How salons increase bookings with Sidum

Bella Vista Salon in Portland was thriving—almost too much. With four stylists, two colorists, and a nail technician, their phones rang constantly. But being busy with clients meant those calls went unanswered, and potential bookings were lost to competitors. Here's how Sidum transformed their business.

The Challenge: Phones Ringing Off the Hook

Sarah, the salon owner, describes the problem: "We'd be in the middle of a color service or precision cut, and the phone would ring. Do you stop what you're doing and risk ruining someone's hair, or do you let it go to voicemail? We were constantly torn."

The salon was losing an estimated 50-60 calls per week—calls from potential new clients, existing customers wanting to rebook, and even gift certificate inquiries. Each missed call represented lost revenue, and Sarah knew something had to change.

"We tried hiring a receptionist, but the cost was prohibitive for our small business. Plus, we're open evenings and Sundays, which meant we'd need multiple people. It wasn't sustainable."

The Sidum Solution

After implementing Sidum, Bella Vista Salon transformed their phone system completely. Now, every call is answered by their AI receptionist, which they named "Bella" to match their brand. Bella knows the salon's services, pricing, and each stylist's specialties.

Smart Appointment Scheduling

Sidum integrated directly with their existing booking software, Vagaro. When customers call, Bella can:

• Check real-time availability for specific stylists
• Understand service requirements (a full color takes longer than a trim)
• Match customers with the right stylist based on their needs
• Book appointments instantly and send confirmation texts

"The system is smart enough to know that if someone wants a balayage, they need to book with our colorists, not our haircutting specialists," Sarah explains. "It's like having a receptionist who knows our business inside and out."

Service-Specific Booking

One of the most impressive features is how Sidum handles complex service bookings. The system knows:

• How long each service takes
• Which services can be combined
• Price ranges for different treatments
• Which stylists are trained in which services

When a customer calls asking about highlights, Sidum can explain the process, provide a price estimate, and book the appropriate time slot—all in one conversation. No more phone tag or missed opportunities.

Results: 43% Increase in Monthly Revenue

The numbers speak for themselves. Within three months of implementing Sidum, Bella Vista Salon saw:

1. 100% call answer rate: From missing 60 calls/week to missing zero
2. 37 additional bookings per week: Converting previously missed calls into appointments
3. No-show rate decreased from 18% to 4%: Thanks to automated SMS reminders
4. 43% increase in monthly revenue: From improved booking rates and reduced no-shows
5. Higher customer satisfaction: Clients appreciate the instant booking and 24/7 availability

"Sidum paid for itself in the first week. Now, three months in, we've added another stylist because we have so much more business. It's been transformative."

Perhaps most importantly, Sarah and her team can focus on what they do best—making their clients look and feel beautiful—without the constant anxiety of ringing phones. The stress level in the salon has decreased noticeably, and the quality of their work has improved as a result.

"I wish we'd done this sooner," Sarah reflects. "The peace of mind alone would have been worth it, but the revenue increase has allowed us to invest in better equipment, expand our services, and give our staff raises. Sidum didn't just solve our phone problem—it enabled us to grow."

For other salon owners facing similar challenges, Sarah's advice is simple: "Stop viewing it as an expense and start seeing it as an investment. The return is immediate and substantial. Your competitors who adopt this technology will have an advantage. Don't let them."