Precision scheduling shouldn't need a $176/month contract.

Yes for most salons, with one honest caveat: if you're a US-style medical practice that needs Boulevard's full clinical charting, HIPAA compliance, and deep enterprise analytics, Boulevard may still be worth the premium. For the majority of hair, barber, and beauty venues in AU, NZ, and UK, OpenChair covers the practical scheduling, team management, and compliance needs at A$34.95–$199/mo vs Boulevard's $176–$468/mo — with no annual contract.

Price and contract. Boulevard starts at $176/mo with annual contracts and setup fees. OpenChair Pro is capped at A$199/mo, month-to-month, no setup fees. On the feature side, Boulevard's Precision Scheduling algorithm is genuinely strong — OpenChair addresses the same goal through Processing Gaps, predictive waitlist, and smart rescheduling. Where Boulevard has deeper clinical charting and HIPAA features for medical practices, OpenChair has stronger AI tools (AI Concierge, generative marketing copy) and included SMS/email marketing.

OpenChair doesn't replicate Boulevard's exact Precision Scheduling algorithm, but the underlying goal — filling gaps and optimising calendar revenue — is addressed through Processing Gaps (parallel services during colour processing time), the predictive waitlist (fills cancellation slots automatically), and smart rescheduling. For most salon operations, these cover the practical benefit of Precision Scheduling without the $176+/mo price tag.

You can start setting up OpenChair now at no cost. Time your switch for the end of your current term. If you want to explore early exit options with Boulevard, many venues have successfully negotiated them — particularly at renewal time when you have leverage. Our team can advise on timing and transition planning.

OpenChair's consultation forms support conditional logic, custom waivers, and digital signature capture — strong for standard intake and consent workflows in hair, barber, and beauty venues. Boulevard's full clinical charting and HIPAA certification are more appropriate for US medical practices performing procedures under clinical governance. If you operate as a clinical practice with HIPAA requirements and detailed SOAP note requirements, Boulevard may still be the right call. For salons with standard intake and consent processes, OpenChair covers the requirement.