Fresha is well-designed and popular in the beauty and wellness space. But their 20% new-client commission means you're essentially paying a referral fee every time a new client finds you through the Fresha app. For busy salons, this can cost more than a year of BookingPam subscriptions. BookingPam charges zero commissions — ever.
Fresha Pricing: The Full Picture
Fresha recently moved away from a fully free model. Current plans run $14.95–$19.95/mo. But the subscription is only part of the cost:
| Cost Type | Fresha | BookingPam |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | $14.95–$19.95/mo | $0–$99/mo |
| New marketplace client commission | 20% (min $6) | $0 |
| Card processing | 2.19% + $0.20 | Your own Stripe/PayPal rates |
| Client ownership | Marketplace (Fresha's) | Yours — always |
⚠️ The 20% Commission in Real Numbers:
• $60 haircut → $12 commission to Fresha (or $6 minimum)
• $100 color service → $20 commission
• $150 blowout + cut → $30 commission
A stylist who books 10 new clients/month through Fresha's marketplace at $80 average = $160/mo in commissions. That's $1,920/year — just in commissions.
The Workaround — And Its Limits
Some Fresha users discovered that if you import your existing clients and get them to book via your personal link rather than the Fresha marketplace app, you avoid the commission. This works — but it requires actively managing how every client books, and new organic clients who find you through Fresha's search are still subject to the fee.
One Reddit user described it: "As long as marketing and reminders are off for SMS, and the client pays in cash, she doesn't get charged a single thing for using it." That level of workaround management is a full-time job in itself.
With BookingPam, there's no commission to avoid. Every booking through your page — however clients find you — is 100% yours.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fresha | BookingPam |
|---|---|---|
| Online booking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Marketplace discovery | ✅ (20% commission on new clients) | ❌ (you own your marketing) |
| Gift cards | ✅ | ✅ |
| Packages | ❌ | ✅ |
| Memberships | ❌ | ✅ |
| Expense tracker | ❌ | ✅ (add-on $5/mo) |
| Google Reviews on booking page | ❌ (Fresha reviews only) | ✅ |
| Coupon codes | ❌ | ✅ |
| Waiver signing | ❌ | ✅ |
| HIPAA BAA | ❌ | ✅ (Premium) |
| Multiple locations | ✅ | ✅ (Premium) |
| Zero commissions | ❌ | ✅ |
| Choose your payment processor | ❌ | ✅ |
Fresha Reviews on Your Page vs Google Reviews
Fresha lets you manage and display reviews from the Fresha marketplace on your profile. That sounds useful — but these are Fresha reviews, not Google Reviews. When potential new clients search for your business on Google, they see your Google rating. Fresha reviews don't appear there.
BookingPam lets you connect your Google Business Profile Place ID and display your actual Google rating and reviews directly on your booking page. That's the review platform clients trust most — and it's built into BookingPam at no extra cost.
Who Fresha Is Right For
- Brand-new beauty professionals with zero existing client base who need marketplace exposure to get started
- Businesses in large urban markets where Fresha has strong consumer app adoption
- Businesses that can manage the commission workaround for existing clients
Who BookingPam Is Right For
- Any business with an existing client base that doesn't need to pay 20% to get them to rebook
- Growing businesses where commissions would outpace subscription savings
- Service pros who want packages, memberships, and an expense tracker
- Anyone who wants Google Reviews — not just platform reviews — on their booking page
- Businesses that want full control over their client relationships
The Math Over One Year
Let's say you get 8 new marketplace clients per month at an average service price of $75:
- Fresha commissions: 8 × $15 (20% of $75) = $120/mo = $1,440/year in commissions
- Plus subscription: ~$19.95/mo = $239/year
- Total Fresha cost (year 1): ~$1,679
- BookingPam Pro: $49/mo = $588/year. Zero commissions.
The difference is over $1,000 per year — and it grows as your business does.
Bottom Line
Fresha built a beautiful product. But the 20% new-client commission is a business model that benefits Fresha, not you. Once you have any kind of established presence — even a small social following or a loyal group of regulars — you're paying Fresha a significant cut for clients who were already going to find you.
BookingPam charges zero commissions. What you earn is yours.
Keep 100% of Every Booking.
No commissions. No marketplace. No surprises. Start free today.
Get Started Free →