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’s the maximum amount of jewelry that’s appropriate to wear as a nail tech in a salon?
What’s the maximum amount of jewelry that’s appropriate to wear as a nail tech in a salon?... read more
How do I fire a nail tech?
I have to fire one of my nail techs. I’ve never done anything like that before. Any advice?... read more
When asked by a client, how do I justify my higher prices compared to a discount salon?
How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services rather than go to a discount salon?... read more
Any advice on firing a nail tech?
I have to fire one of my nail techs. I’ve never done anything like that before. Any advice?... read more
How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services?
How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services rather than go to a discount salon?... read more
How do I reach teens and tweens?
I’m having trouble reaching the teens and tweens. They don’t seem to want to come in and get services done, especially enhancement services like gels and acrylics.... read more
Do you discuss politics in the salon?
Many of us were taught in nail school that a few topics of conversation are off limits — including politics. But given the drawn-out and hotly contested nature of the election season we just passed, the subject was hard to avoid. NAILS asked readers: Do you discuss politics in the salon?... read more
Reader to Reader: How do you fire a client?
How do you fire a client?... read more
How do I recruit nail techs in California where it seems there is a smaller and smaller number getting their licenses?
There seems to be a smaller and smaller pool of nail technicians getting their licenses in California. I’m having a very hard time finding nail techs. Any suggestions?... read more
Reader to Reader: Is having a salon website a must in today’s environment?
Is having a salon website a must in today’s environment?... read more
Dear Shari: How can I get people to get regular pedicures and try nail art?
How can I get people to get regular pedicures and try nail art? Sincerely, No Regularity... read more
Dear Shari: How do I build my nail business in a full-service salon that is made up of booth renters?
I am a booth renter in a full-service salon with no receptionist. We are all responsible for our own appointments. With so many hairstylists renting in the same salon you’d think my book would be full but it’s not. I get very few client recommendations from the stylists and they are usually one-shot deals. I understand they have no obligation to talk up my services with their clients, but you’d think that as part of a team they’d want to do so. The salon owner has brought up the subject at almost every quarterly meeting but it has made no difference. I don’t service the stylists’ nails because they do their own or have acrylics done by techs they’ve been going to for years. Any suggestions? Sincerely, Baffled... read more