Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/213903
how to survive… A Move to a New Location Moving your salon to a new location is a major undertaking, but it doesn't have to become a nightmare. Learning what to do and when to do it can ease your burden. Before the Move > Update client contact information. > Develop a budget and moving fund. > Research licensing requirements and codes for any prospective locale. > Decide if you are up for a name or logo change. > If you're not moving far, see if you can keep the same phone number. > Draw the floor plan and measure rooms. A measuring tape can help you plan the space and avoid costly mistakes. > Plan to have utilities turned off at the old location after the move and turned on at the new location well ahead of the move. When the Move Is Imminent > Start having supplies delivered to the new location ahead. Use up what you have in the old location. > Hire a technology company to route phone lines, cables, and set up computers. > Allow extra days for city and state inspections and unforeseen work that may need to be done. > Try to build-in wiggle room on the departure date from the old salon. > Notify everyone you do business with of your change of address. > Keep a binder with contracts, paint chips, fabric swatches, lists, etc., that pertain to the move. > Ask property owners, codes and compliance, state boards, etc., if there are any permits you may need. > Talk with state boards about interior requirements for the salon. > Remind clients of the moving date. Update telephone prompts with directions to the new salon and any parking requirements. > Consider doing a video walk-through of the old and new locations as a benchmark for how the properties were left and found. > Update social media and marketing — anywhere your address 120 | NAILS MAGAZINE | 2013-2014 THE BIG BOOK appears. Do an online search to find locations you may have missed such as free telephone directories. Packing Tips > Sort items as they are packed. Purge any unwanted items early on. Plan on hand-carrying anything extremely valuable or breakable. > Mark all boxes clearly. List the room of the salon and the contents. Keep an ongoing inventory with box numbers so you won't have to open 15 boxes to find the extension cord. > Wrap items with repurposed bubble wrap or newspaper and pack in sturdy boxes. It helps if the boxes are similar sizes. > Assemble more help than you plan to need, and plan on feeding and entertaining the help. > Avoid moving flammables if it is more than across town. If hiring professional movers, they will likely restrict the contents they will move or warehouse. After the Move > Reward long-time clients by holding a soft opening and giving them the opportunity to prebook premium appointment times. > Offer tours of the new location before opening day. > Call the local newspaper. Have before and after photos and staff bios ready. > Distribute the new salon menu to all existing clients and local hotels. > Postcards listing your old and new location can be quickly dropped in the mail. > Consider bag stuffers with coupons and a moving notice. > Hold an open house with mini treatments, door prizes, and food. > When calling to remind clients of appointments, let them know about the new location and offer directions and information on parking. >>>