Several branches on one account
When a branch structure is worth it, what is configured per branch, and what stays shared
A branch is a separate unit of the company, physical or virtual. Each has its own schedule, prices, staff and services, and the client picks the one they want directly in the online booking form, from a map or a list.
When you actually need it
A branch structure is justified in a few cases:
- a physically distributed company with several premises or offices
- a franchise
- splitting a large company into units by line of business
- needing separate accounts and cash registers
- access to modules such as price lists or resource types
If you have one location with two rooms in it, you do not need branches: the rooms are resources.
What is separate and what is shared
| Separate per branch | Shared across the company |
|---|---|
| Working schedule | The client list |
| Prices | The product list |
| Staff and services | License and account |
| Cash registers and stock levels | Membership templates |
| Reminders and notifications | Client history |
The reminders row is the one that surprises people. Messaging is configured for the current branch, so a chain of three sets it up three times. A forgotten branch is a branch with no reminders and a higher no-show rate.
A shared client list is the main benefit
A client who booked at one branch is recognized at another, along with their history, membership and balance. That is what running two separate accounts cannot give you, and it is why two separate companies instead of two branches is usually a mistake.
Staff across branches
Staff can be moved between branches, and the online booking form shows the client the relevant prompts. For chains where specialists work shifts across two locations, this is the main scenario.
What to check after opening the second branch
- The new branch's schedule is set and not empty.
- Reminders and notifications are created in it specifically.
- Prices differ where they should and match where they should.
- The new branch's cash register is separate, or reconciliation only balances in total.
- Permissions: should the administrator of one branch see the other.
Common questions
Can prices differ between branches?
Yes, prices belong to a branch.
Does the client see every branch in the booking form?
Yes, as a map or a list, so they can pick a convenient one.
Is stock shared?
No. The product list is shared; balances and documents are separate per branch.
What does an extra branch cost?
Each additional branch has its own price, and special terms apply to large chains.