Simple Marketing Techniques that Drive Repeat Customer Business

Every successful business owner understands that it is much less expensive to up-sell a current customer than it is to locate a new one. However, many fail to implement simple marketing techniques that will keep customers returning again and again to their establishment. By implementing a few low cost marketing initiatives into your monthly calendar, you can drive incremental business during targeted time periods for your salon business.

Follow these simple marketing techniques to drive repeat customer business to your salon:

Customer Specials- Alternate monthly specials between service and retail products to attract repeat business. For example, X% off retail products for the month of October, or 10% off special event styling for December (to drive holiday business). Consider which months are typically slower and utilize promotions and specials to drive incremental business during those time periods.

Email Marketing- Utilize email to send out styling information as well as promotional materials. Avoid spamming and use this marketing technique sparingly to capture the most attention from your current clientele.

Promote New Services and Products- Whenever your salon is offering something new or trendy, be sure to promote it to your current customer base via email or direct mail.

Schedule Special Events- If you are looking to reach your current clientele in addition to their circle of friends, consider hosting occasional special events. For example, book a style show to showcase the latest in seasonal hairstyles or techniques. Or, host a do-it-yourself hair-drying event where women can learn how to achieve better results at home.

Send Reminders- For those services which are time sensitive, such as hair coloring or highlighting, send friendly customer email reminders. Something very simple such as “We noticed that it has been a while since we have seen you and would like to offer you 10% off for your next coloring session” will work perfectly. Utilize your calendar system along with an automatic email-marketing program such as Constant Contact to accomplish this objective.

Monthly marketing specials, promotions and reminders can help to increase the number of repeat customers that walk through your establishment’s front doors. While you should never take your eye off of generating new business, mining your current customer base is a proven method for increasing revenues. And, repeat customers often have higher conversion ratios and lower marketing costs than generating a new salon customer.

For your Success,

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

Designing a Salon Retail Area

If you own your own salon, you know that a large part of your business consists of the services you offer. However, you also likely sell a large range of products such as shampoos, conditioners and other items.

These products are things you use in your salon on your customers. When the customers like the results they see, they might want to buy those products, so it only makes sense that you offer them for sale.

While you have already built your salon styling areas with comfortable chairs, dryers, sinks, and styling stations, you might need to do a little work on your retail area. You want the shampoos and other items to be attractive your customers and you want to display as much as possible without overwhelming the amount of space you have. Here are a few tips to help you design your retail area.

-Consider Space First, you will need to think about how much space you have to offer to your retail area. If you have a small amount of space in your entry way, one or two small racks or shelves will be all it can handle. If you have quite a bit of room, you can look into a wide array of retail shelving to hold your products.

-Product Supply You will also want to think about how many products you have to offer to your customers. Even if you have a lot of space, if you do not have that many products, you can get away with a smaller shelf to display them. Then, you can replace the products as they are sold from the inventory you will keep in the back room. If you have a lot of different products, you will want to display at least one of each item, or at least keep some sort of book or picture reference out for your customers to see what is available to them.

-Pricing When choosing shelving and other display items, price is a big factor. You may not be able to afford the top of the line shelves that you really want. Keep in mind that anything you buy for your salon is an investment. If the shelving helps you to sell more products, you will eventually make up for the cost you put into the cabinets.

You will want to think about a number of other things when you look into cabinets as well. Things like color tone and style will help the retail area blend into the rest of the salon with ease. Once you have the retail area up to par, you might be surprised by how many products you sell.

For your Success,

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

Equipment to help you start your own salon

If you have always wanted to start your own salon, you know that you have a lot of work ahead of you. You will need to find a location and decide what types of services you will offer first.  Once you have those decisions made, you can start to buy the equipment you need.

There are plenty of options in terms of types of equipment and prices.  You will want your items to be high in quality so that you can ensure that your customers get nothing but the best.  In order for them to come back, they need to enjoy the treatments they receive from you.  Here are a few of the options in terms of salon equipment that you will need, or you might at least need to consider.

-Styling Chairs
The first thing you will need to add to your list is a styling chair or numerous chairs.  If you are the only worker in your salon, you might only need one, but if you plan to add employees at any point, it is a good idea to order several chairs at once so they are all the same.  Make sure the chairs are easy to clean and easy to raise and lower.  They should be comfortable for both you and your customers.

-Styling Stations
Many customers appreciate being able to look into the mirror while their stylist does their hair.  If you want to add this option to your salon, styling stations are a great idea.  Not only do these stations feature mirrors for you and your customers to use, but they also have counter top space for hair styling items and plenty of drawers for accessories.  You will need easy access to scissors, clips, dryers and other items while you work.

-Shampoo Chairs and Sinks
If you plan to offer full services that include hair washing before you do the cutting and styling, you will also want one or more shampoo chairs and sinks.  These chairs should also be comfortable for both you and your customers and the sink needs to be one that can easily be cleaned so that it shines for every customer.

No matter what you choose to include in your spa, make sure you get the best deal on every item.  A.M. Salon equipment sells a wide range of spa equipment for any spa and you can order online or by phone.  Take a look at the colors, styles and prices and you can do all of your salon shopping in one place.

For your Success,

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