We may only be in the first few days of Autumn, but for beauty business owners it is already time to think about the Christmas retail phenomenon.
Christmas Beauty Treatments
As with many businesses, Christmas is a very important time, and it is vital that you capitalise on this. We are all familiar with a very full appointment book in the run up to the festive season, so try and make sure you don’t lose out when a client unexpectedly drops out. Whether it is a last minute cancellation or a simple no-show, a straight-forward deposit will make sure that you are still paid for your time even if no-one walks through the door. With fierce competition for appointments at this time of year and the possibility of turning away clients, you cannot afford for your time to be wasted by someone who forgot to check their diary.
Christmas Gift Vouchers
Whilst you might be prepared for every woman in a 20 mile radius wanting her nails done on Christmas Eve, it is important to remember that treatments are not the only way to make money over Christmas. Everyone will be gift shopping and you should not miss out on clients who are in the spending mood. Gift vouchers are an incredibly easy way to make the most of this, and require very little selling. You could offer them for specific treatments or simply a monetary value. It is worth remembering that if you have a long expiry date on your vouchers, the price for a treatment may have changed by the time it is redeemed, and this is something which you will just have to absorb.
Christmas Gift Sets
Gift sets also make wonderful Christmas gifts, and a beautiful set on display in your treatment room or reception is sure to invite enquiries. Most of your suppliers can probably offer you a range of gift sets, however, if they do not, you should not let this hold you back. By purchasing some attractive gift boxes, bags or baskets and a range of coloured tissue paper, you can create your gift sets from the products you stock. The added advantage of this is that you could offer a bespoke gift set based around requests from your client. It also allows you to put together gift sets based on your clients regular purchases when confused husband or son is in need of your help.
You should offer a range of Christmas retail options that cover everything from stocking fillers to luxury treats so that all budgets are catered for. Try putting together a flyer and an online advert detailing what Christmas gift options you will have on offer this year. Not only is this a good general marketing tactic, it is also handy for your clients to leave lying around the house as a not so subtle hint.
When it comes to Christmas, let your imagination run wild. Think about what you would love to see under the Christmas tree this year and apply it to what you over. In the run up to Christmas we would love to see your salon displays, so please post your pictures on our Facebook page!
