Free Salon Software: What It Really Costs
Let's be upfront: LightDay isn't free — it's a flat £59.99/month with a genuinely free 14-day trial. But if you're searching for free salon software, you deserve an honest breakdown of how 'free' platforms typically make their money, so you can decide with open eyes.
£59.99/month for salons — everything included
How free salon software usually makes money
Free platforms are businesses too. The common models: commission on bookings made through their marketplace, charges for SMS reminders and card processing, paid tiers for the features you actually need, and promoting competing local businesses to your own client list. None of these are scams — but they mean 'free' often costs a busy salon more per month than a flat subscription would.
The maths for a busy salon
A salon taking 200 bookings a month can find marketplace commissions and per-SMS charges adding up well past a flat subscription — with less control over their own client relationships. LightDay's model is one flat price with every feature, no commission, and your client list stays entirely yours. Run the numbers for your own volume before choosing.
What's Included
No Commission, Ever
We never take a percentage of your bookings.
Your Clients Stay Yours
No marketplace promoting competitors to your client list.
Everything Included
Compliance, AI marketing and reminders — no paid tiers.
Predictable Cost
£59.99/month flat, however busy you get.
Free 14-Day Trial
Genuinely free — run your real diary before you decide.
Free Migration Help
We help move your data from your current platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LightDay free?
No — LightDay is £59.99/month for salons with a free 14-day trial. We're upfront about that because 'free' platforms typically earn through commissions, SMS charges and paid tiers instead.
Is free salon software worth it?
For a very low-volume business, sometimes. For a busy salon, marketplace commissions and per-message charges often exceed the cost of a flat subscription — run the numbers for your own booking volume.
What's the catch with free booking platforms?
Commonly: commission on new-client bookings, charges for SMS and card processing, feature paywalls, and your clients being marketed to alongside competitors. Always read the current terms of any platform you consider.
Does LightDay have any hidden fees?
No — one flat monthly price includes every feature. Card processing is handled by your payment provider at their standard rates.
Try LightDay Free for 14 Days
Run your real diary in LightDay before you commit. Every feature included from day one.
Start Free 14-Day Trial