The True Cost of Studio Commissions: Fresha & Treatwell Alternatives

For years, marketplace booking engines like Treatwell and Fresha have been the default choice for new beauty studios and hair studios. They offer visibility, an integrated calendar, and immediate client acquisition. However, as your studio grows, the fee structure of these marketplaces can quickly become a heavy financial burden.

In this post, we’ll dive into the math behind marketplace commission fees and examine why smart studio owners are moving toward commission-free alternatives.

1. The Math: How Commissions Eat Your Profits

Marketplace platforms typically charge fees in two ways:

• New Client Commissions: Charging between 20% and 35% of the total service fee for any client who discovers you through their app.
• Repeat Booking Fees: Taking a small processing fee (e.g., 1.5% to 2.5%) or a monthly subscription, even for your loyal, returning clients who book through their widget.

2. Shifting to Commission-Free Alternatives

By setting up a dedicated website page and an independent booking provider, you can keep 100% of your revenue and build a direct client relationship.