salon Software Review: Not for Small Salons

Here at SOS, we’ve seen a lot of salon software. And we’re not going to surprise you: Boulevard is a good one. But it’s not for everyone.

In this detailed review we look at what Boulevard does well, what it needs to do better, and what kind of salons/barbers and medspas it’s really right for.

Key Takeaways

• Boulevard Salon Software is specifically designed for high-end salons and spas, focusing on enhancing appointment scheduling, client experience, and operational efficiency through a user-friendly interface.
• The platform offers advanced features such as integrated payments, marketing tools, and comprehensive client data management, appealing primarily to established businesses rather than smaller operators due to higher pricing tiers.
• User feedback indicates effective performance for high-volume bookings; however, issues with mobile app performance and cumbersome scheduling processes have been noted, requiring critical assessment.

Introduction to Boulevard Salon Software

Boulevard Salon Software aims to streamline operations specifically for high-end wellness businesses, focusing on features that support larger salon and spa operations. Originating as a solution to enhance appointment scheduling, Boulevard has evolved into a comprehensive client experience platform. It emphasizes community and collaboration, driving its mission to improve the self-care industry through technology and exceptional customer service.

Boulevard’s founders conducted extensive interviews with salon managers to identify their challenges, leading to the design of a user-friendly platform tailored to the industry. The software enhances stylist and client experiences, providing easy appointment confirmations and clear visibility into sales and inventory. We will put these claims to the test as we explore the software’s features and performance.

Boulevard’s mission reflects its commitment to enhancing the self-care industry. Focusing on community and collaboration, Boulevard aims to leverage technology to provide exceptional customer service. For high-end salons and spas, this means partnering with a software provider that truly understands their unique needs and is dedicated to helping them succeed in a competitive market.

This review will scrutinize these bold claims and evaluate whether the software meets its high expectations.

Key Features and Unique Selling Points

Boulevard is specifically designed for appointment-based self-care businesses, offering tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency. One of its standout features is the intuitive user experience for clients and stylists, facilitating easy communication and scheduling. Additionally, Boulevard offers advanced integrated payments and marketing tools designed to accommodate the complex needs of larger teams.

The software emphasizes comprehensive client data management, positioning itself as a unique client experience platform. This includes marketing campaigns and client engagement capabilities for larger salons and spas. For larger salons and spas, Boulevard’s advanced features, such as integrated payments and marketing tools, mean more efficient operations, improved client engagement, and increased revenue. The software’s unique focus on the self-care industry means it is tailored to address these businesses’ specific challenges. We will examine these features in detail to see if they genuinely enhance business operations as claimed.

Boulevard’s ability to support advanced marketing campaigns and client engagement tools sets it apart from other salon software options. These features benefit businesses with a more extensive client base and complex scheduling needs. For established salons, this means you’ll spend less time managing day-to-day operations and more time growing your business. Your front desk staff can process client bookings faster, minimize scheduling conflicts, and keep your appointment book full. The advanced marketing tools help you bring back repeat clients without manually tracking their visit history or preferences.

However, we will critically assess these claims to see if they hold up in real-world scenarios.

Pricing Structure

Boulevard’s pricing model consists of three distinct tiers.

• The Essentials Plan starts at $176 monthly per location and supports up to 5 professionals, including 100 free texts monthly, 500 email blasts, and 25GB storage.
• At $293 monthly per location, the Premier Plan expands to unlimited professionals with 250 free texts, 1,000 email blasts, and 50GB storage.
• The Prestige Plan, priced at $410 monthly per location, includes the forms add-on, 2,500 free texts, 10,000 email blasts, and 100GB storage.

Payment processing fees range from 2.65% + 15¢ to 3.65% + 15¢, with an optional Offset program allowing businesses to shift 3% of processing costs to clients while paying only 1%.

Initial Setup and Installation Process

Users start by requesting a demo overview of the software’s features and functionalities. The installation process is guided, ensuring users can easily navigate the necessary steps without extensive technical knowledge. However, users may encounter challenges during setup, such as data migration from previous systems, which requires careful planning.

Boulevard provides the necessary tools and resources to facilitate a smooth installation, including documentation and support from their team. Establishing a proper connection before setup can avert potential issues. We’ll delve into the specifics of this process and highlight any areas that may need improvement.

Technical Specifications

Boulevard operates on a cloud-based platform that requires stable internet connectivity for real-time booking updates. The software demands storage capacity ranging from 25GB to 100GB, depending on the chosen plan. While compatible with all modern web browsers, the mobile application shows specific performance issues on Android devices, including slow load times during peak hours, occasional payment processing crashes, and calendar synchronization delays.

Onboarding, Training & Support

Boulevard’s training program includes daily live sessions during the first month of implementation, with dedicated support available 24/7 through phone, email, and chat. The onboarding process typically takes 2-3 weeks, including data migration and staff training. Support response times average under 15 minutes for urgent issues and 4 hours for standard requests. Training materials include video tutorials, written guides, and interactive modules covering basic operations through advanced features.

For salon owners switching from other software platforms, this comprehensive support means minimal disruption to daily operations during the transition. Teams can continue serving clients while learning the new system, and the structured training approach helps staff master essential functions before gradually adopting more advanced features. Continuous support ensures that teams don’t struggle with unfamiliar features.

User Interface and Design

Boulevard’s interface is designed for simplicity, offering intuitive navigation that makes it accessible for stylists and clients. For busy salon managers and front desk staff, the user-friendly interface simplifies appointment management and reduces errors during peak times, enabling faster client check-ins and fewer booking mistakes. Staff can quickly view stylist schedules, process payments, and manage inventory without switching between multiple screens.

At the same time, the streamlined design helps new team members learn the system faster, reducing training time. Staff members have particularly highlighted the interface’s effectiveness for managing sales and inventory. However, we will critically assess whether the overall design aesthetics and functionality meet the high standards expected by high-end salons.

Core Functionalities

Boulevard offers comprehensive online booking capabilities through multiple integrated features. At its core is the Precision Scheduling™ feature, which helps clients find optimal appointment slots based on their existing schedules. The AI-driven booking engine, REACH.ai, enhances the booking process and automatically fills schedule gaps to maximize revenue potential. Clients can also schedule appointments directly from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, creating a seamless path from social media posts to confirmed bookings, reducing abandoned appointments.

This integrated online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management approach improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction for high-end salons and spas. Clients can book appointments anytime, even outside business hours, ensuring continuous business growth without requiring staff presence. We will thoroughly evaluate these core functionalities to determine their real-world effectiveness.

Client Management Capabilities

The platform’s client management system integrates comprehensive tracking features with customizable client fields for detailed profile management. Digital intake forms and waivers streamline the onboarding process, while automated review requests through Widewail integration help maintain client engagement. The system includes two-way texting capabilities with monthly allowances varying by plan (100-2,500 messages) and email marketing tools supporting between 500 and 10,000 monthly blasts based on subscription level. Client history and preference tracking enable personalized service delivery and targeted marketing campaigns.

Advanced Tools and Add-ons

Boulevard includes premium add-on features designed for larger salons’ complex needs, including integrated email marketing tools for targeted campaigns and customizable digital client intake forms and contracts. These advanced tools enable salons to automate their entire client communication flow: clients complete intake forms before arriving, receive targeted marketing based on their service history and get automatic follow-ups after appointments. This comprehensive automation eliminates hours of manual paperwork and client outreach while maintaining a premium client experience. We’ll critically assess how effectively these advanced tools enhance business operations for large salons.

Real-World Performance

Client feedback on Boulevard’s performance presents a mixed picture. While the system handles high-volume bookings efficiently and maintains speed without significant lags, several limitations have emerged using Precision Scheduling technology to optimize and fill appointment slots during busy periods. Users have encountered performance issues with the mobile app, particularly on Android, which has drawn criticism for bugs. Additionally, the process of scheduling staff and assigning services is described as cumbersome, potentially impacting efficiency during busy times.

Client and Staff Feedback

User feedback on Boulevard presents a mixed picture of the platform’s functionality. The client confirmation processes receive high praise for their ease of use, and the integration with Widewail enables effortless collection of client feedback through automated SMS-based review requests. However, the mobile app receives mixed reviews, with many users reporting persistent performance issues. We will compile additional client and staff feedback to understand the user experience comprehensively.

Financial Management and Reporting

Boulevard integrates comprehensive financial management capabilities, combining sales tracking, inventory management, and POS functionality. The system provides real-time updates on stock levels and automates financial reporting, helping salons analyze sales trends and manage budgets more effectively.

For salon owners managing multiple providers, the detailed reporting features enable data-driven decision-making across various business metrics. Owners can track individual stylist performance, monitor popular services, and manage inventory levels in real-time, making it clear when to reorder products and which services generate the most revenue. This automation eliminates hours of manual data entry and spreadsheet management each month. We will critically assess these financial management tools to determine their value for salon owners.

Overall Assessment

Despite its premium pricing, Boulevard’s comprehensive features and sophisticated client management tools provide strong value for established, high-end salons. The 12-month contract commitment requires careful consideration, but businesses that fully utilize the platform’s advanced features, like custom reporting and targeted marketing, typically see returns through improved client retention and sales. However, smaller operations may find the cost harder to justify, given the availability of more affordable alternatives.

Comparison with Alternatives

Boulevard positions itself in the premium segment of salon software, targeting high-end establishments with sophisticated needs. While it offers advanced features, several alternatives serve different market segments and business sizes.

Premium Tier Solutions

Boulevard competes with Mangomint and Zenoti in the premium category. Mangomint leads with team-focused features and integrated payroll at $245/month, serving the US and Canadian markets. Zenoti targets enterprise-level chains with extensive customization options and robust reporting capabilities.

Mid-Market Options

Mindbody occupies the mid-market space with pricing from $129 to $699 monthly, offering a balance of features and affordability. GlossGenius stands out with its mobile-first approach and strong app performance, making it particularly attractive to independent operators despite having fewer features than Boulevard.

Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Fresha disrupts the market with a free base subscription and pay-per-use model, though it charges a 20% marketplace fee for new clients. Vagaro provides a feature-rich platform with Gusto payroll integration at a lower price than Boulevard, making it attractive to smaller businesses.

Feature and Market Comparison

Each platform has distinct advantages and limitations. Boulevard excels in client experience and scheduling technology but struggles with mobile app performance. Mindbody offers extensive features but presents a steep learning curve. Fresha provides excellent value for startups but limits customization options. The choice depends mainly on business size, budget, and specific operational needs.

Recommendations and Summary

Boulevard Salon Software targets established salons and spas with multiple providers, offering robust tools to enhance operational efficiency and client experience in high-end settings. While its extensive features justify the premium pricing for more significant operations, smaller businesses and solopreneurs might find better value in more affordable alternatives, especially given some performance issues with the mobile app. Salon owners should carefully weigh these factors along with their specific business needs, scale of operations, and budget constraints when determining if Boulevard is the right fit for their business.