A well-run salon is a place for customers to relax.
Giving personal attention to the hair, skin, or other beauty-related needs of customers can brighten their day and boost their self-esteem. A successful salon business operates profitably to serve the needs of the customer because the salon associates are skilled in their specialty and providing customer service. Cash flow issues like favorable equipment leases and cooperative marketing efforts can help the owner manage revenue and supply the salon with a steady stream of customers.
Instructions
1. Determine whether the salon will focus on hair styling only, pedicure and manicures, massages, facials or a combination of personal services. Price the services accordingly, determine the expenses for each service and weigh it against the necessary expenses. Have each stylist, therapist, and other skilled specialist sign a contract stipulating compensation as either an independent contractor or employee.
2. Offer amenities but stay focused on the core business.
Select a location that is convenient to both residential neighborhoods and upscale office buildings. Create individual work stations with a pleasant interior to encourage conversation; do not create one that is overly formal. Choose a space that lends itself with enough windows to permit as much natural light as possible. Set up the bookkeeping and accounting system with each specialist such as hair stylist or manicurist as a cost center. Review the balance sheet weekly to determine how much money came in, what expenses were paid, and identify new or returning customers and the salon services they selected.
3. Hire a greeter who is warm and enthusiastic. Train the person to take messages for each of the disciplines represented at the salon and learn the personal needs of regular customers. Help the greeter and all associates understand that "80 percent of repeat business is the personality of the service provider," according to Amanda Gore, on the National Cosmetology Association website, ncacares.org. Show the greeter represent the business at local events such as the local chamber of commerce. Provide a script to help the greeter talk through important points like a hair styling script, foil highlighting script, or rejuvenating facial script as outlined by the Professional Beauty Association. Print business cards and postcards with the person's name on it that has an invitation for prospective customers to visit and inquire about the services, specials, and sign up for an introductory session. Pay the greeter a percentage on new customers recruited in addition to a base hourly rate.
4. Implement a marketing strategy that includes giving referrals to non-competing businesses in the personal care industry like chiropractor offices, beauty supply stores and even local drug stores. Print one postcard with each partner business listed and instruct each business to distribute one per customer.
5. Ask editors from industry websites like Spaweek.com or Chilloutla.com to visit, write a review, or be included in discount programs. Survey customers once every two or three months for feedback on their visit and send them a thank-you card for each referral.
Tags: hair styling, with each