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SEARCHReaders do such sweet gestures as baking cookies to offering special free services.
Last year I baked heart-shaped gingerbread cookies. I put two in a baggie tied with a red ribbon and gave them out to clients during the week around Valentine’s Day.
Colleen Kirby
The Nail Addict
Arnold, Calif.
One of my favourite Valentine’s Day promotions is offering a free paraffin treatment for a new client and the referring customer The product doesn’t cost that much, and the client usually continues to get the service.
Dawn DelSasso
Signature Nails at Salon 105
Silverdale, Wash.
Three years ago, I sent out a Valentine’s Day flier that was a tremendous success. The “You’re a Sweetheart” special entitled a client to a gift certificate worth 25% off any nail service if she referred someone to the salon. The new referral received a gift certificate for 50% off any nail service. If the client referred four new customers, she received a free service. Another promotion I do is to put our red and pink nail polishes on sale during February.
Brenda Bollard
Bren’s Nails
Conroe, Texas
We offer our clients an 8-inch by 10-inch glamour photo at a special price, which includes a complete makeover and a manicure or polish change for artificial nail clients. As a bonus, we offer a chance to win a free Carnival cruise. This promotion really fills up our book for February.
Wendy Newman
Nails Beautiful & Esthetics
Aurora, Ontario, Canada
During February, our manicure clients receive a free clear-plastic heart, which contains 1/8-oz. bottles of Creative Nail Design Systems’ Dry & Shine, Stickey Base Coat, Speedey Top Coat, and Solar Seal. We also sell the heart alone for $4.95. In addition, we run an ad in the sports section of the local newspaper to attract men to purchase a “Sweetheart Special” for their wife or girlfriend, which includes a 60- minute manicure and Creative’s plastic heart. The buyer receives a free 30-minute manicure as well.
Herman Paez
Lovetouch Nails
Denton, Texas
Last year we offered a “Sweetheart Special” for $50, which included a manicure and a pedicure for a man and woman. Since we are a nails-only salon, I was surprised that quite a few of the men became regular clients.
Kim Ferguson
Absolutely Nails
Tucson, Ariz.
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