Comparison
A simpler alternative to appointment scheduling software
Most scheduling tools are built for salons and clinics with staff rotas, rooms and resources. If you're an independent pro taking bookings from calls and DMs, that's a lot of setup — and a monthly bill — for something you mainly need to do one thing: turn an enquiry into a confirmed, paid-for slot.
Taptend is built for that single job. You set up your services, hours and photos once, then share one link. There's no subscription; we take 5% only when a client actually pays you through Taptend.
Side by side
| Taptend | Traditional scheduling software | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | None — no subscription | Usually a monthly or per-seat plan |
| What you pay | 5% of money you actually collect | Plan fee whether you take bookings or not |
| Setup | Add services, hours and photos, then share one link | Calendar sync, staff, resources and rules to configure |
| Where clients book | One link you paste into a call, DM or bio | A booking site or embedded widget |
| Deposits | Ask for a deposit, full payment or nothing — booking confirms once payment clears | Often an add-on or higher tier |
| Showing your work | Photo gallery built into your booking page | Usually a separate website or portfolio |
| Answering questions | Optional AI assistant answers from your services, hours and gallery | You reply manually, or pay for a chat add-on |
| Best for | One person (or a very small team) booking clients directly | Multi-staff salons and clinics with complex rotas |
What 5% actually costs
If a client pays a £20 deposit, Taptend keeps £1 and the rest goes to you. Take no payments in a quiet month and you pay nothing at all — which is the main difference from a fixed monthly plan.
When classic software is a better fit
If you run several staff members with individual calendars, rooms or equipment to allocate, point-of-sale and stock control, a full salon system will serve you better. Taptend is deliberately narrow: one person, one link, confirmed bookings.
Try it with your own services
Setting up a booking link takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
Create my booking link