Quiet period!

[emmabo26]

Hi all. We are currently in a quiet period, normally September we are really busy but it just isn't picking up.
How are you all in your salons and what works for you to get new clients in and old?
Thankyou

 

[Cesar]

Hey! It's quiet here too...Which is odd, even restaurants have it slow this time of the year. I use a referal feature on my salon software to pick up clients, but if you're not into that stuff, I would give out business cards to very good customers, have them write their names on them, and have them give them to their friends. If 3 people come in refered by one friend, give the referee a free service. It may be old-school, but it has worked for me on many occasions.

 

[Henrietta]

Yes, we are finding this too :/ seems strange, I've been told normally it picks up again in September after the children go back to school, however it's seems more like august still!

Maybe people will pick up their phone and start booking in I've just had a week off and now the regulars are trickling in again x

 

[user 111574]

I found the first two weeks of September quieter than usual but it seems to have perked up now.
I managed to get some new clients in by putting a post on Facebook and sharing it round all the local groups (all for free).
I actually just advertised one of my all year round package offers (facial & back massage) but the new clients thought it was on as a time limited offer so booked in quickly after seeing the advert. Managed to fill a few empty sessions this way and boost the takings nicely. They all plan to return or have already booked in again.

Facials seems to be popular this month and shellac has eased off.

Christmas week bookings are starting to come in now, so that's good!

 

[Spandangle]

Same! I'm normally turning tons away a week but this month is weirdly quiet. The diary is mega busy again for October onwards! Strangest September ever. I'm spending extra free time on marketing and setting up the new salon software system. And getting to grips with texting offers to clients x

 

[beccascottx]

See I'm still really busy! This past week has been pretty quiet but I put a special offer on (facials and massage) for Oct and Nov (was worried it would be quiet), and I'm training in Russian vol lashes on Monday so everyone has jumped in to book in for them, so as it goes I'm fully booked til 26th Oct I think my offer definitely helped and the fact I am doing the new lash training, as people are booking in for the lashes and whilst theyre booking, theyre saying like, "can you fit me in for brows/nails/a facial while I'm there?" Maybe do a recommend a friend offer or a free eyebrow wax with whatever treatment. make out like everything Is for a limited time only and that you're really busy (even if you aren't lol) - I do that and find that people panic-book, and also book their appointments well in advance as they worry that they wont be able to get booked in if they do so nearer the time. Start ranting and raving about Christmas and how busy you are already, and when clients book in for their Christmas appointment just say "shall we book in for your nails/etc up until then while we're on? Save you having to keep booking in'
Make out like you are doing them a favour by booking them in ha ha

 

[daydreams01]

See I'm still really busy! This past week has been pretty quiet but I put a special offer on (facials and massage) for Oct and Nov (was worried it would be quiet), and I'm training in Russian vol lashes on Monday so everyone has jumped in to book in for them, so as it goes I'm fully booked til 26th Oct I think my offer definitely helped and the fact I am doing the new lash training, as people are booking in for the lashes and whilst theyre booking, theyre saying like, "can you fit me in for brows/nails/a facial while I'm there?" Maybe do a recommend a friend offer or a free eyebrow wax with whatever treatment. make out like everything Is for a limited time only and that you're really busy (even if you aren't lol) - I do that and find that people panic-book, and also book their appointments well in advance as they worry that they wont be able to get booked in if they do so nearer the time. Start ranting and raving about Christmas and how busy you are already, and when clients book in for their Christmas appointment just say "shall we book in for your nails/etc up until then while we're on? Save you having to keep booking in'
Make out like you are doing them a favour by booking them in ha ha

This has worked well for us, people booking their 6 week colour then we say do you want us to put your one after that in as well cos Dec is starting to fill up and most are saying yes. At the moment we have more In for December than November lol!

 

[beccascottx]

This has worked well for us, people booking their 6 week colour then we say do you want us to put your one after that in as well cos Dec is starting to fill up and most are saying yes. At the moment we have more In for December than November lol!

I totally agree! I'm fully booked already in the 10 day run up to Christmas but have hardly anything for Nov so far!

 

[user 111574]

Yes I'm booking my clients for both their next and their Christmas appointment so filling up nicely now.

I like years where Christmas falls on the weekend rather than mid week as you can really get lots of clients done in the final run up days.

 

[byKaty]

I've started this as well and planning a few fb post's tomorrow when I finally have an empty house and no cleaning needing done!!!

 

[redlottie13]

What would you suggest putting on as a limited time offer? I'm in hair but like these ideas!
I always make out I'm busy so give them a 'slot' I can fit them in even when I have several slots! I also do recommend a friend and give 30% off! Is that too high? I've been running around 6 months but I'm inpatient! Xx

 

[FlawlessBeauty]

If my hair salon is having a quiet week they send a text out to all their clients and a facebook post to say this offer is on for this week only, limited availability, call now.

You could choose whatever offer you like but try and get them to rebook at full price x