A: Congratulations! By taking a step forward with retail you are not only building your brand, you are building loyalty and increasing your opportunity for rebooking. The easiest retail products to sell are items you currently use in your services or products that will help your clients maintain their nails between appointments. Ask your current distributors if they have retail sizes of your most popular products and other items for home care. Since you already have a relationship with them, ask for small minimums, starter packs, and samples to share. You can test what sells well and reorder as needed.
If you want to branch out into other retail lines or boutique items, locate a distributor that has a wide selection of retail items and no minimums. Many distributors will offer good terms to new clients and may also provide free or discounted shipping. If you find a product line that you want to try, start with just a small initial order. If the vendor or distributor asks for a large order, explain your situation and don’t be afraid to ask for a lower minimum buy. Research pays off. Always ask a distributor or vendor what their top-selling products are. Ask if they have other similar nail salons as clients and what sells well for them.
Wholesale trade and gift shows often have a “cash and carry” section where you can buy small quantities of retail products. If you want to bring in jewelry or other handcrafted items you may be able to work out a consignment arrangement that will not require you to spend any money upfront. You simply share a portion of the sale price with the vendor.
Good luck with your retail aspirations. Remember to start small, track what sells well, and take suggestions from your clients.
— Patti Biro, founder of Patti Biro and Associates (www.pattibiro.com)