Marketplaces and bookings
Fresha vs Treatwell: which offers better value for a beauty salon in 2026?
Both platforms can deliver visiblety and bookings, but costs, control over client relationships and platform dependency differ. Compare profit margins rather than appointment numbers alone.
In this guide
The comparison that matters for your salon
The best platform is not the one with the most features, but the one that generates profitable appointments without taking control of data, communication and repeat visits away from the salon.
| Criterionn | What to check |
|---|---|
| Acquisition | Commissions or fees for new clients |
| Calendar | Synchronisation, deposits and no-shows |
| Relationships | Data access and options for contacting clients again |
| Visibility | Actual presence in your city and category |
| Exit | Data exports, restrictions and booking continuity |
Calculate the true cost of a booking
Add up subscriptions, commissions, required discounts and operational time; then account for cancellations and clients who do not return: only then can you compare the marketplace with Google, your website and your own campaigns.
A low-margin appointment can make sense as a first visit only if the salon obtains consent, offers a distinctive experience and secures a second direct booking in line with the platform's terms.
Use marketplaces without depending on them
Treat Fresha or Treatwell as a channel, not as your salon's digital identity: your Google profile, website, reviews and WhatsApp should continue to generate demand through your own channels.
- Measure new clients, repeat visits within 90 days and profit margin by platform.
- Keep your website and Google profile up to date even if your calendar is hosted elsewhere.
- Do not publish offers that conflict with your own price list.
- Regularly check how much branded traffic the marketplace is capturing.
Frequently asked questions
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In 30 minutes we analyse your catchment area, services and current bookings and tell you how many extra appointments you can realistically expect.
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Data
Digital Index 2026
The online presence of 27.917 beauty salons, province by province.
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Back to all resources · 5 guides, 20 insights and the Digital Index.