We often hear about or perhaps experience a drop in the number of clients during winter.
Perhaps it's because salon goers, especially those visiting nail salons, are now covering their feet with boots, while others may not want to brave the cold weather to reach a salon.
Whatever the case, we believe that an update to your service menu in the winter, combined with a little extra cheer and dedication during this period, can work magic to keep your clients inside your establishment.
If you've already suffered from this problem and want to know how to get rid of an empty beauty salon during the cold, here are nine ways to make your business work in the winter.
1) Talk to your clients to have them book fixed times
Talk to your clients beforehand and let them know that proper care for hands, feet, skin, and hair is important during the cold months.
To make sure they are visiting your establishment out of loyalty, reward clients who book in advance.
Use all the special services you are going to offer to ensure they show up as scheduled.
Educate your clients by making them aware that they still need care and remind them that skin needs extra hydration, just like hair and nails.
To reward them for booking in advance, set aside an amount in the cash flow for when this happens.
If a client can pre-purchase your service, or at least leave a deposit, offer an incentive such as a gift card for a service.
To manage this efficiently, you can set up a loyalty program.
2) Get creative with a seasonal subscription service for your clients
How about creating packages that encourage clients to go to the salon even in winter?
For example, something that features a peppermint scrub and hot chocolate paraffin treatment—services that weren't offered before.
A foot spa with a warm blend of vanilla, brown sugar, and amber that creates a cozy and comforting aroma can be a great option.
This type of scrub contains beneficial ingredients in the lotion, including cocoa, jojoba butter, vitamin E, and aloe vera.
Add some Epsom salt to the mix to soothe aches and help the client relax.
For nail salons to stand out, there is the possibility of offering a seasonal pedicure or manicure service that clients won't be able to find anywhere else in town.
Dip your clients' feet in paraffin wax while using essential oils.
Paraffin waxes are known for their healing and pain-relieving properties.
The idea of melted wax on the feet can be particularly appealing to some.
3) Facial hydration services
The lack of moisture in the air means a lack of moisture in our skin.
Help your clients fix red, dry, and cracked skin with treatments that bring some life back to their faces.
Hydrating facials will be a hit in the cold months.
So make sure your clients know you offer them.
Use your website to run campaigns and promote the services.
Post before-and-after photos on social media to give everyone an idea of the immediate results they can expect for their skin.
4) Offer clients the option to buy the hydrating products you use in treatments
Cold days bring more than just rosy cheeks.
Skin can become exceptionally dry and uncomfortable during winter, causing skin cracking.
Be sure to offer clients extra hydration and deep exfoliation.
After the treatment, show them the products used and offer them so the client can maintain the results at home.
This way, you can increase your income while keeping everyone satisfied.
To manage all your inventory, it is worth investing in a beauty salon software.
5) Invest in your business
It is worth spending a bit of your reserve money to invest in equipment at this time of year.
Plan ahead and buy a heater that will keep your clients warm and comfortable, for example. That way, they won't mind returning during the four coldest months of the year.
6) Keep your clients' feet warm
Add toeless socks to the pedicure service to keep clients' feet warm.
Offer them as a free gift to those who book in advance.
This will definitely increase satisfaction and make your clients spread the word, which will help you get more and more bookings.
You can easily find these socks ready-made, or you can make them yourself.
Just cut the ends where the toes go and sew the edges so they don't fray.
It's simple, fast, and will guarantee you good recommendations.
Who knows, this might even end up becoming another retail product you can sell in your salon or nail spa?
7) Offer food that warms them up during low temperatures
Hot chocolate, coffee, and teas, for example, have low costs but can give you a great financial return.
It is essential to prioritize the comfort of your clients.
Offering free drinks that can help warm them up is not an excessive expense.
View this as an investment in keeping old clients and acquiring new ones who will be pleased to frequent an establishment with this unique touch.
8) Don't forget to say thank you
We know that sometimes, leaving the house in the winter to do anything can be quite a sacrifice.
So, don't forget to thank those clients who braved the freezing weather to come to your establishment.
Make personalized little cards to give to your salon visitors when they finish their services and leave.
They will surely appreciate this surprise.
It's a great way to thank them for choosing your business.
Don't forget to place a discount coupon or just a reminder for their next visit inside the envelopes with the cards.
Small things can mean a lot to people.
So show your clients some appreciation.
It could be by giving a handwritten thank-you card and perhaps a little extra, like an inexpensive candle.
You can also offer a discount the next time they come in for a treatment.
So, did you like our tips?
Then leave your comment and share this post on your social media 😀
Useful links to improve your beauty salon management
Visit our Free Materials page by clicking here
Free spreadsheet for break-even point calculation
Spreadsheet for control and cash flow management in the beauty salon
Want to understand more about Salon and Partner Professional Legislation? We prepared an e-Book
Learn more about apps for beauty salons
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