We are fitting out our first location and do not want to over-buy software before we have members. What is the minimum stack that still runs a space properly, and in what order should we add the rest as the business grows?
Start with the tools you’ll use every day. For a first space, that usually means member management and billing, booking, access, and one simple way to communicate with members. My advice would be to choose the core system first, then add anything else only when there’s a real need. A lot of operators buy too much software too early, and then end up paying for complexity before they have enough members to justify it. So in the beginning, less is usually better — as long as the basics are solid and easy to grow with.