Facial Products Not Being Used

[littlemiss1t]

Hello All,

I have a problem with my facial products, wondered if anyone has any advice....

I started working for myself in September 2007 and bought a large starter kit for facials.

I do not have the call for facials and although I wanted to stop offering them, I know that as I can do them, I hve to put them on my price list.

I use Skin Truth, as a basic starter kit I didn't want to spend on a minimum order i.e. £2,500, and I know people aren't not booking in because it's not a well known brand. I have been trained with Elemis, Thalgo & Matis, but the starter kit, if they offer it is too expensive. Just worried as I have about £100 stock sitting there.

Most of my clients book in for everything, apart from nails and I don't want to do the "hard sell" and try getting them to book in. As I have a good turn over of repeat clients on all other treatments, I am happy as they come in very regular.

What can I do? I know people will suggest promotions, but I have been running these since I started, as I knew there was not a lot of call.

Any suggestions would be really grateful.

Carly x

 

[number1kitty]

I would do one of two things. First if you have the clients there for other stuff then dont push the facials. The stuff is there should you get someone booking one. Or secondly you could keep it and offer it as part of a package or get rid of the stock by offering a special promotion on one of your quieter days.

Thing is you dont have to offer facials - many salons specialise in different areas. Now women are far more informed on whats what in the facial and skincare world so if they want results will go to salons that offer advanced products or treatments. In the credit crunch shadow we are in now though dont be surprised if there isnt the demand for 'luxury' treatments such as facials. People are cutting back on spending. If your busy in all your other areas then keep promoting what your client wants and dont worry so much about the treatments your not offering.

Kate

 

[Apex73]

Hello All,

I have a problem with my facial products, wondered if anyone has any advice....

I started working for myself in September 2007 and bought a large starter kit for facials.

I do not have the call for facials and although I wanted to stop offering them, I know that as I can do them, I hve to put them on my price list.

I use Skin Truth, as a basic starter kit I didn't want to spend on a minimum order i.e. £2,500, and I know people aren't not booking in because it's not a well known brand. I have been trained with Elemis, Thalgo & Matis, but the starter kit, if they offer it is too expensive. Just worried as I have about £100 stock sitting there.

Most of my clients book in for everything, apart from nails and I don't want to do the "hard sell" and try getting them to book in. As I have a good turn over of repeat clients on all other treatments, I am happy as they come in very regular.

What can I do? I know people will suggest promotions, but I have been running these since I started, as I knew there was not a lot of call.

Any suggestions would be really grateful.

Carly x

Hi Carly

Have you considered offering some free-of-charge facials?

For instance, you could offer one to a returning client...
or a buy one get one cheap/free.

or

Bring a buddy, get a bargain/free facial.

Even though this means you are using your stuff with limited return, its better than watching your hard earned cash/product collecting dust & going out of date, & it might just do the trick.

Do your clients/potential clients know what brand you are using?
Do you yourself genuinely rate the products?

Are you looking super glowingly gorgeous using the range?

Cos lets face it (boom boom :smack you are your own advertising.

Hth's a bit x
:hug:

 

[littlemiss1t]

Thanks for that, I think that's a really positive response.

All I worry about is being sods law that people will start to ask for facials as soon as I take them off the price list.

I need to find out the shelf life on the products before considering what to do - I will contact the supplier.

Thank you for that

Carly x

 

[littlemiss1t]

Thanks Apex73.

I know what you mean.... About appearance. My older clients always comment on my skin, but then I'm 23, and that is part of the reason I don't have any major problems (Touch Wood)!

I will look into this once I have all the feedback I need.

Anyone else?

Carly x

 

[gemsie1983]

Just get busy marketing your Facials!

One quick idea is you could do a mini or taster facial for all of your regulars, give them a voucher as a gift which they then redeem. If you present it as a gift for their loyal custom then they are more likely to use it. Then you have the opportunity to discuss facials without the hard sell.

Not easy to promote luxuries in this current climate I know but people still have money to spend!

Good luck!

 

[hippy-chick]

why not offer an upgrade to one of your treatments? eg, book a back massage and get a free mini facial.

Your signature says
'lifes to short for cheap wine' well same can be said for skincare
'lifes to short for cheap skincare products' (pun!) consider, your clients may not be booking in for facials as they know that your products aren't from a well known brand.

If you enjoy doing them, and like the products you are using, you may find that the hard sell isn't needed.

 

[Blue Rose]

why not offer an upgrade to one of your treatments? eg, book a back massage and get a free mini facial.

Your signature says
'lifes to short for cheap wine' well same can be said for skincare
'lifes too short for cheap skincare products' (pun!) consider, your clients may not be booking in for facials as they know that your products aren't from a well known brand.

If you enjoy doing them, and like the products you are using, you may find that the hard sell isn't needed.

Ooh, I like that Ann, you clever girl . Wish I could be more creative at coming up with puns sometimes.

As for doing more facials you do need to promote them more. As already mentioned, put a treatment package together that includes a mini facial. We do this a lot with our monthly offers & it's surprising how many clients have gone on to book regular full facials & buy products.

 

[GLAMOUR BEAUTY]

why not offer an upgrade to one of your treatments? eg, book a back massage and get a free mini facial.

Your signature says
'lifes to short for cheap wine' well same can be said for skincare
'lifes to short for cheap skincare products' (pun!) consider, your clients may not be booking in for facials as they know that your products aren't from a well known brand.

If you enjoy doing them, and like the products you are using, you may find that the hard sell isn't needed.

Nice pun Ann

Ann is correct, using cheaper skincare products will not help the situation at all. Clients are aware of products and other salons will know what you use too. You do not want to be labeled the salon that uses cheap products do you.

think of it this way.

1. Would you use the products on you skin?

2. Would you go to a salon for a facial and be upset that they used cheap products

3 Would you buy cheap retail products yourself to use at home

i guess you answered no to all 3 so why expect your clients to put up with cheap products

My advice is invest a small amount of money in a premiere skincare (£150.00) to start, get trained up and promote a new brand. The account manager will help you on wording, promos ect

A small price to pay to get your facial clients happy

There is plenty of good skincare companies which will help - pm me if you want help.

 

[aquariushoney]

All sound advice.

However, don't go for a skincare line just because it's expensive.

Choose your skincare based on performance, natural ingredients, local product...whatever your unique selling point is.

But, above all, you have to 100% use and believe in your products.

I use a natural skincare line which is a local product from my area containing NZ Manuka Honey. It's not a fancy high priced line, but it is unique (the mask during the facial is pure honey!!). And, I fully endorse my products 100%.

My clients know that I use the products myself. And, while they are not super expensive, they do give results.

 

[littlemiss1t]

Hi,

Thanks for your comments. As I mentioned I am trained with Elemis, Thalgo & Matis but the starting up costs are £2,500.

Also, I am not gettign queries on facials, so I don't want to spend another large amount if people aren't even calling to find out what brand I am using.

Need to do a bit more research into this before I but another kit

Carly x

Nice pun Ann

Ann is correct, using cheaper skincare products will not help the situation at all. Clients are aware of products and other salons will know what you use too. You do not want to be labeled the salon that uses cheap products do you.

think of it this way.

1. Would you use the products on you skin?

2. Would you go to a salon for a facial and be upset that they used cheap products

3 Would you buy cheap retail products yourself to use at home

i guess you answered no to all 3 so why expect your clients to put up with cheap products

My advice is invest a small amount of money in a premiere skincare (£150.00) to start, get trained up and promote a new brand. The account manager will help you on wording, promos ect

A small price to pay to get your facial clients happy

There is plenty of good skincare companies which will help - pm me if you want help.

 

[GLAMOUR BEAUTY]

All sound advice.

However, don't go for a skincare line just because it's expensive.

Choose your skincare based on performance, natural ingredients, local product...whatever your unique selling point is.

But, above all, you have to 100% use and believe in your products.

I use a natural skincare line which is a local product from my area containing NZ Manuka Honey. It's not a fancy high priced line, but it is unique (the mask during the facial is pure honey!!). And, I fully endorse my products 100%.

My clients know that I use the products myself. And, while they are not super expensive, they do give results.

I agree you do have to believe in what you use 100% other wise you will become to hate doing your job and never sell the treatment.

 

[GLAMOUR BEAUTY]

Hi,

Thanks for your comments. As I mentioned I am trained with Elemis, Thalgo & Matis but the starting up costs are £2,500.

Also, I am not gettign queries on facials, so I don't want to spend another large amount if people aren't even calling to find out what brand I am using.

Need to do a bit more research into this before I but another kit

Carly x

You sound if you want to do facials but are not getting the calls (you would not have posted this thread otherwise)

Not all companies charge thousands too set up, a good company will give you support and give you advice on promos ect.

 

[Blue Rose]

Hi,

Thanks for your comments. As I mentioned I am trained with Elemis, Thalgo & Matis but the starting up costs are £2,500.

Also, I am not gettign queries on facials, so I don't want to spend another large amount if people aren't even calling to find out what brand I am using.

Need to do a bit more research into this before I but another kit

Carly x

Bit of a catch 22 but as already mentioned, unless you get a decent range in, you probably won't get much demand.

To create demand you need to create a buzz with your existing clientelle. When you find a range to work with that you love, that excitement will rub off on your clients & facials will pick up.

Best thing I ever did was change from SM to Algologie. Start up costs are affordable, training is free & the products themselves are really good. Because we all love, love, love Algologie selling facials & products has been so much easier.

 

[littlemiss1t]

Reason for the thread was exactly as what it says "Facial products not being used"

Any of the companies I mentioned that I am trained with, either won't supply to you as you are not a stockist or want a minimum of £2,500 as I called and asked how much from when I was trained with them.

I specialise in nails, so it's not a matter of not getting calls but people aren't booking in for them, as facials are deemed more of a luxury treatment.

You sound if you want to do facials but are not getting the calls (you would not have posted this thread otherwise)

Not all companies charge thousands too set up, a good company will give you support and give you advice on promos ect.

 

[Jollyon]

You are a business woman hun, therefore, get that business head on your shoulders!

I totally feel what you are saying in terms of not wanting to spend out on something that is not guaranteed to fly out the door - we have all been in this situation in business I would imagine.

I would maybe look at a slightly higher end brand - not massively expensive, just middle ground. For now.

You have a qualification, use it! You must do the 'hard sell' - just in a nice way

 

[hippy-chick]

but get the products used, offer a buy a treatment get a free mini facial. Or buy a gift voucher and get a free facial voucher to go with it.

Then start ringing around. Yes, the companies that you have trained with are expensive, but their is quality products out there without a huge start up outlay.

I use a good brand and its a few hundred to set up. I love talking to my clients about the facial range, proud of it, and my enthusiasm must wear off as they generally book.

I'm afraid Skin Truth is not an expensive looking range and if I went for a facial and saw those products, I would probably change my mind and ask for something else.

 

[denicon]

I have just completed my facials training and am looking for a product range. I am a self-employed therapist and don't have lots of spare cash to spend on a big starter kit. (the company I spoke to this morning said their minimum opening order was ONLY £1000!!!) I understand that clients expect a little luxury when they come for a facial but the cost to start up with a known brand is huge! Does anyone have any advice on a nice range of products to start with and slowly build up?

 

[Martin Duffy]

If you think £1,000 is expensive try the nigh on £6,000 I spent taking on Decleor!! To be honest if you want to be doing facials you're going to have to spend a little to make a little. People are a lot more savy with skincare nowdays & aren't going to put up with someone slapping fullers earth & flowers of sulphur on their face anymore! To illustrate the point in one salon I worked in we went from an unknown range where the average retail product was around the £5 to £10 mark and changed to Aromatherapy Associates, and the result was not only increased facial bookings but increased retail - even though I personally don't rate the Aromatherapy Associate facial range.

That said expense doesn't always mean results; I've used some expensive ranges in the past that just didn't do what they were supposed to either. You just need to work out what you can afford, and choose something in that range that looks & smells good, works and fits in with your philosophy (i.e. natural skincare, local products, medical based etc). You also should intend on sticking with your brand for a while, as clients get very suspicious when people keep ditching the old range and starting a new one; if you tell someone how wonderful a product is & later ditch if for a new one it implies the old one wasn't as good as you said, which leads to trust issues, plus some people get hooked on a product & get annoyed when it's discontinued.

Anyway as to the products not being used I would do as others have suggested and have a promotion offering a free or heavily discounted facial when a more popular treatment is booked. Failing that maybe use the cleanser to wash people's hands & feet, maybe using the moisturiser on their face after a full body massage, and perhaps a cleanse, mask & moisturise whilst waiting for nail varnish to set. I'm sure you can think of ways to use it up in other treatments!

 

[Bebeautiful]

Have you thought of selling the on ebay, I am not a great lover of ebay but something like this may tempt me to sell on ebay.