Am I mad to be opening a new spa in a recession??

[Treez]

Hi there,
I'd appreciate any advice you might have. I'm opening a new day spa in January and am starting to think I might be absolutely mad given the global economic meltdown. Obviously I'm going to careful with the pennies and will price lower as people have much less to spend now.

Have you noticed a big hit in business recently? Do you think I need to be sectioned??!

Any advice, however honest, would be very welcome!

 

[ch4rli3]

Hi Treez

I've not really got any advice as such but a similar situation. I am starting a new job on Saturday in a Brand new salon.
It has just finished being built and I am starting for their Launch Date.

I must admit I was a little wary when I was told the Job I was being interviewed for was actually going to be a new salon, as I thought the owner must be a bit mad to be opening a new salon, what with everything that has been going on with the credit crunch............But hey, I am fully booked for the launch and so are the other 4 therapists that work there!!! So can't be that bad!

Good Luck and Let us know how you get on!

x

 

[number1kitty]

I am looking at opening another salon, and I have a big client base, but I am defo holding out now for 12 months.

Going to ride on the back on the salons going bust, and then buy a salon that is already kitted out. Sounds cruel but I think the days of a town or city being swamped in salons are going to come to an abrubt end.

If you dont over or under price your treatments and you offer excellent service that money cannot buy then beauty salons will survive this credit crunch. Have an 'i dont need you as theres plenty more clients on the book' attitude will mean many salons are going to lose their business.

You may have to work that little bit harder than you normally would but I doubt you will fail providing you have passion and drive.

Good luck

Kate

 

[Shine_Studios]

Hi treez! I dont think your mad! Im possibly moving salon to a much bigger premises (a bit like a day spa too) in a couple of months, and im juuust as worried as you are! But tbh, i think now is a good time to buy your furniture, stock, and get your printing done as everywhere is having good sales!! And as geeg wrote in a thread, women will give up many more things over their beauty regime!

Good luck! Everything will be fine, just work extra hard!!! And keep some special offers running for those who have a bit less free cash to spare xxxx

 

[crazysaz]

sorry for hijacking but what exactly is a day spa? must it have some sort of watery spa device or just a posh salon?

 

[Shine_Studios]

well, maybe a day spa might not be the best term lol, im a salon that will be offering services normally offered in a spa, eg, body massage and wraps, pamper days, and we have hair, nails, sunbed & spray tanning. the overall look of the salon when done will be that of a spa eg - features; archways, large open stair cases, fountains, small courtyard with outdoor seating, things like that.

we will not be called a spa though, i think a real spa has steam rooms, and hot tubs and things like that, but its nice to give yourself a nice name, afterall, as long as the clients are happy and been looked after, call yourself what you like!! xxxxx

 

[miss_petite]

one thing that iv heard is that in past recessions the beauty industry has boomed....

 

[The Geek]

Interestingly, I was watching Bloomberg this morning and one story noted that since the economic crisis kicked off, salons are caching in on the action. They quoted a particular salon in Londons financial district (which may see up to 64,000 job losses) has seen massage up by 28% as well as manicure treatments.

It was only a brief mention, but still worth taking note of

 

[Bagpuss]

I think that sometimes people feel that with all this doom and gloom about with this financial thing they want/need a treat....my clients are telling me that they have cut back on things like food shopping and getting cheaper clothes...looking for bargains...going out less...but they need there appointments with me cos its there treat...they need something to look forward to.

 

[fozzyo]

Not at all mad - people want to escape the doom and gloom and a lovely day spa is a great place to do it! Be careful about your pricing - don't lower them too much (if at all) as all you do is undervalue yourself, and make it harder for you to turn a profit and of course put them up later on.

Mat

 

[Colonic Marie]

I started a salon just over a year ago. I would urge extreme caution if you are considering opening a business in this climate unless you already have a loyal and substantial client base.

On the upside you can negotiate great deals on leases, marketing, builders and decorating.

As with any business there is always an element of risk and you have to decide if you are prepared to take it !

Good Luck