Short answer: Per-staff pricing is cheaper for a shop with one or two barbers. From three barbers, a flat monthly plan usually costs less. A 3-barber shop pays RM135 a month on Fresha's Team plan (RM45 × 3) and RM109 a month on Meikigo Starter. The gap grows with every barber you hire.
Prices checked 27 October 2026. Fresha prices are from its Malaysia pricing page and exclude tax. Meikigo prices are list prices. We make Meikigo.
How do the two pricing models work?
- Per staff: you pay for each bookable team member. Fresha's Team plan is RM45 per member a month. Its Independent plan for a one-person business is RM67.95 a month.
- Flat per plan: you pay one price that covers a number of barbers. Meikigo Starter is RM109 a month for up to 5 barbers. Plus is RM199 for up to 8. Pro is RM329 for up to 15. You can add barbers to a plan for RM15 each a month (RM12 on Pro).
What does each team size cost per month?
| Barbers | Fresha (per staff) | Meikigo (flat) | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RM67.95 (Independent) | RM109 (Starter) | Per staff |
| 2 | RM90 | RM109 (Starter) | Per staff |
| 3 | RM135 | RM109 (Starter) | Flat |
| 4 | RM180 | RM109 (Starter) | Flat |
| 5 | RM225 | RM109 (Starter) | Flat |
| 6 | RM270 | RM124 (Starter + 1 barber) | Flat |
| 8 | RM360 | RM154 (Starter + 3) or RM199 (Plus) | Flat |
Paying yearly lowers the Meikigo figures further, because yearly billing is 10 months' price for 12 months.
What isn't in the subscription price?
The monthly fee is only part of the bill. Before you compare, add up:
- Payment processing fees on card and e-payments. These apply on almost every platform, so compare them on their own.
- Messaging. Fresha includes 20 automated messages a month and charges for extra WhatsApp messages.
- Paid add-ons. One example is Fresha's Client Loyalty add-on, listed at RM220 per location a month.
- Marketplace fees for new clients found through an app. Fresha's Malaysia page currently lists this as free. Check whether that is still true when you sign up.
- Hardware. Some POS systems need their own terminal. Meikigo runs on a tablet or phone you already own.
What should a growing shop watch for?
Price the system at your next team size, not the one you have now. A shop with 3 barbers that hires 2 more pays RM90 a month more on a RM45 per-staff plan. On a flat plan that covers 5 barbers, the bill stays the same.
Per-staff pricing also makes part-time and weekend barbers expensive. You pay a full seat for someone who works two days a week.
When is per-staff pricing the better deal?
- You are a solo barber or a two-chair shop with no plans to grow.
- You get most new customers from a marketplace, and its discovery is worth the price.
- Nearly every chair is booked ahead, so you don't need a walk-in queue.
When is a flat plan the better deal?
- You have 3 or more barbers, or you plan to hire.
- You use part-time or weekend barbers.
- Walk-ins are a big part of your day and you want walk-ins and bookings on one board. See how to manage walk-ins and bookings together.
Try the numbers on your own shop
Meikigo has a 14-day trial with Plus-level features. No card, no contract. See plans and pricing or the 3-barber cost stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does barbershop software cost per month in Malaysia?
Most salon and barbershop systems in Malaysia cost between about RM39 and RM500 a month per outlet. Per-staff apps like Fresha charge RM45 per team member a month. Flat plans like Meikigo Starter cost RM109 a month for up to 5 barbers.
At how many barbers does flat pricing become cheaper?
Comparing Fresha's Team plan (RM45 per member) with Meikigo Starter (RM109 flat), flat pricing becomes cheaper at 3 barbers (RM135 vs RM109). With 1 or 2 barbers, per-staff pricing is cheaper.
Do receptionists count as staff on per-staff plans?
It depends on the vendor. Fresha charges per bookable team member. Check whether non-bookable staff such as a cashier are free on the plan you choose.