6 steps you can take to get more local customers

If today’s struggling economy has taught salon owners anything, it’s that traditional marketing platforms should be combined with new technologies to maximize your earnings potential. In other words, you have to do more than running a couple of print ads to survive and thrive.

Traditional marketing platforms still offer a tried-and-true method for spreading the word about your salon, but the savvy business owner will utilize a variety of marketing tools – many of which are free and just as effective. Below is a look at six ways you can garner more local customers using traditional and new marketing tools.

Print, radio and TV advertising
Consumers have more places to get their news than ever before, so more companies are pulling out their print, radio and television advertisements. But marketing experts still say that print, radio and TV remains one of the most expensive/effective ways of advertising, although online marketing tools are fast closing the gap.

Buy-1-Get-1-Free
Salons simply can’t rely on word-of-mouth or foot traffic if they want to survive. One sure way to draw more local customers is to offer discounts. It’s the “buy-1-get-1-free” mentality. The theory is that cost-conscious customers will want to save money anyway, so if they know they’re getting a good deal at your store, chances are they’ll come back for more – and they’ll tell their friends about it.

Face-to-face networking
One of the most time-tested ways of attracting more local customers is to simply hit the streets. Get out and meet your potential client base. Join the local chamber of commerce, attend networking meetings, and set up a booth at your local neighborhood party. Let people know who you are, where you’re located, and what you can do for them.

Stay ahead with the Web
Any salon that isn’t online will probably struggle to keep up with the competition. Web sites, when professionally designed, give potential customers everything they need to know about your business, including the cost of your services or products, address(es) and contact info.

‘Like’ your business on Facebook
Looking for a way to spread the word about your company and attract more local customers? You no longer have to pay an arm-and-a-leg, thanks to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn and blogs. Many large companies today have some social media presence because most of those sites are free – and your local business can potentially reach millions of people across the globe.

We're No. 1!
Research shows that people are unlikely to sift through pages and pages of Internet search results. That's where rankings come in handy. Search EngineOptimization (SEO) helps you gain more visitors to your Web site by garnering a high ranking in the search results page. You can pay for SEO services, or you can make sure your Web site -- and content inside -- contains certain keywords that are likely to show up in any of the major search engines.
By leveraging marketing techniques that extend beyond the basics, you will be able to reach a broader customer base for your local salon.

For your Success,

Keith
1-800-481-6511
www.amsalonequipment.com 

The Importance of Salon Equipment - Barber Chairs and Station Mats

Most people who walk into a salon or spa do not think much about the furniture inside, such as the styling and shampoo stations, the styling chairs, massage tables, manicure tables, dryers or any of the displays or accessories. However, as a salon or spa business owner or manager, thinking about all of the necessary equipment is more than important – it is downright necessary. After all, your clients may not think much about tools or chairs but they certainly will if they find that it is uncomfortable or does not work properly. In the end, this could even cost you business.

That is why it is worth the time and investment to purchase high quality, comfortable and functional equipment for your salon or spa. The overall atmosphere should impress clients when they walk in the door and they should walk out of the door equally satisfied, with both the service and the experience.

For example, start by considering your barber chairs. Ask your stylists if they are happy with the chairs and the way that they function. Then look at the chairs closely.

They should not be stained or damaged and should work smoothly when moving up or down. In addition, high-quality barber chairs should be made out of leather or an equal product, with stainless steel and attractive trim. Clients should feel comfortable when they sit down, allowing them to relax while in your stylists’ expert hands. Of course, purchasing good barber chairs can cost quite a bit of money, although here at A.M. Salon Equipment, we offer the best prices for attractive, functional and durable salon furniture such as a wide variety of barber chairs. Select from chairs that lean back, those with armrests and a neck rest, and several different finishes and fabrics.

While you are checking out your stations, look at your station mats. Are they worn out, damaged or excessively dirty? If so, it is time to change them out for new, attractive and durable station mats through A.M. Salon Equipment. Pick from several different manufacturers and types of mats that come in various sizes and shapes. Match your station mats to the overall salon décor and ambiance and you will find that the little details really do make all the difference.

A.M. Salon and Spa Equipment has been in business since 1966 and we know what it takes to help make your spa or salon look top notch to your clients. We have a huge selection, great prices and excellent customer service. Call us today at 800-481-6511. 


For your Success,

Keith
1-800-481-6511
www.amsalonequipment.com 

Getting Your Salon Started - A Checklist

LesliJon Salon - 2012 Salon of Distinction

When you’re just starting to build an idea of what you want your salon to look like, it can get pretty overwhelming to figure out exactly what you’re going to need, both to do your job as well as to ensure that your clients are comfortable and get the best experience possible.

The items below are part of a brainstorming checklist to help you get started.

• A place to sit. Not only is this important for your customers — to ensure their maximum comfort while you work on them, but for you, as well. Your job may require you to be on your feet a lot, or behind the desk working on manicures. No matter where you are at during the day, you need to ensure that you’re comfortable in order to put your customers at ease. So, when you can’t sit, make sure your feet “sit” on a comfortable station mat.
• A place to look. Mirrors and mirrored styling stations are a major component for you and your clients. Not only do you want to be able to show them the final product of your efforts, you want them to be able to check their style from a variety of angles (sides and even the back). Adequate mirrors can help you accomplish this.
• A place to relax. From the barber’s chair to the washing station, you need to ensure you have the right kind of equipment that will ensure your clients’ relaxation at all times. If you’re a massage therapist, you’ll not only want a solid, comfortable table — you’ll want to ensure every step of the client’s journey is a step toward relaxing.
• Your work space. Don’t forget your practical needs, including your work station. Figure out what you’ll be needing nearby, and how to best contain it. Additionally, don’t forget practical sanitizing equipment such as the autoclave.
• The Reception Room/Area. This area, typically mixed in with the retail area (unless your space is particularly large), is where clients will get their first impression of your spa, salon, massage parlor, or barber shop. Make sure you make an excellent first impression with their comfort firmly in mind. Select furniture that’s not only fitting for your theme, but also puts the client at ease.

AM Salon Equipment can help you decide which pieces will work best for your salon, as well as offering leasing and financing solutions which can help you work within your budget. Additionally, there are monthly specials that can help with this as well. Be sure to sign up for a comprehensive notification of all monthly specials.

For your Success,

Keith
1-800-481-6511
www.amsalonequipment.com 

Spa Equipment and Your Budget

www.AMSalonEquipment.com

When it comes to choosing your spa equipment, you want to make sure you get the right tools for the job. Of course, this typically means spending thousands on equipment and hoping that you’ve gotten the best for your dollar.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’ve got the best equipment at the best price. Below are a few tips while shopping for what you need for your spa.

• Don’t go by price alone. One of the biggest pitfalls spa owners encounter is choosing equipment simply because it’s the lowest price. But once the product arrives, they discover that it’s a huge disappointment. It may not have all the features you need, or worse — the equipment may not work as promised. When selecting the right piece of equipment for your spa, you will need to look at other factors as well, such as what features are offered for what you’re paying.
• Do your research. Looking for price comparisons is only a small part of the research you should be doing when selecting your spa equipment. Perhaps even more importantly, look for things such as manufacturer reputation for quality, promptness and thoroughness of handling warranties, etc. It is a nightmare to have to choose between two perfectly comparable products, only to find out that the one you’ve chosen has come from an irresponsible manufacturer who delays repairs and won’t honor a warranty. Additionally, do ensure you research encompasses former manufacturer recalls and adherence to customer safety — especially important when it comes to sterilization equipment!
• Don’t buy more than you need, but don’t be cheap, either. Remember that you may not necessarily need everything a certain piece of equipment has to offer. So instead of going with a pricier product just because it has more than you need, choose a product at a lower price that will get your job done. Ultimately, however, your customer’s comfort will be the deciding factor on which product you purchase. For example, if you have a choice between a $1,200 chair that has optional heat massage, and a $1,000 chair that does not offer heat massage, but does offer all the same features otherwise, do you really want to spend the extra $200? You might, if you’ve been getting a slew of customers stating they want heated massage! But for the most part, it wouldn’t be a necessity.

If you’re working on a budget, AM Salon Equipment can help you meet your needs and supply you with great equipment on your budget. Simply sign up for our monthly specials, and save a bundle on all kinds of spa and salon equipment.
For your Success,

Keith
1-800-481-6511
www.amsalonequipment.com 

Tips For Buying Salon And Spa Equipment

AM Salon Equipment is a buyers paradise!

Going into the salon and/or spa business isn’t easy. It takes careful planning, money and a little bit of luck. To get started, there are a few things to consider.   

First, make sure you maintain the best quality and provide all the amenities and luxuries possible to pamper your clients. Treatments should enhance the look of your clients while also giving them personal satisfaction and relaxation. The business itself should have all the latest equipment, treatments, etc. But you also need a variety of treatments and products, too, so that it suites all budgets. 

And finally, you need careful planning for the furniture and equipment. This, too, helps create a relaxing atmosphere – and hopefully will keep the customers coming back time and again. Below are a few tips when looking for new equipment for your salon or spa:

1) What Services Will You Offer?

This seems like a basic question, but deciding what type of services you’ll offer will help you determine what type of equipment and accessories you’ll need.

2) Time For The Basics

You’ll still need basic equipment for hair and skin treatments. Start looking for good wash basins, equipment to straighten or curl hair, hair dryers, supply trolleys, scissors, etc. Don’t buy used equipment, either. You can still find reasonably-priced new equipment that will last much longer than anything you buy used.

3)  Does It Come With A Warranty?

Another advantage of buying new as opposed to used equipment: warranties. Before buying any equipment, ask if it comes with a warranty and/or guarantee.

4) Are You Also Going To Offer Day Spa Treatments?

Some salons go above and beyond and offer day spa treatments. Those types of services remain popular, because people are always looking for a way to relax! If this is something you’re considering, then you need to look at equipment aside from the basic equipment. Ask around and see what others are offering. Again, the goal here is for your clients to want to keep coming back to your store. Therefore, you want to offer them an experience they won’t get anywhere else – especially at your competition’s store.

5) Innovative Equipment

While you’re looking around and seeing what  your competition is offering, look for some of the new and innovative  beauty equipment that’s available. The industry is fluid, always changing. You can find new products all the time, all of which help enhance the experience at your salon or spa. You want to give your clients an experience they won’t get anywhere else, and finding innovative beauty equipment is one way to do that.

For your Success,

Keith
1-800-481-6511
www.amsalonequipment.com 

Tips For Opening A Spa, Salon Shop

AM Salon Equipment will empower you!

Opening and running your own business is difficult for anyone, especially in today’s economy. But as the economy slowly starts to rebound, more people are starting to own their own business again – and the competition is fierce. The same holds true for spa and salons. So before you open your own beauty salon or spa, here are a few tips to consider:

Location, Location, Location

You’ve heard that saying before when talking about real estate: “Location, location, location,” as in, your location is key to your success. If your spa or salon is in a quiet, rural area, you can often find and occupy your own building, although you need to make sure it’s easy to find. Shopping centers and inside shopping malls -- especially those next to a complementary business -- are another popular spot for a spa and salon, mainly due to the foot traffic you’ll experience every day.  

New Or Used Equipment?

Once you’ve found your location, then it’s time to consider what kind of equipment you’re going to use. Try to resist the urge to buy used equipment. Whenever your budget allows for it, buy new. New equipment will last longer, plus you know exactly what you’re getting. On the other hand, you never really quite know the condition of the equipment when you’re buying used, so you may wind up buying the equipment all over again if you purchase used equipment that doesn’t work. Another advantage of buying new? You can make sure that all the furniture, equipment, etc., matches the rest of the décor in your spa or salon, rather than a mismatched bunch of equipment.

Make Your Shop Comfortable!

Don’t forget why your clients are coming in: They want a relaxing experience. The shop should be thoroughly cleaned, the floors swept and vacuumed regularly throughout the day. Things like towels and trimmers should be kept clean. Consider investing in couches instead of chairs for the waiting area (or other relaxing furniture). Magazines, coffee and even a candy jar for the little ones all lead to a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere. Pictures that are bright and exciting can give your clients a little energy boost, while pictures with relaxing images and soft colors can create a relaxing feeling.

Give Them Something They Won’t Get Anywhere Else

Finally, take a look at what your competition is doing: Are there any services they do not provide that you can? Because, the bottom line is, you don’t want potential customers going somewhere else to get a product or service, just because you don’t offer it. Instead, you want to offer them everything they need so that they don’t have to go anywhere else.

For your Success,

Keith
1-800-481-6511
www.amsalonequipment.com 

How To Find The Best Styling Chairs

Aluma Silver from AM Salon Equipment

By now, you know the importance of quality work and customer service. You stocked your beauty salon with some of the latest products. And you spent your money wisely on a variety of marketing and advertising venues.

But if you don’t have the right styling chairs, those hard-earned customers might not be back. A styling chair is sometimes an overlooked piece of a equipment when it comes time to furnishing a beauty salon. Salon owners will often go all out when seeking out furnishings, buying top-notch dryer items and massage equipment, and the best pedicure and manicure items. Even the reception and retail area is all decked out.

The styling chairs? They’re an afterthought, at best, with many salon owners choosing instead to dress up some used or old styling chairs in an effort to save a few bucks. But styling chairs should be an essential part of the salon experience. A good styling chair is equal parts comfortable, adjustable, practical and stylish.

So before you purchase your next styling chair, consider some of these tips:

Don’t Wait To Pick Out Your Chair

When buying styling chairs – or any major piece of equipment – allow for six to 12 weeks for delivery. Wait until the opening is right around the corner, and you may be disappointed in your choices. And if something goes awry (like the wrong piece of furniture was delivered), you should still have plenty of time to re-order.

Comfort Is King!

What are your customers doing the majority of the time at your salon? They’re sitting. That’s why finding a comfortable styling chair is so important. You don’t want your customers fidgeting the entire time – especially during a long appointment.

You Get What You Pay For

You could save a few bucks by purchasing used or cheap styling chairs. But your styling chairs, like all of your salon furnishings, should  last you a long time. So if you buy on the cheap, chances are good that you’ll have to pay to replace it in just a few short years. And you’re never quite sure of the quality when buying used. When in doubt, invest in higher-quality styling chairs – they’ll last longer, and you know the quality is good.

Be Careful Choosing Designs

Although you want a styling chair to match the décor of your salon, make sure the design will stand the test of time. After all, shag carpet was all the rage back in the day. As with all your furniture, you want styling chairs that are equal parts classic and timeless. That way, you can continue changing the interior design over the years – without having to replace all the styling chairs.

For your Success,

Keith
1-800-481-6511
www.amsalonequipment.com