A challenge?

[redsadie]

Hello

I don't know if you've been following me and the fact my friend in a hair studio has offered me her back room to get me started, but tonight I was going in to carry on redecorating the room when I saw a shop about 4 doors down. It usually has old sheets at the windows but tonight they had the doors open.

It had been beautifully redecorated with wooden flooring, a lovely statement wall in a bit flower print and on the window was a really professional etched sign saying 'nail enhancements, mani, pedi, massage and waxing' :cry:. I only will be providing waxing and spray tanning to begin with, have never been mobile in my life and have only had two paying wax clients so far, although they did both tip and re-book and the lady who's eyebrows I did was REALLY pleased because by the time I had finished her brows,, packed up and loaded into the car, you wouldn't have know she'd just had them done and usually she's red and has a bruised feeling for hours after.

So, slow which I expect, but I don't know whether to feel threatened before I even start or to rise to the challenge? My friend already has a base of hair clients who she is going to market me to, along with my own people, friends, family, collegues I know, and I offer spray tanning where as this other place doesn't (as far as I know).


So what do you think guys? I'm usually right in my guts and I say it's a challenge, but there's that little niggle in the back of my head that's saying 'oh my god, you've got no hope luv, you might as well give in now!'

Thanks for any words :hug:
xx

 

[loubylou]

A bit of competition is good hun,
it makes you try 10 times harder and if this other salon is going to look all posh (not saying yours isn't) it can put some people off, they will look and think oh that looks expensive i will try out the other one first (you) so just be super nice and super good at what you do and you will be fine hun honestly :hug:
do yourself a big favour and do not get into a price war with them, both salons lose when this happens, try to keep your prices the same or 50p to £1 cheaper than them if you want to go cheaper hth

 

[thg]

I took over a hair salon 4years ago and i'm still struggling some week,other week we are really busy, started in nails about 2 yrs ago and have just started getting a little business going there in my hair salon, it's not going to be easy your have your ups and downs, but you mustn't give up keep on going, i'm thinking by the time i have the salon 10 yrs if it's not a nice little thriving business, then i'll just give up..lol thg

 

[Martin Duffy]

The place where I rented a room shut down & I set up a small two room clinic whereas the owner of the premises went in with another lady & set up a massive multi-room spa. Mine was done on a budget but I kept it smart & tidy, cheap needn't look cheap! Anyway, all my clients followed me because at the end of the day people don't pay to look at your curtains, they come for a good professional treatment. I say be brave & concentrate on providing a good service in clean & smart premises (think Matalan, Ikea & the like to keep price of towels & that down). There are lots of things you can do to make your service better that doesn't cost the earth. If you want any advice drop me a line with any questions!

 

[redsadie]

WOW! Thanks for the super quick replies

I have to say I think it may put people off as it does look really posh

My room isn't going to be all super duper but it will be cosy and above all clean (it is small, lol!) but I have got things a bit cheaper like towels etc. and already have my paint from when I redecorated at home. I think I will be slightly less expensive as I am just starting out but it doesn't mean I'm less better (for want of a better way of putting it ). I am determined to prove I am as good, if not better than the competition and won't get into as price war as like mentioned, it doesn't do anyone any good. I keep telling my hairdresser friend she needs to put her prices up and stop letting people take the mickey by saying they'll pay her next week or when they get paid . That's no way to run a business and if she goes bust.......so do I! Well, bit drastic as I can go mobile but it's not waht I want to do.

Also I want to specialise in male waxing. Not everone's cup of tea, and doing my research there isn't anyone I can see who does this in my area. Even my waxing trainer said that she wouldn't recommend anyone go into 'that area'!

So, be better at what I do, be super super nice and friendly, don't undercut myself and I should be fine

Thanks again guys. xx

 

[Martin Duffy]

Oddly enough I've had similar feedback, people feel the 'spa' up the road is too posh for them & unaffordable for them. Mind you they are very expensive, London prices in a small town . I sincerely hope it all works out for you!

 

[Bebeautiful]

Most of my clients I get from word of and some from advertising; and I have experienced a situation where clients have told me that they use to go to salons and pay really expensive prices and get the same good quality treatment from me but there is a price difference. I am all for people setting up their salons on the high streets and I hope that one day I can set my salon up but as for you redsadie I would say ENJOY don't be put off by the blingbling :hug:

 

[JANEY K]

Same here by word of mouth. A few of the client's i have say that the city prices are expensive and the difference between them and me for the same treatment, I'm home based and have a little home salon ad i to have experienced the same questions.

What clients tend to forget is salons have overheads to pay(rent,electric,heating,water) as well as stock and advertising. I'm all for setting up a salon(which i hope to one day) Redsadie i would say go for it hun and enjoy & i wish you good luck :hug:,don't be put off with other salons, everyone enjoys a bit of a challenge and a little competition does make you work twice as hard.

 

[redsadie]

:hug: Thanks guys

Me and my hubby went in this morning and took down old shelves etc and generally sorted and threw out what I would make ise of and what was rubbish. The room looks much better and bigger (amazing what just taking a shelf down can do!).

My husband hadn't seen the other salon since the sheets had come off the window, and he said, 'ok, it looks nice, but I think it looks too nice. People know you and like you, you are friendly and have reasonable prices AND you are very good and passionate about what you do!'
Bless him! I am passionate and friendly and if word of mouth and my advertising works, then I'll be just fine! Also, I don't have the overheads of a salon (rent free for the first 3 months!) so we'll see what happens.

I'll keep you posted and I'll try to post some pics of this other salon and my room once it's finished.

:hug: Thanks again for all your words of encouragement

xx

 

[Blue Rose]

Well good luck with it all.

I don't think you should worry too much about the other salon/spa as in all probability you will have a different market audience of clientelle.

You also might find that clients will go to the other place for a 'treat' but will see you for their regular 'service' treatments.

Personally I'm all for a challenge. It makes you more determined to do well.