The internet has revolutionized the computer and communications world like nothing before. The professional beauty industry is no stranger to the power of the internet. Now it’s just as common to see a web address alongside a salon or company’s phone number. Practically every manufacturer has its own website, some even selling products online.

Salons are also taking advantage of the internet by posting their service menus on their sites and even booking appointments online.

Maureen Snyder, The Nail Boutique, Spencerport, N.Y.

My salon does not have a website, but I’d like to have soon with the capability to book appointments, list all of our services, sell retail products, and an educational page for clients on artificial nail care, home care, what to expect in the salon, etc.

I use the internet daily. I spend a lot of time researching new and old methods and products. Not only do I order nail products, retail, and supplies from the Internet, I have even ordered furniture for my salon.

By having access to the Internet I can shop for products at my own convenience and I don’t have to give up a business hour at the salon.

I have saved and made money over the years by having so much more information available at my fingertips. When buying furniture I was able to comparison shop without having to drive to suppliers. I even did research on becoming a nail tech on the internet.

Alex Berman, Vice President of Sales, Hair Care Nail Supplies

Alex Berman (left) with his parents, Bobbi and Wayne Berman, founders of the company

Alex Berman (left) with his parents, Bobbi and Wayne Berman, founders of the company

We have been online for more than 10 years. Acquiring a domain name such as nailsupplies.com would be next to impossible if you wanted it today.

Because we have been online for so long, we have acquired a large database of more than 10,000 licensed technicians who have “opted-in” to receive newsletters and deals that we inform them about on a regular basis.

Our website is viewable only to licensed technicians who must fill out a brief questionnaire and create a user name to gain access. We offer more than 10,000 items online.

We can see that over time the internet will and has already reduced our amount of paper advertising. We can now produce fewer catalogs and deal sheets (which also saves postage) because more clients prefer to see current products and current pricing, which are updated daily on our website.

The internet has brought us new clients from every corner of the globe.

Nick Kalanges, President/COO, Backscratchers Salon Systems

The Internet touches every area of our business. It brings together all of our departments, distributors, vendors, and resources.

We have found that approximately 40% of nail technicians are daily, savvy users of the internet. With the vast resources that the internet can bring through education, products, MSDS information, and new technical products, it is a significant missed opportunity to those technicians not taking advantage of it.

We redesigned and re-launched our website this year to provide easier access to our distributor locations, product information, upcoming classes and shows, as well as educational resources and downloads. Traffic to our website has grown exponentially with its new easy-to-navigate design. We encourage all technicians to take advantage of the resources manufacturers are offering.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.