Top 10 Things to look for in Online Salon & Spa Tools

Here's our "Hot" list for what Salon & Spa Professionals should be looking for in Online Salon & Spa Management Tools...Of course, VirtualSalons & VirtualSpas is proud to boast ALL of these features:

1. Real-Time Appointment Booking - The appointment goes directly into the online books when the client selects their appointment time. Anything that requires an "approval" or "confirmation" to the client before the appointment is scheduled is simply an email request- not really online booking.
2. All auto email should allow you to display your logo, not your online service providers. If the email sent out by your online books does not include your branding, whose business are you building? Certainly not yours!
3. Connect an unlimited number of computers without additional fees.
4. Make sure you get a totally web-based solution to be completely Mac & PC compatible. Products that have a combination of disk and web components will usually require you to buy and install costly upgrades for the disk-installed features.
   
5. No Per-Transaction Fees. The only type of transaction you should pay a percentage for is credit card processing - not appointment booking or services you provide for your existing clientele. Don't agree to share a percentage of your income with an Online Service Provider!
   
6. No Updates to purchase, No Contracts and No Required Equipment to Buy.
   
7. Self-serve FREE Trial. If a system isn't easy enough for you to get in to demo it online for yourself, is it going to be easy for you to use in your business?
   
8. FREE Set-Up, Training and Support Fees.
9. Make sure your online service provider's Privacy Policy protects you and your clients. ALWAYS read the "Terms and Conditions of Use" before signing up for any online service. Many online services are not protecting your client list and may even market your competition to your existing clients. The worst part is... you will be paying them to do it! A reputable online service provider will state very clearly that your client information belongs to YOU (the professional) and that they will never share, rent, or use your client contact information in any way.
10. A search feature or ads that promote your competition should not be available for your clients to browse while they are online to book an appointment with you. You want your clients going directly to your online books without seeing any mention of another Salon or Spa professional or "special offers".
    

Have I missed anything? What do you think are the most important features in Online Appointment Books and Salon & Spa Management?