BOOKING OPTIONS / A FAIR COMPARISON
A commission-free booking system for UK salons
You should not have to rent your own customers. An owned booking website is one option for taking direct appointments without a marketplace new-client commission. Marketplaces still bring new clients and are useful for discovery; the aim is a choice of channels, not a promise that one route fits everyone.
The facts and the limits
What “commission-free” actually means
Here it means choosing a direct booking setup that does not charge a marketplace-style commission on each new client. It does not mean free software, free payments or a website that generates demand by itself.
Your own website is not cost-free
A direct booking route can avoid a marketplace new-client commission, but website setup, hosting, booking software, support, marketing and card processing can still cost money. Confirm whether your chosen booking provider charges any commission. CareRank scopes and prices projects after a review; there is no invented package price here.
Compare the whole cost and the discovery value, not only one fee. Read how CareRank prices work.
Agree what you own
Clarify domain ownership, access, booking software licensing, export options, ongoing support and cancellation terms in writing. Connecting third-party software to your website does not mean you own that software.
When a marketplace makes sense
A marketplace can make sense when you want discovery beyond your existing audience, convenient diary tools and a familiar place for clients to book. The value of new introductions may justify the charges. Keeping that channel alongside your own website is a valid choice.
When your own platform makes sense
Your own platform can make sense when repeat clients and people who already know your business need a direct booking route. It is designed to give you greater control over your website and appointment journey. Check the whole cost and whether the selected software charges commission before agreeing a scope.
How to move across safely
- Read your own contract first. Check notice periods, client solicitation restrictions, data exports, deposits and existing bookings. Ask the platform to clarify anything uncertain.
- Keep the marketplace running while your own platform is built. Test appointment availability, confirmations, payments and mobile booking before changing permitted links. Avoid double bookings and preserve existing appointments.
- Use permitted channels. Make direct booking available through your own website, Google Business Profile and normal service communications only where your agreement, consent and privacy obligations permit. Treatwell’s partner terms prohibit soliciting customers to book outside its marketplace or widget.
- Move carefully, not by breaking terms. Do not scrape or export client details without permission, send unauthorised marketing or divert restricted bookings. Review the channel mix once the new route is working.
QUESTIONS
Useful answers
Does commission-free mean there are no fees?
No. A setup can avoid marketplace new-client commission while still incurring hosting, booking software, support, marketing and payment-processing costs. Confirm all charges with your provider.
Do I own the booking software?
Not necessarily. You can own your domain and website while licensing third-party booking software. Agree access, licensing, data export and cancellation arrangements in writing.
Can I keep a marketplace and add direct booking?
Yes. Read your own contract first. Keep the marketplace running while your website is built, and use only permitted channels for your direct booking link. Never solicit marketplace clients in a way your terms prohibit.
Does direct booking guarantee more appointments?
No. An owned booking route is designed to make direct appointments easier. It does not guarantee rankings, sales or a particular number of bookings.
BOOKING OPTIONS / KEEP EXPLORING
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