Boulevard vs. Fresha

If you're in the self-care industry and exploring new business payment solutions, you may be weighing your options between Boulevard and Fresha. This article provides an overview of what each platform offers and compares their features and pricing structures. The goal is to help you determine which solution is the better fit for your business.

A quick overview on Boulevard and Fresha

What is Boulevard?

Boulevard is a client experience platform offering a suite of tools for appointment-based businesses in the self-care industry. The company provides solutions for medspas, salons, spas, barbershops, and nail salons.

Unique platform features include Precision Scheduling™, an integrated point-of-sale system, and built-in marketing and loyalty programs. Boulevard operates on a subscription-based model with three main pricing tiers and a custom enterprise plan.

What is Fresha?

Fresha is a marketplace platform for the beauty and wellness industry, serving businesses like salons, spas, and barbershops. It offers an all-in-one system with tools for appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, client management, and marketing automation.

The platform is subscription-free for independent professionals, instead charging a commission fee for new clients acquired through the Fresha marketplace. It serves over 130,000 businesses and integrates with Google, Instagram, and Facebook for direct bookings.

Features of Boulevard and Fresha

Boulevard features

Boulevard's platform provides a range of tools designed to help self-care businesses manage operations and client relationships. Key features include:

• Precision Scheduling™: A self-booking tool that optimizes the business's calendar to reduce scheduling gaps.
• All-in-one POS: A point-of-sale system tailored specifically for beauty and wellness brands, distinguishing it from generic retail systems.
• Marketing and loyalty programs: The platform includes built-in tools for marketing, messaging, memberships, and loyalty programs to help businesses retain clients.
• Client management: Businesses can use digital forms, charts, and client profiles to manage customer information.

Fresha features

Fresha's platform includes several tools designed for both businesses and consumers. Key features for clients include:

• A consumer marketplace to discover, book, and pay for beauty and wellness services with local professionals.
• Direct booking integrations with Google, Instagram, and Facebook, allowing for appointments to be made directly from those platforms.
• Free SMS reminders for upcoming appointments and digital consultation forms.
• A mobile app for managing appointments, which includes options to reschedule or cancel.

Comparing Boulevard, Fresha and Portrait Care's features

Why choose one over the other?

• Boulevard over Fresha: You might choose Boulevard if your priority is a premium, all-in-one platform with predictable monthly costs to manage and elevate your existing client experience. Boulevard offers sophisticated tools like Precision Scheduling™ and a tailored POS system without charging a commission on new clients, making it ideal for established businesses focused on retention and operational efficiency.
• Fresha over Boulevard: Conversely, Fresha is the better option if you are a new or solo practitioner looking for a low-cost entry point, as it offers a robust free plan. Its consumer marketplace is a powerful tool for acquiring new clients, and you only pay a commission fee on the new business it generates, making it a great choice for businesses focused on growth and visibility.

Considering Portrait Care vs Boulevard and Fresha

• Portrait Care over Boulevard and Fresha: For medical wellness businesses that require more than just scheduling, Portrait Care provides a specialized, all-in-one platform. Unlike competitors, we offer a free core EHR, integrated medical oversight and compliance, and exclusive access to national pricing on supplies, saving you up to 60%+. This unique combination of clinical and business tools empowers you to grow your practice independently and profitably.

What are the customers saying?

Boulevard reviews

User feedback often points to a desire for additional features like advanced reporting and invoicing, alongside limitations with third-party integrations and payment processing delays. Check out more Boulevard reviews here.

Fresha reviews

User feedback for Fresha often mentions issues with the booking and payment process, slow customer support, and concerns about the legitimacy of some businesses on the platform. Check out more Fresha reviews here.

Portrait Care reviews

Our clients often praise our all-in-one platform for giving them the tools to achieve financial freedom and a better work-life balance. A major benefit they find useful is our robust electronic health record (EHR) platform, which is available as a freemium service with its core functionality being completely free.

Unlike other software in the space, it is also free to get started, with optional premium add-ons for enhanced features and integrations. Want, check us out here.

Boulevard, Fresha, or Portrait Care: Which is the best platform for you?

Ultimately, the best platform for your business depends on your unique goals, and both Boulevard and Fresha present strong options for managing and growing your practice. Boulevard excels in providing a premium, all-in-one experience, while Fresha is a great choice for those focused on attracting new clients. However, for medical wellness clinics that require specialized clinical and operational support, Portrait Care offers an unmatched combination of software, services, and savings to help you thrive independently.