Don't get mad get even ideas

[pinkthistle]

So, recently pretty much every hair salon in my area has stuck a tan tent in a corner, nail table at reception and offers make up and lashes with blow dry etc etc....all for next to nothing. We are beauty only, and whilst I know it's the hairdressing side paying their rent etc it irritates me. I used to be a hairdresser and if my salon had been bigger I would have maybe incorporated that but here's my dilemma...I can't help but feel I'm being left behind!

These girls in the salons around don't tend to last long...regular turnover of staff, and I've been there 20 years, but it's still dilution of new business with them having a captive audience to target with deals etc.

I have a spare room 3 days a week, and when my tan room isn't in use I have a barber/threading type chair in there too....what would any of you target to rent this space? Hair ext? Permanent make up? Any other ideas? Or do I head down ride it out...we do most of the up to date treatments already.

Two I don't really fancy is teeth whitening or Botox. Again the local hair salons seem to be doing this.

 

[lores]

ooh I think you could do something really smart and different with your space. what do you currently offer and what is your existing clientelle like?

I personally think hairdressing and beauty do not always go naturally hand in hand and the fact you only do beauty could give you the edge as a provider of luxury more high end treatments. what about an express day spa concept for the days the room is empty where you could offer a combination of express spa style treatments for a client who wants at real treat but can't afford the time for a whole day??
Not sure what your room is like but you could come up with a massage & facial combo or luxury pedicure and eye treatment duo?? Give them a robe when they get their make them a nice cuppa or a juice when they arrive then do the treatments in say hour blocks with 15 minutes at the end for them to chill

hope this helps to generate some ideas for you :0)

 

[pinkthistle]

Hmm...we kinda already do packages, but not with robes etc...I've always steered away from real spa treatments as we don't have shower facilities. I should have mentioned before that the room is only free at the beginning of the week when less staff are in.

 

[Beautybexter]

Do you already do reflexology?
We have a reflexologist who comes in once a week and we get a percentage of her earnings.

 

[pinkthistle]

We do reflexology reluctantly lol.. Hate feet, years ago I had a chiropodist come in but he was never busy.

 

[LilCheekyMonkey]

Just a thought, what about doing male specific treatments on the free days?

Do you sale any items non beauty related? What about having another small business come in and sale their goodies?

What about having a clairvoyant come in? It was very popular in a salon I used too go to.

Do you do any offers? What about a OAP package or yummy mummy package?

HTH x

Edit - the salon I used too go to would do exhibitions to help local students out for example photography, art, textiles.

Would that be viable in your salon?

 

[pinkthistle]

We don't really do male anything....don't really want to start to be honest...I'm too old lol, client base is probably 30-60 mostly, we have a smallish reception then private treatment rooms so no room really for showing art stuff etc, small windows so most of the retail is in reception...

See why I'm struggling? lol, I did have one lady wanting to do permanent make up, but was only offering me £20 per client which I didn't think was a very good deal considering....I could make £20 in a couple of eyebrow waxes...Another business completely wouldn't work as it's a set up beauty room that would be used the rest of the weeks So I couldn't really clear it out for a couple of days.

Is it worth getting someone in that specialises in something we do? Say lashes? Or threading? Or would that be detrimental to ordinary business?

 

[ParissD]

We don't really do male anything....don't really want to start to be honest...I'm too old lol, client base is probably 30-60 mostly, we have a smallish reception then private treatment rooms so no room really for showing art stuff etc, small windows so most of the retail is in reception...

See why I'm struggling? lol, I did have one lady wanting to do permanent make up, but was only offering me £20 per client which I didn't think was a very good deal considering....I could make £20 in a couple of eyebrow waxes...Another business completely wouldn't work as it's a set up beauty room that would be used the rest of the weeks So I couldn't really clear it out for a couple of days.

Is it worth getting someone in that specialises in something we do? Say lashes? Or threading? Or would that be detrimental to ordinary business?

Why don't you shop about ? If your happy for permanent make up but only getting offered so much, try contacting others, or put in local paper maybe ? Fb ?

Arn't you interested in micro needling ? Microdermabrasion ? To be offered x

 

[souz]

I think you need to sit down and work out what your usp is

If the room is only available at beginning of week why not offer pamper packages where you can go that bit extra with the room but only on the days at beginning of week....turn it into a mini lounge area with nibbles and wine or something....find out what is missing in your area??? Do a survey with existing clients to find out what's missing or on your Facebook page ...survey monkey is great for this, all anonymous and free

Look at your existing treatments and re invent them....make clients think they are getting something a little more than everywhere else

Become a brow specialist place or lash specialist or whatever is missing

As for spa treatments you don't necessarily need a shower, I offer spa treatment and have a hot towel cabinet as well as fancy silver flasks filled with hot water, I got them in costco, silver bowls from ikea and make sure there are plastic sheets on couch ...yes it's not the same but I make it work!!create an atmosphere...fairy lights, lamps, candles, oil burners blankets and voila your very own spa

Create a signature treatment of your own and launch it, have an launch nite

 

[pinkthistle]

Why don't you shop about ? If your happy for permanent make up but only getting offered so much, try contacting others, or put in local paper maybe ? Fb ?

Arn't you interested in micro needling ? Microdermabrasion ? To be offered x

I do them already...I'm also qualified in permanent make up but feel I want a refresher.

 

[ParissD]

Can't you see if your local college or local trainer would offer a refresher course ? I know they arn't cheap the full courses are they x

 

[pinkthistle]

No chance of permanent make up from the colleges around here...

I'll have a think about some,of the suggestions, thanks all