There are many reasons that hairdressing salons should sell retail hair products the obvious one being to make money. But there are other reasons maybe not so immediately obvious that can provide benefits for the salon.
Chiefly retailing gives the stylist the opportunity to show their expertise, the client wants to know which shampoo and conditioner are best for their hair and which styling tool will give them the look they want, Here is where the stylist can shine by knowing their products well and offering essential advice to the client. This in turn may prompt a sale and the client will be grateful for the advice and will be more likely to return as a result.
If your salon has free floor space in a suitable area then you can turn that wasted space into a money generating machine by putting a retail stand there. Many of the product companies provide a stand with a sufficiently large order. The great thing about retail is unlike stylists it never takes a holiday, is never off sick and never turns in late, it's just there day in day out providing you with another stream of income.
Many of the brands that are suitable for retailing are very heavily marketed and advertised and this is another way in which you can benefit by using the power of a well known brand to boost he image of your own salon. Ways this can be done include incorporating the brands logo into your own advertising material and window displays and maybe even using the logo in your signage. Clients will identify with the better known brand and in turn your salon will have more credibility by association.
The choice of brand is important, you must consider pricing and image. Does the product companies image fit with your own? Are they high end or mid range? Only you know what will suit your business but its important to find a range that fits your business and clients. It's also important to pick a quality range that is well advertised, if your clients are familiar with the products than they will be much more likely to take your advice and make a purchase and put more cash in your till.
Once you have sold some of your new products you will notice empty gaps on your stand, now its important that you re-order to fill the gaps so that you don't run out and disappoint your clients and also because clients are much more likely to buy off a well stocked stand than a half empty one. It's a good idea to open a separate business account with your bank so that money from your retail sales doesn't get mixed up with your professional salon takings. This will also make it easier for you to track your sales and check on progress.
Once you have got the hang of recommending to your clients and your bank is building up you may want to consider another range or even stock some electrical items such as hair dryers or straighteners. Your clients are going to buy them somewhere so why not get them from you together with some professional advice.
