Salon Today - November 2008 - (Page 30)

PINCH PR F Serena Chreky is disappointed that her online gift card sales have been fairly depressed this year. But that may be a factor of her new “Gift Cards To Go” program. On the last Wednesday of every month, clients can purchase gift cards at a 10-percent discount. For example, on that day a client could purchase a $200 card for only $180, allowing them to purchase a more valuable gift for less money. “While a lot of salons would argue it doesn’t make sense to discount gift cards, it really gets new clients in the door for us,” she says. Constantly monitor how the economic situation is impacting your staff. Spouses may have lost their jobs, gas prices may tighten up wallets, stress levels may be high, and they may be facing some very tough personal times. “Make sure your staff is taken care of as best you can, and be attentive to their needs,” says Logan. “It may be as simple as allowing them to pick up extra hours or simply be available to listen.” on a cut and style range from $28 to $75 based on the experience and talent level of the stylist. It’s a strategy that paid off well for Thomas Gentry in 2001. “After the dot.com crash and then September 11, we began pulling clients from the area’s more exclusive, high-end salons because we offered a price point for everyone,” she says. The Great Price Debate Raising prices can be a hair-raising decision in the best of times, but doing so during an economic squeeze can be downright frightening. Raising your prices is exactly what you should be considering, warns Kopsa. “Most likely your costs—backbar, insurance, utilities, rent—are going up too. For example if your ﬁxed costs are $300,000 and they go up by 3 percent, then that’s $9,000. If you don’t do anything differently, that’ll come right out of your proﬁts.” If you don’t have structured pricing, now may be the time to consider the shift. At VAIN, prices Opportunity Knocks Even the blackest of clouds have silver linings. Don’t hesitate to search for and act on the opportunities presented by a depressed economy. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and have lived through other slow times,” says Gordon. “With the real estate slump, this is an excellent time to identify those strategic areas where you want to expand, then look for great deals on real estate.” >> “I make notes in each client’s proﬁle so I can remember to ask about their vacation, birthday, daughter’s wedding.” —Mandy Krisman, MK Hairdressing Studio, Irvine, California Do you have 24 hour support? Shortcuts is the only place you will ﬁnd: • • • • • Software that Comes Customized for your Salon or Spa Reliable and Friendly Technical Support Yearly Software Upgrades Innovative and Customized Training The Only System Designed for Touch 866-678-7324 sales@shortcuts.net www.shortcuts.net http://www.dot.com http://www.shortcuts.net http://www.shortcuts.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Salon Today - November 2008

Salon Today - November 2008 Contents Editor's Note Reception Fashion Sense Marketing Roundtable Decor Spa Menu Dream Team Pinch Proof Growing Pains Products Owner to Owner

Salon Today - November 2008

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