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