# Inspire Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is Inspire the right Salon solution for you? Explore 29 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/195805/STX-Software/reviews

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Inspire

4.2 (29)

[View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/195805/STX-Software/alternatives/)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated March 28th, 2026

# Reviews of Inspire

Ease of use

4.2

Customer Service

4.4

## Pros and Cons in Reviews

ME

Melanie E

Nail Shop Owner, Business Execution ConsultantProfessional Training & Coaching, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“The customer service far exceeds my expectations. “

June 7, 2022

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-25 of 29 Reviews

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Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Healthcare  
Hospital & Health Care  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "I like this company and iI wish all happiness for every member on it. "

August 8, 2021

4.0

This software improved everything I had problems with them. It has high features.

Pros

It is very easy to use and I use it to take advantage of my life and work.

Cons

I feel like to use this software and I advice everyone to use it. It's very easy and useful.

Alternatives considered

[Amazon S3](https://www.capterra.com/p/174285/Amazon-S3/)

Reason for choosing Inspire

Because Amazon is one of the largest and greatest companies in the world and its products are excellent.

Review Source

ME

Melanie E.  
Nail Shop Owner, Business Execution Consultant  
Professional Training & Coaching  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Love this platform "

June 7, 2022

5.0

The customer service far exceeds my expectations.

Pros

I love that the software allows you to plan a pleasurable experience for your clients. It is very robust. It is new and always developing.

Cons

There are some features that I would like to see such as client photo storage and also a way to use other POS systems. I do not like the way you have to cancel appointments.

Reason for choosing Inspire

It was sleek and professional

Switched from

[Square Payments](https://www.capterra.com/p/170278/Square-Payments-Processing/)

I made the switch because although square had some good options that STX did not, I saw the growth and potential in STX.

Review Source

FP

Frank P.  
Owner  
  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "We've used STX since 1990"

September 2, 2017

3.0

Pros

We've used STX since 1989 or 1990 so I have a great understanding of the software and the company. The software looks great, it's easy to use and the few features that it includes, work great.

Cons

Attention: 25+ years using STX/SalonTranscripts) If you use STX, your data can NOT be converted easily to another software platform using automation, you'd have to hand enter almost, if not, everything-depending on whom you'd switch to After several conversations w STX, they have many "reasons" why they haven't updated the functionality of the software and give no timeline as to when. IMHO this is a slick looking dinosaur. Below are just a few reasons for my opinion Reports: The reports are cumbersome with multiple data on a single report with no way to choose individual data points to get the information you need and it's lacking in metric flexibility (you get what they think you need), retention report is useless, no reports to track up sells/down sells, no time off tracking... Marketing: Automated client marketing is light (5 or 6 different types of emails) lacks customization (you get what THEY think you need with few options) No automatic remind guests that their products likely need replenishing. No two way texting. No mobile/custom branded app for customers and we have to be on our guests mobile device to stay competitive. Difficult to send out test marketing emails, you have to set up a filter to send one to yourself to see how they look. STX mobile app has few features, lacks functionality when compared to what other salon software companies offer... There isn't space to write everything that this program lacks. Call me if you'd like to know more

Review Source

AK

Amanda K.  
Salon Coordinator  
Hospitality  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Perfect for busy salons"

July 25, 2019

5.0

Pros

The customer service is top notch! The support staff is beyond patient and will help to solve any issue or confusions you may have. I never have to wait long for help or answers.

Cons

Permissions and security measures can make some tasks a little more time consuming.

Switched from

[Mindbody](https://www.capterra.com/p/40229/MINDBODY/)

We needed something that allowed us to personalize appointment options and double booking.

Review Source

ML

Malorie L.  
Manager  
Medical Practice  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Definitely has it's ups and downs"

May 16, 2019

4.0

Okay so we have had our reasons for trust issues and just feeling like we were another number with this company. However, I was reached out to and for the first time since all of this occurred, I actually felt like we were cared about by this company and asked to stay and give the demonstration another try. I am going to have a second demo with STX Cloud and work with them on the things I am way more familiar with now and hopefully move forward with possibly them, and see where the outcome goes from here. They have excellent customer service as far as how they treat you. My issue with the service was the question of why we were not asked appropriate questions to make sure we were always on the right plan that fit our needs, and checked on. However, after getting that off of my chest with someone who cared enough to reach out after placing my review, they made me feel better about trusting them again. Excited for the future! Will review the Cloud version later on!

Pros

We are currently on this version of STX (desktop) and were not happy for some very valid reasons but after knowing this someone has so kindly reached out to us and things are looking up from here. I will say this desktop version is easy to use and great for being "old school" but we are looking forward to moving up to the new web based software. What we have liked about this version the most is being desktop and not worrying about it being web based. I don't know why that has scared me but it just has. I have done a lot of research moving forward about the new Cloud software and surprisingly I am looking forward to taking ahold of that software and pressing on.

Cons

The lack of evolving with the newer features that are out there. How slow it is verses (I am positive) how much faster the cloud will be! And the lack of trust from our first set of issues, but that is resolved now! Thankful for a team that will fight for their customers!

Review Source

KT

Kath T.  
Owner  
Cosmetics  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Thanks for the great new software "

August 17, 2022

5.0

Pros

The ease of use and great record keeping

Cons

Adding services for tickets is difficult to understand

Review Source

KK

Kerry K.  
Sales  
  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Frustrating"

December 7, 2017

4.0

Pros

Have been using STX for over 10 years. Overall a very good salon software program. Good reports. Booking is easy. Inventory management is also good.

Cons

To buy a gift card on our website that then goes through STX, clients have to register via an ugly archaic registration page and then wait for a return email mail from STX, then go back to our website to then purchase a gift card or instant certificate. We have lost numerous potential gift card sales because clients cannot buy a gift card without registering all their information first before the purchasing. This initial registration process has stopped people from going any further in the buying process. I've called numerous times over the years to ask STX to change the process so that customers can register at the end of the online gift card sale not BEFORE. When buying anything online these day, the first thing you often see before you purchase anything is an option to 'check out' as a guest or register. Surely, this is a simple fix.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Business Director  
Apparel & Fashion  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Boosted our Salon's revenue"

April 10, 2019

5.0

Pros

This program has some incredible functionality and is so easy to use! The reservation side is so easy to use. We have ability to click and drag appointments, we can also open an appointment builder window to search a span of time and find the ideal placement. There is a feature that shows you whether the placement of an appointment is going to be best for the stylist. Great reporting systems and easy to understand! Goal setting and goal dashboard are super helpful for stylists to see where they are at.

Cons

Some of the reports can be very difficult to read. There is a texting functionality but it has limited capabilities.

Review Source

DW

David W.  
Co-owner  
  
Used the software for:

### "The Best, trust me I've been burt.."

January 30, 2015

5.0

We opened our commission salon 6 years ago, for the first 1-2 years we tried every software and nothing was better than what we were using, Quick Books and the computers Calendar. As we grew it became apparent we needed a software program. Because we were a Paul Mitchell Focus salon we bought into Millennium, and for the next three years it was a living hell. The biggest business mistake we've ever made. I never saw so many pop up windows, error messages, computer lock-ups in my life, and we had the best PC's available running Millennium . About 4-5 months ago we bit the bullet spent lots of money on real computers "MAC" four total and STX program. The money we had to spend to switch to STX I believe we already have gotten back just because of no pop-up windows, no error messages or tech support wait times. STX tech support knows what their doing unlike most of Millennium tech's, if we have to get on the phone with STX support its for about one third the time we had to spend with Millennium support. Our staff gets their job done faster and customers are happier because they don't have to wait for computer errors to clear. STX is one of the best things we did to improve our business, we are a very busy salon with no time to waste booking appointments. Just the fact that two computers can have the same client open, one checking them out and the other booking is a huge plus for us. Millennium would only allow one computer to view a client, so we always had to wait. Our receptionists get their job done in a third less time with no hassles, they never bitch anymore about error messages. Besides all the bells and whistles all software companies have, we actually sell more product with STX because we can have a customer opened up in multiple computers at the same time, theres no waiting for anything. STX is the best thing you'll ever do for your salon or spa so stop waiting and wondering. Feel free to come and test drive STX at our Salons in Arizona David Gerard Salon in Goodyear and David Gerard Salon & Gentlemen's Parlor in Avondale

Review Source

Response from STX

January 30, 2015

Thank you so very much for the great review David!

SH

Sandra H.  
Owner/colorist  
Consumer Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Our long relationship with STX"

March 22, 2017

5.0

We have been with STX since 1993! I didn't know much at all about computers, but I knew I needed to automate the salon. The tech support has always been amazing (I spent long phone calls with Brenda!) I have never had any glitchy software or viruses. It has always been super easy to teach new staff members. Love my STX! I am never tempted to change software!

Pros

Consistency, good support, ease of use

Cons

I would like some additional report options and some of the benefits of Beacon without loosing what I love about STX

Review Source

mB

marissa B.  
owner  
Cosmetics  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "A terrible experience for our new business"

June 14, 2019

1.0

Pros

we thought is was best suited for our industry

Cons

We tried this product for the first few months of our business being open. We had nothing but issues and a huge lack of support on their end to help us solve the problem. Clients were being sent the wrong appintment dates and showing up with no one to take care of them. Our prices and info kept changing so we had to constantly go back in and fix it. It was nothing but issues and costed us so much money which we could not afford as a small business. Finally the President of the company called us to apologize because there seemed to be a 'glitch' in just our program. We lost clients and money over this and were hoping to get some of our money back. We didnt and now are stuck in contracts with their partner companies that will end up costing us thousands over the next couple year. Very disappointing that STX would not reach out to help cover some of the costs their company brought on us.

Review Source

SG

Stephanie G.  
Spa Director  
  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Gets the job done "

January 19, 2018

5.0

Pros

What I really like most about the STX software is that the calendar is very simple to read and color coordinated for all appointments. It makes it very easy to navigate through the booking system to find an appointment or future availability. The transaction list for employees is also very helpful as it gives you a breakdown of service prices, add ons like products or tips, and it monitors the cash drawer amount. This makes things very easy to work with on a regular basis. The mobile site is also a great perk and very helpful.

Cons

Besides the occasional technology issues there really isn't something I like least about the software.

Review Source

FG

Francesco G.  
Front Desk Manager  
Retail  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Stx review"

March 26, 2019

4.0

Pros

The system is user friendly. Comes with a lot of features.

Cons

The software seems to be falling behind. A lot of different salon softwares seem to be more advanced. We do not want to fall behind.

Review Source

GB

Gina B.  
Salon coordinator  
  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "STX is easy to use for the most inexperienced t the most experienced! "

May 13, 2017

5.0

Pros

Ease of use and visually easy to see. I like the totals report for balancing st the end of the day. I also love the feature of being able to send an email confirmation at any time. I like the customizing features also

Cons

Running specific reports are sometimes tricky. Also, cash in/out to balance is a bit confusing as well

Review Source

LC

Lauren C.  
Assistant Manager  
Cosmetics  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Unsatisfied with software"

December 29, 2020

3.0

Pros

What I liked most was being able to always see past transactions and easy to understand.

Cons

The things i liked least was how it would crash often, not be able to customize a lot of things and couldn't save credit card info easily.

Review Source

KY

Katie Y.  
Owner  
Health, Wellness and Fitness  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "I am SO glad I made the switch after 17 years!"

June 2, 2022

5.0

I was an STX desktop user for 17 years and I was hesitant to take the leap to Inspire but I am so glad I did! It is so user friendly and my staff picked up on how to use it so quickly! Inventory is a breeze with this new system and I love that I can access it from my laptop anywhere I want!

Pros

Inventory is a breeze with this new system and I love that I can access it from my laptop anywhere I want!

Cons

The only feature missing is being able to see the full schedule on the worker app.

Review Source

LA

Lu A.  
Owner  
  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Glitchy and not easy to use"

March 22, 2017

3.0

Everything has too many steps. The click and drag feature on the app and computer was too sensitive, now almost impossible to use on both. If you have to cancel appointment, you have to go to a different screen, If you have to reschedule appointment you cant change the date easily. Its hard to see a week view on your phone. To sign in they ask you to verify every time. They have to find away to simplify on the app, like Millennium.

Pros

Week view

Cons

On the app click on the client option doesnt have good features, needs to be simpler to move, cancel, modify and book multiple services

Review Source

KD

Katie D.  
Operations Manager  
Retail  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Katie"

December 18, 2020

3.0

Our business was too large to use the cloud

Pros

That you could open multiple screens at once

Cons

That it crashed and when it did you have no way of seeing the books. Also it is difficult to set up open ports for accessing the hub when not on site.

Review Source

II

Isabella I.  
Reception  
Cosmetics  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "STX"

December 22, 2020

2.0

Hard pass.

Pros

Its easy to use after training for about a month.

Cons

Its NOT user friendly. It was so difficult to learn how to use.

Review Source

aR

adrienne R.  
owner  
Hospitality  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "stx"

August 31, 2018

3.0

Pros

easy to double book clients and to reschedule appointments/adjust times

Cons

antiquated, did not like stx beacon. would have rather kept the original stx

Review Source

PW

Pam W.  
President  
  
Used the software for:

### "Love STX! "

January 6, 2015

5.0

I have had STX for 5 months after using a competitor for many years. I love the online booking we now have on our website & Facebook, as well as the stylist being able to book from their mobile devices wherever they are. Tracking & goals are great and customer service in sales & technical support are great too. When I can't figure something out, I just let them in the computer remotely and they show me! I am grateful & looking forward to many years together. The monthly charge is worth it!

Review Source

Response from STX

January 9, 2015

Thank you very much for the Kudos Pam!

TA

Tina A.  
Salon Owner/ Manager  
  
Used the software for:

### "Great software!"

January 13, 2015

5.0

We started with STX 13 years ago when we opened our salon. The software is a fantastic tool that we could not run our business without! The business reports, client marketing and guest booking and transactions are features that are priceless. STX is constantly growing and improving their product and if I ever have a question or problem they are they to help promptly.

Review Source

MG

Matteo G.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "There for me when I goofed"

January 6, 2015

5.0

STX support Deserves 10 stars! My main computer crashed (literally), I ran to the Apple store, grabbed a new iMac, the support guy over there at STX had my back up ready to get my new Macbook up and going and i was ready for open next day!

Review Source

Response from STX

January 9, 2015

Thank you Matteo, we pride ourselves on providing first class customer support!

RT

Rodney T.  
owner  
  
Used the software for:

### "Salon "

June 21, 2011

5.0

Buy it if you are large or small. I am always aware of our bottom line. My staff can always see where they are and where they need to go.

Pros

support is always available via email phone or online instruction

Cons

alternate terminals drop connects quickly

Review Source

NT

Nadine T.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Great software! "

March 22, 2017

5.0

I've been using STX beacon for over a year now. The cloud version was new when I signed on and had improved so much over the last year. Raul was our customer service rep and he was always very helpful. Definitely easy to use, several features and options- worth the cost!

Review Source

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