Fresha changed their pricing. If you're looking for alternatives with better messaging features, here's what actually works for service businesses.
Fresha used to be the "free forever" booking platform. That changed in April 2025.
Now there's monthly fees, processing fees, and a 20% cut on new clients from their marketplace. The "free" platform isn't free anymore.
If you're here, you're probably doing the math and thinking: "Wait, what am I actually paying?"
Let's break it down.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee | ~$10/staff member |
| Card processing | 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction |
| Marketplace commission | 20% on new clients |
For a 3-person salon doing $15,000/month:
That's not "free." That's expensive.
From what we hear from salon and spa owners:
1. The marketplace commission hurts
20% of your first booking with a new client. If they found you through Fresha's marketplace, you're giving up a fifth of that revenue. That adds up fast.
2. Limited messaging
Fresha sends automated confirmations and reminders. But if a client messages you on WhatsApp asking "Do you have openings tomorrow?" — you're on your own. No unified inbox. No AI responses. You're copying availability into a text message at 10 PM.
3. No Instagram or Messenger integration
Clients DM you on Instagram. You check Instagram. They message on WhatsApp. You check WhatsApp. They call. You answer. Nothing connects. You're the integration.
4. Locked into their ecosystem
Fresha handles payments, but you can't easily switch processors. Their POS is optional but encouraged. The more you use, the harder it is to leave.
| Platform | Starting Price | Booking | AI Chat | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresha | $10/staff + fees | Yes | Reminders only | No | No |
| Square Appointments | Free - $69/mo | Yes | No | No | No |
| Vagaro | $30/mo | Yes | No | No | No |
| Booksy | $30/mo | Yes | No | No | No |
| Acuity (Squarespace) | $20/mo | Yes | No | No | No |
| Replypop | $29/mo | Yes | Full inbox | Yes | Yes |
What it is: Appointment booking that connects to Square's payment system.
Pricing: Free for individuals, $29-69/mo for teams.
What's good:
The catch:
Best for: Solo service providers already using Square.
What it is: Full salon management with booking, POS, and marketing.
Pricing: Starts at $30/mo, scales with features.
What's good:
The catch:
Best for: Established salons wanting an all-in-one system.
What it is: Mobile-first booking for barbershops and salons.
Pricing: Around $30/mo.
What's good:
The catch:
Best for: Barbershops and solo stylists.
What it is: Flexible appointment scheduling, now part of Squarespace.
Pricing: $20-61/mo.
What's good:
The catch:
Best for: Service providers who need custom intake forms.
Here's the gap. Every platform above handles booking. None of them handle this:
Client messages you on WhatsApp at 9 PM: "Hey, do you have anything tomorrow afternoon?"
With Fresha, Vagaro, or Booksy — you either:
This is the reality for most service businesses: messaging is how clients book now. Not apps. Not websites. Messages.
Full disclosure: this is our platform. Here's what makes it different.
The core idea: Clients message you. AI responds instantly. Booking happens in the chat.
Not "download our app." Not "go to our website." The booking happens where the conversation is.
How it works:
Same thing works for Instagram DMs and Facebook Messenger. All in one inbox.
What you get:
What you don't get:
Pricing: $29/mo. No commission. No per-staff fees.
| Feature | Fresha | Replypop |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $10/staff + fees | $29 flat |
| Marketplace commission | 20% on new clients | None |
| Online booking | Yes | Yes |
| WhatsApp inbox | Reminders only | Full inbox + AI |
| Instagram DMs | No | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | No | Yes |
| AI chat responses | No | Yes (trained on your services) |
| Public storefront | Limited | Yes (booking + promotions) |
| POS integration | Built-in | Use your existing |
| Best for | Traditional booking flow | Messaging-first businesses |
Stay with Fresha if:
Consider Replypop if:
Current Fresha cost (3 staff, $15k/month revenue): ~$699/month
Replypop: $29/month + your existing payment processor
Difference: $670/month saved
Plus: Time you're not spending answering "what times do you have?" messages.
Can I import my clients from Fresha?
Yes. Export your client list from Fresha as CSV, then import into Replypop. We can help with migration if needed.
What about payment processing?
Replypop integrates with Stripe for payments. You use your own processor at your negotiated rates — no 2.19% markup.
Does Replypop have a marketplace like Fresha?
No. Replypop focuses on converting conversations into bookings, not acquiring new clients from a marketplace. If marketplace discovery is important to you, consider keeping Fresha alongside Replypop.
Is there a contract?
No. Month-to-month pricing. Cancel anytime from your dashboard.
Switching booking systems feels risky. We get it.
Here's what we suggest:
If chat bookings work better — migrate fully. If not — you've lost nothing.
No sales calls. Just try it.
Switching from Fresha? We can help you export your client list and get set up. Just message us.
Questions or feedback? Reach out anytime
Acuity is now Squarespace Scheduling. If you're exploring options — or need better messaging features — here's what's out there.
Booksy is solid for barbershops. But if you need better messaging or a different approach, here are the real alternatives worth considering.
Comparing Vagaro, Fresha, GlossGenius, and Replypop. Updated pricing, real pros and cons, and which one actually fits your business.
