The check-in app for barbershops
Walk-in barbershops run on one question: who is next. Acorn answers it without a receptionist, a clipboard, or a shout down the shop. A customer scans the code on the door, types their name, and appears on your screen with a clock running.
Replaces: A paper sign-in sheet, a whiteboard, or shouting to the back.
What actually goes wrong
You are mid-fade when someone walks in
Your hands are busy and the door is behind you. Someone comes in, waits to be noticed, and either interrupts you or leaves. Acorn puts them on the list without either of you stopping.
The clipboard lies
Paper lists get skipped, reordered, and argued over. A list with real timestamps settles who was actually first, because nobody wrote it down wrong.
You cannot tell a walk-in how long the wait is
Guessing costs you the customer either way. Too short and they are annoyed. Too long and they leave. A live list shows exactly how many are ahead and how long the last few actually waited.
How it works
- 01 Print the code. Stick it on the door. It is a QR that never changes, even if we change the URL behind it.
- 02 They scan it. A web page opens. They type a name and tap once. No app, no account.
- 03 You see them. A live list of names and how long each has waited. Tap a name to clear it.
Questions
Do customers need to download anything?
No. They scan the QR with their phone camera and a web page opens. There is no app and no account.
Does this handle appointments?
No, and that is deliberate. Acorn does one thing: it tells you someone walked in. If you run a full booking system, keep it. This covers the walk-ins it does not.
What if two barbers work different chairs?
The live list is one shared link. Open it on any phone, tablet, or the shop screen. Whoever is free taps the next name.
What happens to customer names?
Names are deleted automatically 30 days after check-in. The anonymous row stays so your daily counts still work.
Can I get a text when someone checks in?
Yes. Staff alerts go to whatever numbers you enter, and there is a free monthly allowance. Push notifications to a phone are unlimited and free.