Found the perfect premises for massage clinic, but it's next to a beauty salon

[lashed11]

Hi Geeks,

As stated above, I found the perfect place to open up my massage clinic, specialising in deep tissue / sports / remedial massage and acupuncture. Perfect size, perfect location...only problem is it's right next door to an established beauty salon.

I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing, they don't seem to offer sports massage or acupuncture, which is good, but at the same time I'm not sure if they would feel really uncomfortable with this. I'm a trained beauty therapist myself and I do still do beauty treatments but my main focus is now massage, and once I'm qualified, nutrition. I do still have demand for beauty treatments from clients, which is why I still do them, so the thought of cutting it out completely seems silly.

I thought potentially it could be good for both of us, her clients may come to me for massage, and my clients may go to her for nails etc which I hate doing. But I don't want to feel like I can't offer any beauty treatments at all, for instance cosmetic acupuncture and organic facials (more for my existing clients instead of attracting new ones).

What do you think? I don't want to tread on anyone's toes, especially since she has an award winning salon. I haven't had a chance to speak to the salon owner because I think if I ask her what she feels, she's immediately going to be unhappy about it?

I know there are a few streets in my city that have 4/5/6 salons on one street. But I guess I'm not opening a salon, I'm just scared that it's too much of a risk if it means I cut out my whole beauty side.

Can anyone give me an opinion on this, ideally salon owners? How would you feel?

Thanks in advance x

 

[WilsonBarberCo]

Hi! I've got a barbershop- there is one other barbers and 5 salons in the local area.

It didn't even cross my mind to ask their opinion on my proposed business before I opened. Why? Because it's absolutely none of their business- it's mine!

Of course, I checked them out, to see if they'd be competition to my business. Unless they're going to threaten your potential earnings, then go ahead and open your clinic!

As for just doing organic facials etc for existing clients, rather than attracting new ones- how successful do you think your business will be if you don't attract new clients, as well as retaining the old ones?

In your clinic, you should be offering the very best you can of the treatments you do, regardless of whether or not someone else does them next door. This is business, you're not there to make friends- you're there to make money! You might also make friends- that would be a bonus!

You need to have more confidence in yourself as a person and business, and your ability as a therapist. If you don't, I'm afraid you're setting yourself up to fail! Good luck with it

 

[lashed11]

Hello,

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me, it was the reply I was hoping for!

I have spoken to a few people who I look up to about my situation with the whole massage and beauty thing, and what I want to focus on, and who my clients are and what they need and I basically have two completely different client groups. So I came to the conclusion that it's really the massage and health side I want to market, and then keep the beauty therapy for my existing clients.

I can see what you are saying though, it just feels quite confusing when I think about my two sets of clients and the ones I really want to retain because they are loyal and regular as opposed to my beauty clients who tend to be more seasonal and sporadic.

I wanted to speak to the salon owner because I hate e thought of her potentially bad mouthing me if she isn't happy about what I will potentially be doing, but maybe I'm over panicking about this!

It's really good to hear what you think though, thanks!

 

[BannerPenguin]

Yeah I agree with above. Don't think twice about this salon and if there as good as you say and award winning they won't think twice about you.

It's business. Tread on people's toes as much as you like. You have to strive to be the best and climb over others.

 

[WilsonBarberCo]

I think you're over thinking it. Unless the owner of next door is a total gossip and unwarranted superb*tch, you have nothing to worry about with regards to her talking about you in a negative way.

Don't give her anything to be negative about! Be confident in your skills, and in yourself! The fact you are thinking about the things you are, gives a good impression of your personality. I wish you all the luck in the world, and we're all here for when you have panicky moments to tell you that you're being daft!

 

[lashed11]

Thank you do you think I should even bother introducing myself (If this actually goes ahead) before I open up? Or is that maybe unnecessary?

My initial thought was oh that could be helpful since potential massage clients will see me when they are going for their shellacs or whatever, then I just started to panic that it would be a really silly idea...Not sure where it even came from, probably just panic because it will be my first place after 6 years of mobile work so I don't want to muck it up!

Thank you xx

 

[WilsonBarberCo]

Yeah, I would introduce yourself, make general chit chat and be a good neighbour.
I've done this with all the shops local to me- some of them have became clients! It also is nice to have a sense of community, and know that they'll be keeping an eye on your place when you're not there (and you do the same for them!). Keep us updated!

 

[squidgernetball]

We are a beauty salon that does aromatherapy massage and we rent a room out to a lady who does deep remedial massage. We don't have a grey area and I'm always keen to put clients her way. If they like a deep massage they go to her. If they like twinkly lights and lovely aromas they come to us!
I would definitely introduce yourself and focus on the areas you want to grow. If you're not really promoting beauty it's neither here nor there.
A lady set up in my small village offering spray tans. I only did the hand applied one at the time. I found other people a lot more concerned than me. They would almost try and set us against each other saying things like 'I bet you're really annoyed about her'. I never rose to it and would say healthy competition was a good thing. Neither of us are there now anyway!
Good luck. You don't need to make enemies or friends but harmony is good.

Vicki x