Stop watching your SMS bill grow with your team
Timely is a solid choice, but between per-SMS charges, per-seat pricing, and no AI gap-filling, you're paying more for less as your team grows.
Our Take
Timely is a well-regarded platform with a loyal user base and strong consultation forms. The pain point is predictable: your costs increase with every staff member added, and every SMS reminder charges per message. OpenChair Pro caps at A$199/month regardless of team size, with 100 SMS included plus 50 per additional staff member. For a 5+ person team, the savings are substantial. For a solo operator, Timely and OpenChair are comparable — the decision comes down to whether you want AI Concierge and Processing Gaps.
Feature Comparison
The Honest Truth about Timely
They are a solid platform, but here is where they fall short for modern growth-focused venues.
- Per-SMS charges — costs grow with every reminder sent
- Per-seat pricing with no cap — costs increase with every hire
- No AI Concierge, no Processing Gaps for parallel scheduling
- Great consultation forms and client intake
- Reliable support and trusted in the AU/NZ market
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
Make the Switch
Switch and Stop the SMS Bill Shock
60 days free when you switch from Timely. SMS reminders are included on OpenChair Pro — no more per-message charges eating into your margins.
Claim OfferLimited time offer for verified Timely customers.
Making the Switch from Timely
Switching software feels daunting — but it doesn't have to be. Here's exactly how the transition works.
Export your data from Timely
Timely supports client, appointment, and service exports. Navigate to your account settings to download your data. Timely's export is straightforward — most venues complete it in under 10 minutes.
Import into OpenChair
Upload your Timely export or use AI Booking Link Import. OpenChair maps your services, pricing, staff, and client details. Review the import, adjust any service durations or prices, and you're ready.
Configure your SMS and marketing
On OpenChair Pro, SMS reminders and campaigns are included — no per-message charge. Set up your reminder timing, Reconnect automations, and email campaigns. This is where most Timely switchers see immediate savings.
Go live and compare your costs
After your first month on OpenChair, compare your total cost to your last Timely invoice (subscription + SMS charges). Most venues with 5+ staff see meaningful savings, especially those sending 200+ SMS reminders per month.