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Frequently asked questions

Everything a groomer asks before signing up

Straight answers about pricing, what's included, booking, no-shows, support, and switching. Still stuck? Tap the WhatsApp button any time.

General & pricing

What is SmartGroom and who is it built for?

SmartGroom is pet grooming software built only for solo groomers and small independent salons — not big kennels, daycares, or multi-location chains. Everything is designed for one person (or a small team) who's grooming all day and can't babysit software: fast booking, automatic reminders and reviews, and one-click no-show charging.

How much does SmartGroom cost?

It's a one-time payment — $599 for the first 20 salons, then $799. No subscription, no per-booking fee. And that price already includes hosting, a domain, a business email, and a year of support (see below). Most subscription tools run $24–$349 every month; SmartGroom pays for itself in weeks from charged no-shows alone.

What's included for $599? (hosting, domain, email, support)

Everything to get your booking site live and professional — no extra bills:

  • ✓ The full SmartGroom platform (booking, no-shows, reviews, records)
  • 1 year of hosting — free, included
  • Free domain registration for 1 year
  • ✓ A dedicated business email on your domain
  • 1 year of support — email or WhatsApp
  • ✓ Setup + migration help, live in under 2 hours

We set the domain, hosting, and email up for you — you never touch a control panel.

Is there a free trial or free plan?

Instead of a limited trial, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee — go live, charge a real no-show, watch the reviews build, and if it hasn't earned its place, we refund every dollar. You can also experience the exact product your clients will use right now: try a real salon's live booking page.

Do you charge per groomer or per location?

No per-seat games. The one-time price covers your independent salon. If you have a small team, reach out on WhatsApp and we'll make sure it fits your setup.

Any hidden fees, transaction fees, or contracts?

None from us — no hidden fees, no contract, no per-booking cut. The only fees are standard Stripe processing fees when you actually take a payment, and those go to Stripe, not SmartGroom.

Booking & scheduling

Does SmartGroom support online self-booking for clients?

Yes — a public booking link (no app login for clients) that loads in about half a second and books in under 30 seconds. Availability adjusts by service and pup size, so clients only see slots that actually work.

Can clients book multiple dogs or request appointments for approval?

Yes — clients can book for their pets, and you can run booking as request-to-approve if you'd rather confirm each one yourself (see the next answer).

How does the scheduling calendar work?

A clean calendar with adjustable service durations per pet, block-off times, and double-booking prevention built in — so a full groom and a nail trim don't collide.

Can I keep full control instead of fully open booking?

Absolutely. Set your hours, block times, cap your day, and require approval on requests. It's your calendar — the software just protects it.

Does it support mobile grooming or mixed in-salon/mobile?

The platform is mobile-first and works great for a groomer on the move. If you run a mobile or mixed operation, message us on WhatsApp so we can confirm the fit for your routes before you buy.

Client management & profiles

Can clients upload vaccination records and documents?

Client and pet profiles hold the key info you need per pet. Document uploads and vaccination records are on the roadmap — tell us how you handle them today and we'll prioritize what groomers actually use.

How do I store grooming notes, history, temperament, and preferences per pet?

Every pet has a profile with grooming history and notes — temperament, "this one bites," coat quirks, the cut they like. It's all there next time they book, so you're never guessing.

Are there custom intake forms or e-signatures?

Core intake is built into booking. Custom forms and e-signatures are on the roadmap — WhatsApp us with what you need and we'll let you know timing.

Can I send automated reminders (text/email)?

Yes — automatic SMS reminders go out before each appointment, personalized with the pet's name ("Don't forget Bailey's groom tomorrow!"). Texts get a ~98% open rate, which is why they cut no-shows on their own.

Does it support two-way texting or after-groom photo sharing?

Automated one-way messaging (reminders + review requests) is built in today. Two-way texting and photo sharing are on the roadmap — it's a popular request, so tell us and we'll keep you posted.

Payments & business operations

Does SmartGroom integrate with Stripe (deposits, no-show protection)?

Yes — payments run on Stripe (PCI Level 1). That's what powers card-on-file no-show protection and deposits. You never store card numbers yourself.

Can I take payments, send invoices, and handle recurring bookings?

You can take payments and charge no-shows through Stripe today. Invoicing and recurring/standing appointments are areas we're expanding — message us for the latest.

What reporting and financial tools are there?

You get a clear view of your bookings and revenue. Deeper financial and client reports are on the roadmap; if there's a specific number you live by, tell us.

Does it do payroll or staff time tracking?

Not today — SmartGroom is focused on booking, no-show protection, reviews, and client records for independent salons. Payroll isn't our lane, and we'd rather do the core brilliantly than bolt on everything.

Usability & support

How easy is SmartGroom to set up and learn?

Deliberately simple. If you can use your phone and read a calendar, you can run SmartGroom — no manual required. Most salons are fully live in under 2 hours, and we set up your domain, hosting, and email for you.

Do you offer responsive support?

Yes — 1 full year of support is included, by email or WhatsApp. We're a small team built for groomers, so you get quick, personal answers. Tap the green WhatsApp button on any page, or message +34 602 325 058.

Is there a mobile app for me and my clients?

SmartGroom is a mobile-first web app — it works beautifully on any phone, tablet, or computer with nothing to install. Clients just tap your booking link; you run everything from your phone between dogs.

How do you handle data security and ownership?

Your data is yours. It's stored securely, payments run through Stripe, and you can export your full client, pet, and booking records any time — before, during, or after SmartGroom. No lock-in, ever.

Comparisons & switching

How does SmartGroom compare to MoeGo, Gingr, Pawfinity, or Groomore?

Those are capable tools, mostly aimed at bigger or multi-groomer shops — and all monthly subscriptions. SmartGroom is built for independent salons, adds one-click no-show charging, and is a one-time payment. See the honest breakdowns: vs GlossGenius, vs MoeGo, vs Square, or the full best-of comparison.

I use pen & paper / Square / another tool. How hard is it to switch?

Easier than you think. We help migrate your clients and pets, you pick a go-live date, and most salons are running in under 2 hours. Full walkthrough: how to switch without losing clients.

Why choose SmartGroom over general salon software or spreadsheets?

Spreadsheets don't charge no-shows, send reminders, or ask for Google reviews. General salon tools weren't built for dogs. SmartGroom does the grooming-specific work automatically, and you own it — one payment, no monthly rent.

Features & future

What does SmartGroom have that other grooming software lacks?

One-click card-on-file no-show charging, automated Google reviews, a 0.5-second booking page, and a one-time price that includes your domain, hosting, email, and a year of support — all built only for independent groomers.

Do you add features based on groomer feedback?

Constantly — it's basically our whole roadmap. We grow from groomers referring groomers, so building what you actually ask for is the business. Send requests over WhatsApp; the loudest, most-wanted ones ship first.

Anything else I should know before signing up?

Two things: the $599 launch price is only for the first 20 salons (then $799), and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, so the risk is basically zero. If it fits your salon, now's the cheapest it'll ever be.

Technical & misc

What devices and browsers does it work on?

Any modern browser on phone, tablet, or desktop — iPhone, Android, Mac, PC. Nothing to install; just log in.

Can I customize service pricing, packages, and add-ons?

Yes — set your own services, pup-size pricing, durations, and add-ons, and change them any time with no approval needed.

How do you handle no-shows and cancellations?

Card on file at booking, your policy applied automatically, and a one-click charge when someone doesn't show. See the full guide: how to charge no-show fees.

Does SmartGroom send review requests or marketing messages?

It sends an automatic Google review request after every appointment (personalized with the pet's name). It's focused on reviews and reminders, not spammy blasts. More on the strategy: getting more Google reviews.

What if I grow from solo to a small team?

SmartGroom is built for solo and small independent salons, so a small team fits. If you're scaling, message us on WhatsApp and we'll make sure your setup grows with you.

Still have a question?

Tap WhatsApp for a fast answer, or claim your salon — $599 for the first 20 (domain, hosting, email & a year of support included). 30-day money-back guarantee.

Own My Salon — $599 Once

Or message us on WhatsApp: +34 602 325 058