Navigating Fresha’s New Charges: Challenges and Considerations for Small Business Owners
In the ever-evolving landscape of online booking solutions, the recent changes introduced by Fresha have sparked considerable debate among small business owners. As of March 1, 2025, Fresha’s revised fee structure has left many, including myself, grappling with its implications and wondering about the best course of action for our businesses.
Historically, the Fresha platform has been instrumental in enhancing the customer base and visibility of my business, all while justifying the standard commission and service fees. However, the latest update has significantly altered the scenario, compelling businesses to either accept the new terms or face the prospect of operational disruption. The stark choice boils down to this: comply and maintain uninterrupted service, or decline and risk losing critical functionalities such as calendar access, booking notifications, and automated client refunds. This ultimatum has left many feeling constrained, with no real option to stick with the current system without agreeing to additional terms.
The main sticking point is the introduction of a monthly fee for each staff calendar to remain visible on the marketplace. While opting out is technically possible, doing so renders the business invisible to potential clients seeking services. This change, coupled with the introduction of a supposedly “mandatory” add-on service called “Team Pay,” raises further concerns. This feature allows for automated wage calculations but seems ill-suited to businesses like mine, which already work with a third-party accountant to manage payroll, tax compliance, and labor laws. For us, this service feels redundant and financially burdensome.
Amidst this uncertainty, I’m contemplating a switch to Square Appointments. Transitioning to Square could potentially offer significant cost savings, especially if I integrate their free booking website and related marketplace features. However, the prospect of centralizing all business operations under one provider—spanning web hosting, booking, and payment solutions—raises valid concerns about over-reliance and flexibility. The prevailing wisdom suggests diversifying service providers to avoid entanglement with a single platform, but how true is this advice?
Making this decision involves weighing the benefits of an integrated system against the risks of having all business components reliant on one platform. As I deliberate my next move, I find myself caught between the immediate financial appeal of Square and the potential long-term risks of consolidation—a decision that requires careful consideration of both operational efficiency and business resilience.
The challenge now is to determine which path will best secure the future of my business, as the
