On My Mind: The Recession Is Over, Sort Of
A sign that lifts my spirits is that as I write this, the September issues of all of the consumer fashion magazines just came out and they are bigger than I’ve seen them in the last few years.
by Hannah Lee
How About Giving Your Time Value?
“Why give away your time for free when you can be charging for it?” asks Elaine Watson, Star Nails’ global education director and vice president of marketing and sales.
Credit Card Program Makes Saving Seamless
We know we should be saving for retirement — or taxes, or that vacation — but often we can’t seem to find a way. A free service called Auto-Save from Integrity Payment Systems automatically deducts a pre-determined amount each time a client pays with a credit card and deposits the amounts into an interest-bearing, no-minimum savings account.
Get, Give, Help Through PBA | NCA Disaster Relief Fund
Salon professionals who have been affected by the recent flooding in Tennessee or tornados in Mississippi can apply for assistance from the PBA | NCA Disaster Relief Fund by filling out the Application for Aid available at www.ncacares.org in the Resources section.
On My Mind: I'm So Excited
I always love getting out of the office and seeing what’s going on firsthand. And after the year we had last year, it’s refreshing to see the shape of things turning around.
by Hannah Lee
Pre-Selling Makes Loyal Clients
Clients who come back to redeem their pre-sold service usually purchase something else as well.
by Judy Lessin
33 Ways to Work Smarter, not Harder
From saving money on products to developing an efficient schedule, salon coaches offer practical advice behind the cliché.
by Sree Roy
Watch Out for Licensing Scams
Scams in at least two states make it clear that nail and cosmetology licensees should be on the alert to avoid being defrauded.
by Judy Lessin
In-Salon Events Build Clientele, Up Income
In this economy, nail techs have to find creative ways to do direct marketing.
by Judy Lessin
Are You Reporting Your Tips?
The IRS wants its fair share of your taxes and it’s trying to make it easier for salon professionals to follow the rules. IRS analyst Don Segal answers common questions.
The Pricing Problem
Part art, part science, pricing your services is one of the most important and delicate tasks you’ll undertake in the salon. And no two salon owners approach it quite the same. We asked readers: How do you decide how much to charge for a particular service?
Why Do You Charge More? Responding to Client Questions About Discount Salons.
Train your staff — and yourself — to answer this sensitive question so you’re able to respond quickly and confidently to clients’ concerns.
Slow No More
Fill those slow days with a once-a-week special.
Just My Opinion: Step Up, Show Up, and Speak Up!
How to Stretch a Buck in the Salon
Mobile nail tech Sherry Baro wasn’t sure how the economy would affect her target market — seniors and adults with disabilities. So two years ago she instituted several measures to keep supply costs low.
by Judy Lessin
VIP Keychain Cards Have Clients Coming Back
A little keychain card can encourage client retention in a big way.
Week 21: One Salon Dreams Big — And Gets a Little Help From Uncle Sam
Kyle Simonson, founder and CEO of Minneapolis-based Simonson’s Salon and Spas, found a down economy was no obstacle to the continued growth of her four-location enterprise. Simonson’s Salon and Spa is one of three small businesses that have come together to build a new retail development in Maple Grove, Minn., as a result of a federal stimulus bill which enables the U.S. Small Business Administration to reduce or eliminate fees on 504 loans.
by Judy Lessin