Jill, yes, it has been a great series on pre-booking. I know I have taken a lot of new ideas from it to implement over the next few months. I am really excited to see what it can do for our salon and especially the spa side.

So far the contest is going well. We are all promoting it with our guests. My repeat guests are thrilled to be rewarded with a chance at the gift basket for being such great clients and reserving their appointments in advance. It has made them feel very appreciated. Rachael has been doing well for the most part. I have noticed though a few times she has been shut down and forgotten to use the basket as an incentive. We have talked about why that is and are trying to be more aware when that happens. This is really great to have a low pressure way to help her overcome the “no.” As for the rest of the spa side, our new estheticians are really trying and are noticing that it is helping them too.

As for the holiday season, you are right, Jill. Adding a few hours here and there can really help you to maximize your income.  I have done this for quite some time now. Whenever there is a holiday coming up I add a couple of hours to the days leading up to the date. This allows me to be available for not only my guests and their visiting family members, but to new guests who have never been to our salon. It has been a great way for me to really be of service to my guests during the stressful holiday season.

I have never done the holiday manicure pedicure parties though. That is a great idea to do with the spa side. Since we only have two pedicure thrones, we can offer massage and facial services along with the manicures and pedicures to give everyone a little extra pampering. We have several guests who would love to take us up on that idea. Thanks for all the great ideas to help maximize our holiday income. I look forward to hearing about the Holiday Game Plan.

— Sandy