Guide to Building an On-demand Beauty Services App

Do you have an idea for an on-demand beauty service app but aren’t sure where to start?

If so, this blog is for you.

Building an app can feel overwhelming, but it becomes easier with the right plan.

It all starts with clear goals and a good understanding of the market. Once you’ve got that, you can move forward and bring your idea to life.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key steps to building an on-demand beauty service app.

On-Demand Beauty Service Business Model

Platforms like Glamsquad, Priv, and Soothe use a marketplace model to connect customers with beauty professionals. Customers can easily book services through the app, while beauty pros—who are freelancers—accept appointments and get paid for their work.

The platform mainly makes money by charging a commission on each booking from both the customer and the beauty professional.

Additionally, these platforms can earn through other ways, like:

1. Offering subscription plans for premium features like low commission rates.
2. Selling ad space to businesses that want to advertise on the app.

Workflow of the On-Demand Beauty Services App

Before we dive into the steps, it's important to understand how the app works for users.

Here’s a simple workflow to give you a clear idea:

• Customer Login: The customer signs into the app, chooses the desired service, types their location, and requests a beauty professional.
• Booking Request: Nearby beauty professionals receive the booking request from the customer.
• Acceptance or Decline: The beauty professional can accept or decline the request based on availability.
• Information Exchange: If they accept, the customer receives details about the beauty professional and their current status. The professional also gets information about the customer.
• Service Delivery: The professional arrives at the specified location and provides the service.
• Payment: The customers pay for the service using the preferred payment method, at the end of the appointment
• Feedback: Both the beauty professional and the customer rate their experience.

Steps of Building an On-Demand Beauty Service App

1. Market Research and Analysis

In order to begin development, you first need to perform thorough market research. This is because it helps you understand your target audience and which services are most in demand.

It also gives you insights into your competitors, which allows you to learn how their apps work and what features you should include.

For example, you'll discover whether certain services should have fixed prices or be charged hourly, which helps you design your app accordingly.

This is how market research ensures your app is well-structured, competitive, and aligned with customer needs.

2. Finding the Essential Features

The on-demand beauty platform should consist of two mobile apps—a user app and a beautician app—and an admin panel for the platform owners.

You need a thorough list of all the features you need before you start the development process.

Here are a few to consider:

Features of the Customer App

• Simple & Easy Registration: Quick sign-up process.
• Service Selection and Booking: Users can easily choose and book services.
• Multiple Payment Options: Flexibility in payment methods.
• Fare Estimation: Users can estimate costs before booking.
• Tracking Job Status: Users can track their service in real time.
• Call & Chat Options: Direct communication with beauty professionals.
• Rating System: Feedback mechanism for services.
• Push Notifications: Updates on bookings and promotions.

Features of the Beautician App

• Easy Sign-Up Process: Quick registration for beauty professionals.
• Availability Toggle: Professionals can manage their working hours.
• Service Management: Tools to track and update service status.
• Estimated Earnings Access: Transparency regarding earnings.
• Push Notifications: Alerts for new bookings and updates.
• Call & Chat Option: Communication with customers.
• Navigation: Directions to customer locations.
• Earnings Report: Insight into earnings and performance.
• Ratings: Ability to rate customers after appointments.

Features of the Admin Panel

As the platform owner, a simplified admin panel is essential to manage operations effectively.

Key features include:

• Manage Customers and Beauty Professionals: Oversee user profiles.
• App Functionality Management: Control app features and settings.
• View Reservations: Access real-time booking data.
• View Earnings: Monitor overall platform revenue.
• Manage Beauty Service Category: Control available services.
• Manage Service Fees: Set and adjust pricing.
• Manage Payouts for Beauticians: Ensure timely payments to professionals.

Building the Beauty Service App

When developing your beauty service app, you generally have two main options: custom development and ready-made solutions.

Custom Development

Custom development is the classic way where you hire a development firm to build your app from scratch.

Here, the process includes:

• Planning: Defining app requirements and creating an initial wireframe.
• Designing: Crafting the app’s interface based on the plan.
• Developing: Building the app’s functionality according to the design.
• Testing: Ensuring the app is free of issues and bugs.
• Launching and Maintaining: Releasing the app and maintaining it with frequent updates.

Custom development is typically time-consuming and requires more resources but it also offers flexibility to build the app exactly as you wish.

Readymade App Solution

The second option is called a readymade app solution.

To help you understand, these are business apps that come with pre-built workflow and features that are essential for your business.

Here, the process involves:

• Purchasing: Acquiring the readymade app solution that matches your business.
• White-Labeling: Rebranding the app to reflect your brand, usually at no additional cost.
• Customizing: Adding any unique features if needed.
• Testing: Ensuring the app functions properly.
• Launching: Getting your app live for users.

Readymade app solutions are considered cost-effective and faster to launch because of their pre-developed nature.

Now, these are your two options for launching your beauty service app.

To make a decision, you can evaluate both options and analyse which one fits your requirements and budget the best.

If you happen to choose the second option, you can check out our readymade app solution.

With our solution, you'll get:

• Android and iOS apps for both users and beauticians.
• An admin panel to help you manage the platform.
• Free tech support, including white-labelling and app launch assistance.
• 100% source code for customisation.

To know more, you can contact us through WhatsApp or fill out the form below, and we'll reach out to you.

End note

In conclusion, developing an on-demand beauty service app can be a rewarding venture.

With the right features, a solid business model, and effective marketing strategies, you can create a platform that not only meets customer needs but also thrives in a competitive market.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support as you embark on this exciting journey!