Comparison
Inspire by STX vs. Boulevard:
Which Software Is Right for Your Business?
When comparing Inspire by STX and Boulevard, both platforms offer comprehensive features. However, Inspire by STX stands out with its user-friendly interface, transparent pricing, and integrated functionalities, ensuring a seamless experience for business owners and staff.
Key Considerations in Business Management Software
An ideal software solution should enable you to manage appointments, track client preferences, process payments, and implement marketing strategies effortlessly. While Inspire by STX and Boulevard provide these capabilities, Inspire by STX offers a more intuitive design and straightforward pricing, allowing you to focus more on your clients and less on navigating complex systems.
Why Businesses Choose Inspire by STX Over Boulevard
✅ Intuitive Scheduling with Drag-and-Drop Functionality
Inspire by STX features a drag-and-drop scheduler, making appointment booking and management quick and intuitive.
Boulevard also offers scheduling tools, but Inspire by STX’s focus on simplicity and speed ensures a more efficient scheduling process.
✅ Integrated Marketing Tools to Boost Client Engagement
With Inspire by STX, you can access built-in email marketing tools to engage clients effectively without needing third-party integrations. With optional SMS marketing integration, you can reach an even wider audience.
Boulevard provides marketing functionalities; however, Inspire by STX’s all-in-one approach ensures that marketing efforts seamlessly integrate into your daily operations.
✅ Transparent and Predictable Pricing
Inspire by STX offers clear and straightforward pricing, ensuring you have access to all core features without unexpected costs.
Boulevard’s pricing starts at $176 per month, which may be a significant investment for some businesses. In contrast, Inspire by STX provides a cost-effective solution without compromising essential features.
✅ Comprehensive Client Management for Personalized Service
Inspire by STX allows you to maintain detailed client profiles, including appointment history, preferences, and notes, enabling personalized service for each client.
Boulevard also offers client management features, but Inspire by STX’s intuitive interface ensures that accessing and updating client information is simple and efficient.
✅ Integrated Payment Processing for Seamless Transactions
With Inspire by STX, payment processing is fully integrated into your business, providing a seamless checkout experience for both clients and staff. Plus, with Tippy integration, managing tips is easy with features like tip history, customer history, and split tip capabilities.
Boulevard offers basic payment processing capabilities but doesn’t include advanced options or Tippy features. Inspire by STX’s integrated system ensures that transactions are handled smoothly within the platform.
Feature Comparison: Inspire by STX vs. Boulevard
Feature | Inspire by STX | Boulevard |
User-Friendly Scheduling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Drag-and-Drop Calendar | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
Automated Reminders | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
Built-In Marketing Tools | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integrated Payment Processing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Comprehensive Client Profiles | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
Transparent Pricing | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Higher Starting Price |
Advanced Reporting & Analytics | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
Customer Support | ✅ Dedicated | ⚠️ Available |
Training Materials | ✅ On-Demand | ⚠️ One-Time Webinar |
Boulevard's Features: What You Should Know
Boulevard offers a range of features designed for salons and spas, including scheduling, client management, and marketing tools. However, its higher starting price of $176 per month may be a consideration for businesses mindful of their budget.
Mobile App
Inspire by STX provides a mobile worker app that enables staff to manage appointments, client profiles, and service notes on the go. Boulevard’s mobile app has received mixed reviews, with many customers reporting on continued performance issues.
Scheduling & Calendar Management
Boulevard’s scheduling system syncs client preferences to enhance booking accuracy. Businesses can also configure availability and shift rules.
However, setup can be time-consuming, especially if you manage multiple service providers with different schedules or locations. Inspire by STX simplifies scheduling with drag-and-drop functionality, Appointment Finder, and built-in waitlists that work right out of the box without complex configuration.
Client Management
Boulevard offers in-depth client profiles, enabling staff to deliver personalized experiences.
However, accessing and updating this information across appointments, checkouts, and marketing efforts may involve toggling between different systems. With Inspire by STX, Client Cards are fully integrated across the entire platform, making it easy to see everything you need at a glance, from notes to retail history, without jumping between modules.
Marketing & Campaign Automation
Boulevard includes email and SMS marketing tools and automated messaging for confirmations and reminders. Users can also create campaigns targeting specific client groups.
Launching and managing campaigns may require setup or outside support, especially if you want to build segmented lists or configure recurring promotions. Inspire by STX includes ready-to-go marketing tools, including pre-built templates, list builders, loyalty rewards, and automated rebooking prompts—all accessible from the same dashboard.
Integrated Payments & POS
Boulevard includes a built-in POS system with support for credit cards, tips, and gift cards. It integrates with Boulevard Payments, but users must still set up a separate merchant account, and processing fees vary based on volume and usage.
Inspire by STX offers fully integrated payment processing through STX Payments, with transparent, competitive rates, and no hidden fees. Plus, multi-merchant integration and compatibility with several terminal types offer flexibility for any POS set-up. Customers can store payment methods securely for faster checkouts, and Tippy integration gives employees instant access to their tips while returning a rebate to the business.
Pricing Transparency
Boulevard’s pricing starts at $176/month, with higher costs for teams needing advanced automation, reporting, or multi-location support. Pricing revolves around tiers, and some features, like branded apps or deeper integrations, may carry extra costs.
Inspire by STX offers a simpler pricing model that includes core scheduling, marketing, client management, reporting, and POS features from the start. You pay a predictable monthly rate, regardless of how many tools you use—making it easier to plan and scale without getting hit with new charges every time you grow.
Who Should Choose Inspire by STX?
If you operate a salon, spa, wax salon, tanning studio, or any appointment-based business and seek a comprehensive, user-friendly solution with transparent pricing, Inspire by STX is tailored for you. It’s ideal for companies aiming to enhance efficiency, engage clients effectively, and grow without unexpected costs.
Pricing: Inspire by STX vs. Boulevard
Software | Starting Price |
Inspire by STX | $59/month |
Boulevard | $176/month |
Note: Inspire by STX’s pricing includes all core features and ensures a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
Experience the Difference with Inspire by STX
Discover how Inspire by STX can transform your business operations with its intuitive design, comprehensive features, and transparent pricing.
“The customer service is top-notch! The support staff is beyond patient and will help to solve any issue or confusion you may have. I never have to wait long for help or answers.”
Amanda King
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