30 YEARS OF BEAUTY AND INNOVATION

THE SHORTCUTS STORY

By Louise May

Hey, Beauty Salon Owners and Stylists! We’ve got some exciting news to share—Shortcuts has officially turned 30! That’s right, three whole decades of revolutionising the beauty salon industry. Shortcuts have poured their hearts into making your salon operations smoother and your services shine even brighter. So, buckle up and join us for a delightful trip down memory lane as we celebrate the remarkable milestones Shortcuts have achieved.

The Beginning: From chaos to order The early days: Pre-1990s

Remember the days before the ‘90s? Salons were buzzing with creativity, but behind the scenes, it was a bit of a mess. Appointment books were overflowing, records were scattered everywhere, and managing daily activities felt like a juggling act. Then came the early ‘90s, and with them, the advent of computers, bringing some much-needed order to the chaos.

“In the pre-90s, before Excel was even a thing, as a salon owner, I used to draw up tables and handwrite customer names. We’d tick off services and retail purchases, then add it all up using carbon paper between A4 sheets. These basic systems helped me track data, manage finances, and run marketing campaigns. It was labour-intensive, but it laid the foundation for what’s now revolutionising salon management.”- Jo Burgess, Co-founder, Shortcuts Software

Thebirth of Shortcuts: Early 1990s

Seeing the struggles hair and beauty salon owners faced, a small and determined team set out on a mission to simplify salon life. Driven by the mission to disrupt the status quo, Shortcuts was born. In 1994, Shortcuts made a bold move by getting one of the first touchscreens in the country.

This game-changing moment set the stage for Shortcuts’ innovative software, designed specifically for touchscreens. They redefined appointment scheduling, record keeping, marketing, and reporting, setting a new standard for salon management technology.

Embracing the digital age: Late 1990s-2000s

As we moved into the late 1990s and early 2000s, Shortcuts led the way in salon management innovation. They embraced the internet, introducing cloud technology for online booking and automated marketing. However, amidst this digital revolution, they noticed a gap – many clients didn’t have websites, making it difficult for them to reach potential customers online.

To address this, in 2007, Shortcuts launched My Local Salon a salon directory that not only allowed salons using Shortcuts to take online bookings but also helped them be discovered by more clients. This initiative not only boosted visibility and accessibility but also bridged the gap between salons and potential clients who relied on online searches.

The Smart Era: Advancements in salon technology Innovations ahead: The 2010s

With smartphones becoming a part of everyday life, Shortcuts introduced their guest app in 2015, revolutionising the salon experience. This app put booking, rewards, and promotions at clients’ fingertips, enhancing the overall salon experience. This new era of convenience and connection made every salon visit memorable, benefiting both salon owners and clients.

Covid-19 acceleration: 2020s

Amidst the unprecedented challenges of the 2020s, the hair and beauty salon industry underwent a seismic transformation, with online bookings and contactless payments emerging as lifelines for safety and convenience. Shortcuts wasted no time in responding, swiftly prioritising features like online booking and contactless payment solutions. -According to Jo Burgess, Co-founder of Shortcuts Software:

“We saw a massive uptake in online booking and putting cards on file for payments. All of a sudden, it became acceptable for consumers.”- Jo Burgess, Co-founder, Shortcuts Software

Shortcuts also innovated rapidly, rolling out features like automated messaging to coordinate salon visits and minimise wait times, in response to social distancing requirements. Despite the hurdles, Shortcuts remained steadfast in our commitment to providing cuttingedge technology and unwavering support, ensuring that service quality remained their top priority.

Looking ahead: The future of salon management

As we look to the future, Shortcuts remains committed to evolving with the ever-changing salon landscape. They’re all about enhancing beauty salon operations with data-driven tools, enabling informed decision-making and outstanding client experiences.

With advancements in automation and data analytics on the horizon, Shortcuts is prepared to lead the next revolution in salon management. The future promises extraordinary innovations, and they’re excited to embark on this journey with you.

Thank you for 30 incredible years!

To our incredible clients and partners, thank you for your trust and support over the years. As we celebrate this milestone, we promise to continue listening, innovating, and supporting you. We’re dedicated to the beauty industry and always tuned into your needs. We’ve got some exciting updates on the way, especially for solo operators—something special just for you! Here’s to 30 fantastic years of Shortcuts and many more years of excellence and innovation ahead. Let’s keep creating magic together!- Jo Burgess, Co-founder, Shortcuts Software

Curious about how Shortcuts can help your beauty salon? Speak with our specialist today. 1300 667 374