Phorest is polished salon software from Dublin with a strong Australian presence and quote-only pricing. Mahi Time publishes its price, includes Xero and payroll, and ships the AI phone receptionist, webchat and agent API as part of the product rather than as add-ons.
Phorest suits established salons and clinics that want a consultant-led setup, strong marketing automation and are comfortable requesting a quote.
AI first, because it is the gap none of the incumbents have closed. Then price, then the local details.
Phorest lists Front Desk AI as an add-on. Mahi Time's phone receptionist and webchat book straight into your calendar for NZ$129 (approx A$119) and NZ$49 (approx A$45) a month, published on this page.
How the AI receptionist worksNZ$109 (approx A$100) for two people, NZ$21 (approx A$19) per extra, no quote and no annual contract.
Phorest's direct Xero integration is listed as an add-on. Mahi Time includes Xero sync and payroll with timesheets and revenue per staff member.
Your website, POS and AI assistants can read and write bookings through the included REST API and MCP server.
Phorest prices checked 31 October 2026 on the vendor's public pricing page. Mahi Time prices exclude GST; AUD figures are an approximate guide, billing is in NZD.
| Feature | Mahi Time | Phorest |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Published. NZ$109 (approx A$100) flat | Quote only |
| Commission on bookings | None, ever | None |
| AI phone receptionist that books | Built in, NZ$129 (approx A$119) | Front Desk AI add-on |
| AI webchat that books | Built in, NZ$49 (approx A$45) | Front Desk AI add-on |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, platform MCP server | No |
| Public REST API | Yes, public REST + webhooks | Partner API |
| Built and supported in NZ and AU | Built in NZ, NZ and AU hours | Dublin, AU office |
| Xero | Included | Add-on |
| Payroll and timesheets | Included | No |
| EFTPOS and payments | Windcave EFTPOS (NZ), Stripe (NZ + AU) | PhorestPay |
| Feature | Mahi Time | Phorest |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing published | Yes | Quote only |
| AI phone receptionist | Built in | Front Desk AI add-on |
| AI webchat that books | Built in | Front Desk AI add-on |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes | No |
| Public REST API | Yes | Partner API |
| Xero | Included | Add-on |
| Payroll and timesheets | Included | No |
| Marketing automation | Reminders, rebooking, win-back, loyalty | Deeper campaign tooling |
| Contract | Monthly, cancel any time | Per quote |
| Import from this platform | Generic CSV mapper, or we do it for you | n/a |
See the full table against every platform on the Why Mahi Time page.
Ask Phorest support for your client and appointment exports, then upload them with the generic CSV mapper. Send us the files if you would rather we mapped them.
Importer source to pick: Other / generic CSV. Settings > Import data, mapping preview, unmatched staff warning, run. Re-runs update rows instead of duplicating them.
Yes. Export or request your client list and appointment history from Phorest, then upload them at Settings > Import data with the generic column mapper. Our team will map the file for you if you send it through the contact form.
Mahi Time covers reminders, rebooking nudges, win-back, birthday and review requests by SMS and email, plus loyalty. Phorest goes deeper on campaign tooling and ads. If marketing automation is your main buying reason, compare both honestly.
Yes. Australian businesses sign up directly, take payments through Stripe, and get support in Australian business hours. Prices are billed in NZD with an approximate AUD figure shown.
No card. Import your data, forward your phone to the AI receptionist, and see which one your clients prefer.
