It is not about competing against price. It is about competing against value. Most of the time, salon and spa owners concentrate on finding new business when opportunities exist right under their noses. We as an industry have to work smarter with our existing database, which will in turn have the clients coming back and have them telling more people about you. The best way to increase business is by putting a rewarding referral program in place that benefits both the new and the existing clients you will be servicing. The best type of referral program is the “one-for-one,” where each new customer gets an incentive to become your client and your existing clients get a nice thank you for the referral. Referral programs, in order to be successful, have to be attractive and have to be consistent. Roughly 60%-70% of new business comes from referrals. This is where we should be spending our marketing dollars.
Business
How do I increase my business? The discount salons have taken business right out from under us.
October 1, 2008
More FAQ
What, if any, are my obligations to my booth renters when it comes to walk-ins?
I own a salon that is part booth rental and part commissioned employees. There has been some question regarding the walk-in process. What, if any, are my obligations to my booth renters when it comes to walk-ins?... read more
What can I do if I have too many clients?
I’ve got a full book of regulars and more people wanting occasional services than I can accommodate. I’ve already added some evening hours and don’t want to add more, but I don’t want to turn people away either. What can I do?... read more
Do you bargain when it comes to your prices?
We’ve all known clients who mention pointedly that the salon down the street charges less. And these days, we may even encounter longtime clients who simply can’t afford the services they did in the past. So how do you respond? We asked techs: Do you bargain when it comes to your prices? ... read more
Is a booth renter ok without a signed contract from the salon owner?
I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?... read more
Am I entitled to a key as a booth renter in the salon where I work?
I am a booth renter in the salon where I work. The owner said she does not have to give me a key. Can she do that as I own my own business?... read more
Reader to Reader: What is your best salon-related organizational tip?
What is your best salon-related organizational tip?... read more
I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?
I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?... read more
Does the salon owner have to give booth renters a key to the salon?
I am a booth renter in the salon where I work. The owner said she does not have to give me a key. Can she do that as I own my own business?... read more
Reader to Reader: Do you loan products to other techs?
Do you loan products to other techs?... read more
How do I promote myself within a full-service salon when I am the only manicurist?
I’m the only manicurist in a full-service salon and I’m wondering how to promote myself within the salon. What’s a good conversation starter when you first greet a client who’s sitting in the salon? I’m a shy person and I have a big problem talking about my business with clients.... read more
How do I determine my fee for party packages?
I would like to offer packages such as little girls party packages and bridal party packages. Now how do I determine how to base my fee? I would like to have one flat rate.... read more
Should we have clients sign a consent form prior to receiving nail services?
Do you think we should have clients sign a consent form prior to receiving nail services?... read more