AI phone receptionist and webchat included
Shortcuts does not offer an AI receptionist that books. Mahi Time's is NZ$129 (approx A$119) a month and books into the same calendar your team uses.
How the AI receptionist works
Mahi Time vs Shortcuts
Australia
The Shortcuts alternative you can set up this afternoon
Shortcuts has run Australian salon front desks for decades and is built for groups and franchises. Mahi Time is the self-serve option for the owner-operator and small team: published pricing, a 21-day trial, and an AI receptionist that answers the phone and books.
Who Shortcuts is right for
Shortcuts suits salon groups and franchises that want a consultant-led, point-of-sale-centred system with a long track record in Australia.
Where Shortcuts is strong
- Decades of salon point-of-sale experience in Australia.
- Strong franchise and multi-site tooling.
- Consultant-led onboarding and training.
- Retail and stock management depth.
Where Mahi Time wins
AI first, because it is the gap none of the incumbents have closed. Then price, then the local details.
No quote, no setup project
Start a trial, import your clients, go live. NZ$109 (approx A$100) for two people, NZ$21 (approx A$19) per extra.
Xero, payroll, API and MCP in the plan
Accounting sync, staff hours and an API your other tools and AI agents can use, all included.
Pricing, side by side
Shortcuts
Pricing by quote. Review sites list entry packages from about $29 per month, with higher tiers priced per package.
Mahi Time
NZ$109 (approx A$100) for the first 2 team members, NZ$21 (approx A$19) per extra member. No commission, no per-booking fee.
AI phone receptionist NZ$129 (approx A$119), AI webchat NZ$49 (approx A$45). 21-day free trial, no card.
Shortcuts 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.
Mahi Time vs Shortcuts, side by side
| Feature | Mahi Time | Shortcuts |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Published. NZ$109 (approx A$100) flat | Quote led |
| Commission on bookings | None, ever | None |
| AI phone receptionist that books | Built in, NZ$129 (approx A$119) | No |
| AI webchat that books | Built in, NZ$49 (approx A$45) | No |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, platform MCP server | No |
| Public REST API | Yes, public REST + webhooks | Not public |
| Built and supported in NZ and AU | Built in NZ, NZ and AU hours | Australian heritage |
| Xero | Included | Integration available |
| Payroll and timesheets | Included | Rosters, no payroll |
| EFTPOS and payments | Windcave EFTPOS (NZ), Stripe (NZ + AU) | Integrated EFTPOS |
The detail
| Feature | Mahi Time | Shortcuts |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing published | Yes | By quote |
| Self-serve signup | 21-day trial | Sales led |
| AI phone receptionist | Built in | No |
| AI webchat that books | Built in | No |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes | No |
| Public REST API | Yes | No |
| Xero | Included | Integration available |
| Payroll and timesheets | Included | Rosters only |
| Franchise tooling | Multi-location, per-site reports | Deeper franchise features |
| 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.
Moving from Shortcuts
Export clients and appointments from Shortcuts (or ask their support team for the files), then upload them with the generic CSV mapper. We map the columns for you on request.
Importer source to pick: Other / generic CSV. Settings > Import data, mapping preview, unmatched staff warning, run. Re-runs update rows instead of duplicating them.
Shortcuts alternative: questions
Can I bring my Shortcuts client history across?
Clients and appointment history come across through the generic CSV importer. Send us the export and we will map it, or do it yourself at Settings > Import data.
Does Mahi Time handle retail and stock?
Retail sales at the chair, vouchers and gift cards are built in. Shortcuts goes deeper on stock control; if that is your main need, weigh it carefully.
Is support in Australian hours?
Yes. NZ and Australian business hours, by humans, no premium support tier.
Try it beside Shortcuts for 21 days
No card. Import your data, forward your phone to the AI receptionist, and see which one your clients prefer.
Also compare
Switching from Shortcuts in your trade