Comparison Overview
Vagaro: Complex legacy software built on endless add-on fees.
Extensive list of small $10/mo add-on fees that push your true cost far above the advertised base.
The fine print, compared
| Feature | Askie | Vagaro |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly base fee | $49/mo flat (all staff) | $23.99/moBase price for 1 calendar. Capped at $83.99/£80 for 7+ calendars. |
| Commission on new bookings | 0% | 0%No marketplace commissions; lead generation via flat-fee "Get Featured" ($10/mo). |
| Est. monthly cost at $5k revenue | ~$49 | $222 |
| Your customer data | You own it 100% | Strong; full CSV/Excel export for clients, history, and reports. |
| Google Reviews integration | Included free | Available via marketplace reviews; no direct Google integration. |
| Marketplace dependency | None ✓ | Yes — clients visible to competitors |
| Payment processing | BYOD — you control the rate | US: 2.2% + $0.19 (Large Merchant). |
| Cancel anytime | Month-to-month; no contract. |
What Vagaro really costs your salon
Let's run the numbers on their pricing model.
At $5,000/mo Revenue
$43.99 sub (3 staff) + $30 feature add-ons + $148.50 add-ons & fees.
At $10,000/mo Revenue
$63.99 sub (5 staff) + $30 feature add-ons + $287.00 add-ons & fees.
The full picture on Vagaro
What it does well
Most feature-rich platform — payroll, memberships, marketing tools, and POS all-in-one.
No commission model; transparent per-feature add-on pricing.
Multi-location and large team support at a capped maximum price.
Why salons leave
- 1
Extensive list of small $10/mo add-on fees that push your true cost far above the advertised base.
- 2
Complex setup and overwhelming learning curve due to convoluted modular features.
- 3
UI is less modern than newer competitors, making it feel clunky for both staff and clients.
What changes with Askie
We replace marketplace commissions with powerful tools to help you run a better, more profitable salon.
Fill Your Calendar
Instant booking via website, Google, and more. Stop losing clients to the 11pm booking window.
Meet Clients Anywhere
Let your clients book directly from Instagram and WhatsApp, where they already live.
Remember Every Client
Detailed client profiles, formulas, and history automatically saved and easily accessible.
Build Your Reputation
Automated post-appointment reminders to gather 5-star Google Reviews on autopilot.
Common Questions
Is Vagaro really only $23.99 a month?
Initially, yes. But $23.99 only covers one calendar and zero premium features. Vagaro runs on an "add-on" model where almost every extra functionality—from COVID-19 forms to online storefronts—costs an extra $10 to $20 per month.
Does Vagaro charge commissions on bookings?
No, Vagaro does not charge a commission percentage like Fresha or Booksy. They monetize heavily through payment processing fees, monthly staff calendar fees, and add-on subscriptions.
Why choose Askie over Vagaro?
Askie was designed for speed, elegance, and extreme simplicity. Instead of clicking through 5 menus to configure an add-on, Askie gives you a powerful, refined UI out of the box with predictable pricing.
Ready to leave Vagaro?
Apply before spots fill.
Just a demo and an honest conversation. Coffee is on us.
Pick a planNo credit card. No commitment. No commission. Ever.