Many salons offer packages or promotions that combine a staff-performed service with an equipment-based service (LED beds, saunas, float therapy, body contouring devices, etc.).

Currently, when creating a package that includes a resource-based service like an LED bed, Phorest requires the resource service to be the primary service for online booking. This creates a poor guest experience because the appointment is booked under the LED bed, with the service professional being automatically assigned, vs. allowing the guest to choose the service professional and automatically assigning the resource.

As a result:

Guests cannot choose their preferred service provider for the primary service.

Phorest automatically assigns whichever staff member is available.

The booking flow becomes confusing because the resource appears to be the main appointment instead of the service the guest is actually purchasing.

Current Workaround

The suggested workaround from Phorest Support is to create a separate package for every possible service combination. In our case, we offer 6 manicure options and 7 pedicure options, meaning we would need to build and maintain 42 separate package variations just to include the same complimentary LED session, which Phorest agreed would be excessive & time consuming.

As our service menu evolves, every new manicure or pedicure option would require even more duplicate packages, creating significant administrative work for a promotion that should be simple to manage.

Proposed Solution

Allow packages to identify:

A Primary Service (performed by a staff member and selectable by the guest)

Secondary Services or Resources (equipment, rooms, LED beds, etc.) that are automatically reserved behind the scenes based on availability.

Example

A guest books a Manicure + Pedicure + Complimentary LED Session.

The booking should:

Allow the guest to choose their preferred nail technician.

Reserve the manicure and pedicure with that technician.

Automatically reserve the LED bed resource at the appropriate time without affecting provider selection.

This enhancement would improve online booking for salons, spas, med spas, and wellness centers that combine staff services with equipment-based resources while eliminating the need to create dozens of duplicate packages.