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Best Gingr Alternative for Independent Groomers

GroomBoard Team·· 2 min read

If you're an independent groomer paying $105-175/month for Gingr, you may not be getting your money's worth. Since Gingr was acquired by a private equity firm, independent groomers have become an afterthought — prices climbed, support slowed, and updates started breaking workflows that used to work fine.

What Independent Groomers Actually Need

You don't need enterprise features built for 50-location pet resorts. You need four things:

  • Online booking — a link you can share on Instagram and Facebook so clients book themselves
  • Client & pet profiles — grooming history, temperament notes, allergies, and coat details in one place
  • SMS reminders — automated texts that cut no-shows by 50% without you lifting a finger
  • Simple payments — accept cards online without paying extra for a payment add-on

That's it. You shouldn't pay $175/month for features designed for boarding facilities and doggy daycares.

Why Groomers Are Choosing GroomBoard

GroomBoard was built from the ground up for independent groomers and small salons. Everything you need is included in every plan — no add-on fees, no tiers you have to upgrade to unlock basic features.

  • $19/mo Solo plan — for independent groomers (vs Gingr's $105+ starting price)
  • $39/mo Salon plan — for teams up to 5 groomers with multi-groomer calendar
  • SMS reminders included — Gingr charges extra for this
  • No contracts — month-to-month, cancel anytime
  • 14-day free trial — no credit card required

Switching Takes Minutes, Not Days

You don't need a complex data migration. Sign up for GroomBoard, add your clients, set your services and hours, and share your new booking link. Most groomers are fully set up in under 30 minutes. Your clients won't notice any disruption — they'll actually prefer the modern booking experience.

For a broader look at all your options, check our Top 5 Pet Grooming Software Compared roundup.

See the full Gingr vs GroomBoard comparison →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best alternative to Gingr for solo groomers?

GroomBoard is designed specifically for independent groomers and small salons. It includes online booking, SMS reminders, client management, and payments starting at $19/month — compared to Gingr's $105-175/month pricing.

How much does Gingr cost in 2026?

Gingr pricing in 2026 starts at approximately $105/month for their Spa plan and goes up to $175/month for the Professional plan, with enterprise pricing available by request. SMS reminders are an additional add-on cost.

Can I switch from Gingr to GroomBoard easily?

Yes. Most groomers complete the switch in under 30 minutes. Sign up, add your clients, set your services and hours, and share your new booking link. No complex data migration needed.

Ready to simplify your grooming business?

Online booking, SMS reminders, payments — all in one place, starting at $19/mo.

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