Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/97567
9 Things to Ask Before Accepting a Job 1. What is the budget for ongoing education? 2. How does the owner educate her staff? 3. What product does the salon use and why? 4. What subscriptions to trade resources does the salon provide? 5. Is the salon a member of professional connections and networks? 6. What is the strategic plan of the salon? 7. Ask to see the salon handbook. 8. Understand the pay scale. Performance-based pay seems to work best. 9. What are the use parameters for the salon name and logo when you advertise yourself? HEATHER GOODWIN 8 Retail Rules + 1 Reminder Reminder: Purchasing retail is like spreading a bunch of $20 bills around the salon. That money better regenerate money that lands in your wallet! 1. Recognize slow movers and get them out fast through sales or 2 Interview Tips 1. Ask open-ended questions. 2. Make sure what you agree upon is in writing. HEATHER GOODWIN 152 | NAILS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 bundling with service specials. 2. Go wide and shallow. The same 80 to 100 people come in all the time, so I can't sell 10 pieces of the same item. My best strategy is to carry the full range of products within a line, but not more than three of any particular item or scent. 3. If you only bring in one scent when four are available, or only carry the lotion but not the scrub, it tells clients you are unsure of the line. It makes them less likely to gamble their money on an uncertain purchase. 4. For larger items more suited to gifting (decor in my case), the rules change a bit — you don't have to have a full range from one artist or vendor. But if you're going to carry some decor items, you need to have a range, not just one or two. Again, it goes back to the client seeing you are invested. 5. Decor items only seem to be giftable if they are small — people are generally concerned with whether something will fit in the recipients home, so items that can be put on small walls or tucked onto a shelf seem to be the most popular. 6. Lines brought in should have a hook: made in the USA, handcrafted, the company employs handicapped workers, family-run business, recycled materials in the product, solar power used in the manufacturing facilities, something unique about the artist. And then make sure you know the talking points and use them with clients. 7. Recognize some items will sell only for a short time (seasonal, for example). Other items are consumable (candles, lotions) or giftable and are good items to carry year round. 8. Make sure every item you bring in fits the look, feel, quality, and price of what's already in your shop. I try to keep my retail range the same as my service range — $6-$80. I have four retail "departments." When I'm thinking of a new line I compare it to others in the same area to make sure it fits cohesively with what I already have. CANDICE EVEREST, STANWOOD, WASH.