Comments for SpaBoom Blog http://www.spaboomblog.com Online marketing for spas, salons and massage therapists Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:03:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by Shelly http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28771 Shelly Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:54:00 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28771 I strongly disagree with Mr. Rangel. As business owners, many of us have looked at Groupon (and similar business models) with great detail because we are always looking for effective ways to market our business. In my research, I came across numerous posts on the internet by "serial" Grouponites, who are not interested in finding a salon for the long term. They freely admit that they no longer go to their regular stylist because they can get their hair done for half-price at other establishments with Groupon deals. Some posters admit they would never be able to afford the salons and spas they visited with Groupon. Now, I realize that these comments are anecdotal but it forced me to think long and hard whether Groupon-like advertising was right for my salon and spa business. How many of these people are visiting my salon because they could not afford it otherwise and does this mean there is no opportunity to upsell beyond a $15 brow wax? If I do a Groupon and sell 50-100, 1/2 off services, how am I going to pay my employees their commission...I can't really ask them to work for free! How do other salons afford this? Do they give Groupon people to their junior stylist or therapist (who they are paying hourly) and hope they can handle the influx of people. Will the Groupon client write a bad review if the junior stylist doesn't meet their expectations? And the most important question...if you limit the Groupon deal to new clients, how will your loyal clients feel? I don't know about you, but if my loyal clients saw that I was offering a Groupon Deal for 1/2 off, they wouldn't be happy. Conversely, if the Groupon deal was open to everyone, how many of our regular, paying clients would buy-in? OUCH! In my view, Groupon is better suited for a restaurant or coffee shop where there is a better opportunity to upsell and the employee is paid hourly (not commission). Unfortunately, I am seeing many "upscale" salons and spas jumping on the bandwagon. I recently saw a struggling competitor succumb to a ridiculously discounted group buying deal. To me, in this industry, it is a desperation tactic. Unfortunately, it is dragging all of us down by eroding our prices and changing consumer behavior. Small businesses will take longer to recover in this recession and will delay hiring new staff while they try to recover their pricing structure. We might hold off buying new equipment or making capital improvements. Groupon-like businesses are not helping the recovery, they are delaying it. I also find it interesting that Groupon employees are combing through the internet and replying to discussion boards to defend their business model. I strongly disagree with Mr. Rangel. As business owners, many of us have looked at Groupon (and similar business models) with great detail because we are always looking for effective ways to market our business. In my research, I came across numerous posts on the internet by "serial" Grouponites, who are not interested in finding a salon for the long term. They freely admit that they no longer go to their regular stylist because they can get their hair done for half-price at other establishments with Groupon deals. Some posters admit they would never be able to afford the salons and spas they visited with Groupon. Now, I realize that these comments are anecdotal but it forced me to think long and hard whether Groupon-like advertising was right for my salon and spa business. How many of these people are visiting my salon because they could not afford it otherwise and does this mean there is no opportunity to upsell beyond a $15 brow wax? If I do a Groupon and sell 50-100, 1/2 off services, how am I going to pay my employees their commission…I can't really ask them to work for free! How do other salons afford this? Do they give Groupon people to their junior stylist or therapist (who they are paying hourly) and hope they can handle the influx of people. Will the Groupon client write a bad review if the junior stylist doesn't meet their expectations? And the most important question…if you limit the Groupon deal to new clients, how will your loyal clients feel? I don't know about you, but if my loyal clients saw that I was offering a Groupon Deal for 1/2 off, they wouldn't be happy. Conversely, if the Groupon deal was open to everyone, how many of our regular, paying clients would buy-in? OUCH! In my view, Groupon is better suited for a restaurant or coffee shop where there is a better opportunity to upsell and the employee is paid hourly (not commission). Unfortunately, I am seeing many "upscale" salons and spas jumping on the bandwagon. I recently saw a struggling competitor succumb to a ridiculously discounted group buying deal. To me, in this industry, it is a desperation tactic. Unfortunately, it is dragging all of us down by eroding our prices and changing consumer behavior. Small businesses will take longer to recover in this recession and will delay hiring new staff while they try to recover their pricing structure. We might hold off buying new equipment or making capital improvements. Groupon-like businesses are not helping the recovery, they are delaying it. I also find it interesting that Groupon employees are combing through the internet and replying to discussion boards to defend their business model.

]]> Comment on Are Deal Days a good deal for you? by Matt Hurst http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28761 Matt Hurst Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:21:47 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28761 I've been helping SpaFinder promote Deal Days, and unlike some other commenters (who either run their spas offline or are trying to hide their identity) I've heard a lot of success stories from participating spas this week. Many spas are booked solid through the rest of the week-long promotion, although some spas are having trouble getting the word out. In helping promote the event, I've noticed the most successful spas have been promoting the event online- which gives us the opportunity to re-tweet, blog, and update our Facebook page to amplify their word of mouth marketing. To be fair we're promoting 600+ spas in 39 US states (and DC) it'd be unreasonable to every spa to have a runaway success. However I've heard measurable excitement from consumers, many of whom would be otherwise reluctant to get spa treatment under this economic stress, since these promotions offer a strong and meaningful incentive that encourages brand/spa loyalty. I've been helping SpaFinder promote Deal Days, and unlike some other commenters (who either run their spas offline or are trying to hide their identity) I've heard a lot of success stories from participating spas this week. Many spas are booked solid through the rest of the week-long promotion, although some spas are having trouble getting the word out.

In helping promote the event, I've noticed the most successful spas have been promoting the event online- which gives us the opportunity to re-tweet, blog, and update our Facebook page to amplify their word of mouth marketing. To be fair we're promoting 600+ spas in 39 US states (and DC) it'd be unreasonable to every spa to have a runaway success. However I've heard measurable excitement from consumers, many of whom would be otherwise reluctant to get spa treatment under this economic stress, since these promotions offer a strong and meaningful incentive that encourages brand/spa loyalty.

]]> Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by David Rangel http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28759 David Rangel Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:53:46 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28759 I am a Groupon employee and would like to write a few quick points regarding this post and subsequent comments. At Groupon we work really hard to help our business customers, so it's great to see an open discussion of these topics. However, we respectfully disagree with some of the points made above: <ol> <li>Groupon and business brands -- Groupon, from the beginning, has been all about exposing people to fun, quality businesses and activities in their cities. We only feature a mix of highly-rated businesses and we do everything we can to make sure both the business and consumers have a great experience. Because of this, the majority of our subscribers see our deals as opportunities to discover highly-regarded businesses and try new things -- not as a way to get cheap deals. In addition, the one-time, one-day-only nature of our deals does not condition people to expect consistent discounts from one specific business. In fact, it is the opposite -- when people see a Groupon they know they have to act quickly in order to take advantage of an unbeatable opportunity.</li> <li>Groupon buyers -- The Groupon customer demographics are highly attractive (70% female, high income, highly educated). Most of them are not serial deal buyers, moving from one spa deal to the next. As mentioned above, they want to find interesting new businesses in their neighborhoods. Because of this, the vast majority of our business customers have had great results and are strong advocates for Groupon.</li> </ol> A business' goals when running a Groupon are essentially the same as those with other marketing channels: get new customers in the door, after which they strive to give them a great experience and convert them into repeat business. Groupon, in addition, has big advantages -- it is highly trackable, requires no upfront investment and results in a great deal of media exposure and word-of-mouth. Thank you for the opportunity to post and add to the discussion. Hopefully this helps, but feel free to let us know if we can answer other questions. Our site for businesses, <a href="http://www.grouponworks.com" rel="nofollow">GrouponWorks</a>, has a lot of information and case studies that talk to the points made above. Thanks, <a href="mailto:david AT groupon DOT com" rel="nofollow">David Rangel</a> I am a Groupon employee and would like to write a few quick points regarding this post and subsequent comments. At Groupon we work really hard to help our business customers, so it's great to see an open discussion of these topics. However, we respectfully disagree with some of the points made above:

  1. Groupon and business brands — Groupon, from the beginning, has been all about exposing people to fun, quality businesses and activities in their cities. We only feature a mix of highly-rated businesses and we do everything we can to make sure both the business and consumers have a great experience. Because of this, the majority of our subscribers see our deals as opportunities to discover highly-regarded businesses and try new things — not as a way to get cheap deals.

    In addition, the one-time, one-day-only nature of our deals does not condition people to expect consistent discounts from one specific business. In fact, it is the opposite — when people see a Groupon they know they have to act quickly in order to take advantage of an unbeatable opportunity.

  2. Groupon buyers — The Groupon customer demographics are highly attractive (70% female, high income, highly educated). Most of them are not serial deal buyers, moving from one spa deal to the next. As mentioned above, they want to find interesting new businesses in their neighborhoods. Because of this, the vast majority of our business customers have had great results and are strong advocates for Groupon.

A business' goals when running a Groupon are essentially the same as those with other marketing channels: get new customers in the door, after which they strive to give them a great experience and convert them into repeat business. Groupon, in addition, has big advantages — it is highly trackable, requires no upfront investment and results in a great deal of media exposure and word-of-mouth.

Thank you for the opportunity to post and add to the discussion. Hopefully this helps, but feel free to let us know if we can answer other questions. Our site for businesses, GrouponWorks, has a lot of information and case studies that talk to the points made above.

Thanks,

David Rangel

]]> Comment on Are Deal Days a good deal for you? by Laila http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28758 Laila Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:27:23 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28758 I have participated in Spa Week before, and my results were off the charts. When SpaFinder contacted me, I was made to believe that "Deal Days" was the same thing. Thus far, I have received not one call from any customer about this -- not even my regulars. By comparison, the Spa Week event is far superior to "Deal Days," and this is definitely something I will never do again. I have participated in Spa Week before, and my results were off the charts. When SpaFinder contacted me, I was made to believe that "Deal Days" was the same thing. Thus far, I have received not one call from any customer about this — not even my regulars. By comparison, the Spa Week event is far superior to "Deal Days," and this is definitely something I will never do again.

]]> Comment on Are Deal Days a good deal for you? by Nancy http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28751 Nancy Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:35:12 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28751 We are participating in "Deal Days" this week. We have booked one appointment for today. It is a regular client that received email from SpaFinder. We have 2 more Saturday and they are new clients. So for us the price to join "Deal Days" is a total loss. We are participating in "Deal Days" this week. We have booked one appointment for today. It is a regular client that received email from SpaFinder. We have 2 more Saturday and they are new clients. So for us the price to join "Deal Days" is a total loss.

]]> Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by Ruben http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28746 Ruben Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:09:22 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28746 Whether we like it or not, sites like Groupon are here to stay. People love a bargain during the good times and the bad times. The only way I can envision Groupon going bust is if business owners wake up to the ripoff that these types of sites really are and refuse to participate. Until then, I am expecting to see Groupon promotions from many of my competitors. I spoke to someone from Groupon after I saw Groupon promotions from Bliss and the Elizabeth Arden Red Door spas. I figured that if the heavyweights of our industry are doing it there must some value to these promotions. Ultimately I decided it wasn't worth it for my business and would rather focus my resources in promoting to our existing customer base. I also found it really insulting that Groupon would have the nerve to charge a 3% credit card processing fee when they're already taking 50% of the sales. Whether we like it or not, sites like Groupon are here to stay. People love a bargain during the good times and the bad times. The only way I can envision Groupon going bust is if business owners wake up to the ripoff that these types of sites really are and refuse to participate. Until then, I am expecting to see Groupon promotions from many of my competitors.

I spoke to someone from Groupon after I saw Groupon promotions from Bliss and the Elizabeth Arden Red Door spas. I figured that if the heavyweights of our industry are doing it there must some value to these promotions. Ultimately I decided it wasn't worth it for my business and would rather focus my resources in promoting to our existing customer base. I also found it really insulting that Groupon would have the nerve to charge a 3% credit card processing fee when they're already taking 50% of the sales.

]]> Comment on Are Deal Days a good deal for you? by Amanda http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28743 Amanda Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:54:50 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28743 For years I have participated in Spa Week -- which has been a great marketing tool for my company. This company clearly has it together in terms of organization and structure. This year I was intrigued by Deals Days and agreed to participate, although somewhat reluctantly. As of yet, we have not received any response from Deal Days and it is extremely disappointing. For years I have participated in Spa Week — which has been a great marketing tool for my company. This company clearly has it together in terms of organization and structure. This year I was intrigued by Deals Days and agreed to participate, although somewhat reluctantly. As of yet, we have not received any response from Deal Days and it is extremely disappointing.

]]> Comment on Are Deal Days a good deal for you? by Nancy http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28741 Nancy Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:39:36 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28741 I tried Spa Week last year, and it didn't pay off. Deal Days brought in more clients than did Spa Week this year (this week). I chose to do Deal Days as I receive a lot of business from Gift Certificate Redemptions for SpaFinder. Additionally, their fee was half that of Spa Week. I did not do any internal promotions for either week. The purpose of my doing a discount was to generate new business; therefore, I felt soliciting my own clients would not be to my advantage. I could easily run my own ad for a discounted rate and not pay the fee of either Spa Week or Deal Days. I tried Spa Week last year, and it didn't pay off. Deal Days brought in more clients than did Spa Week this year (this week). I chose to do Deal Days as I receive a lot of business from Gift Certificate Redemptions for SpaFinder. Additionally, their fee was half that of Spa Week. I did not do any internal promotions for either week. The purpose of my doing a discount was to generate new business; therefore, I felt soliciting my own clients would not be to my advantage. I could easily run my own ad for a discounted rate and not pay the fee of either Spa Week or Deal Days.

]]> Comment on Are Deal Days a good deal for you? by michelle http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28734 michelle Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:15:02 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/are-deal-days-a-good-deal-for-you#comment-28734 Spa Week has worked well for us in the past. We do not promote it internally. We did one year and were completely scheduled more than a month in advanced and had a wait list. The objective is to draw new clientele. We have not seen a great response from Deal Days... now in progress. Spa Week has worked well for us in the past. We do not promote it internally. We did one year and were completely scheduled more than a month in advanced and had a wait list. The objective is to draw new clientele.

We have not seen a great response from Deal Days… now in progress.

]]> Comment on The lost art of Service by Nakisha Hines http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/the-lost-art-of-service#comment-28715 Nakisha Hines Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:17:06 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/the-lost-art-of-service#comment-28715 Bill, I definitely agree! I was just speaking with a friend about this very phenomenon the other day and she insisted on arguing me down that bad service is purely based on demographic location and that I should just accept this as the norm. This is not so and I REFUSE!!! Bad service is bad service no matter where you are, in an economically challenged area of town or not. My take on it was that I encounter bad customer service situations several times a day, no matter what side of town I am on, or what ethnic denomination owns the establishment. It seems as if this IS the norm and should be accepted or chalked up to the rep having a "bad day." No, everyone has a bad day or bad moments, but when you walk into someone's establishment and sign in on their clock, YOU CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE AT THE DOOR! I emphasize to my colleagues and staff that no matter who walk through OUR door or rings OUR phone that they are a potential customer and should be treated with the utmost respect. Not only is it the right thing to do, but bottom line -- THEY are paying OUR salaries! Bill, I definitely agree!

I was just speaking with a friend about this very phenomenon the other day and she insisted on arguing me down that bad service is purely based on demographic location and that I should just accept this as the norm. This is not so and I REFUSE!!! Bad service is bad service no matter where you are, in an economically challenged area of town or not. My take on it was that I encounter bad customer service situations several times a day, no matter what side of town I am on, or what ethnic denomination owns the establishment.

It seems as if this IS the norm and should be accepted or chalked up to the rep having a "bad day." No, everyone has a bad day or bad moments, but when you walk into someone's establishment and sign in on their clock, YOU CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE AT THE DOOR! I emphasize to my colleagues and staff that no matter who walk through OUR door or rings OUR phone that they are a potential customer and should be treated with the utmost respect. Not only is it the right thing to do, but bottom line — THEY are paying OUR salaries!

]]> Comment on The lost art of Service by Bill Bice http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/the-lost-art-of-service#comment-28713 Bill Bice Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:44:30 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/the-lost-art-of-service#comment-28713 Sorry, I was trying to be short & sweet. I just find it remarkable how bad service has become, and how it can overshadow otherwise great experiences. An example more specific to our industry: I had a great massage at a spa in Cabo that was essentially ruined by rude front desk personnel. Sorry, I was trying to be short & sweet. I just find it remarkable how bad service has become, and how it can overshadow otherwise great experiences. An example more specific to our industry: I had a great massage at a spa in Cabo that was essentially ruined by rude front desk personnel.

]]> Comment on The lost art of Service by Nicole Gainey http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/the-lost-art-of-service#comment-28712 Nicole Gainey Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:28:17 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/the-lost-art-of-service#comment-28712 That's it? Is there more to the story? That's it? Is there more to the story?

]]> Comment on How to become a celebrity hairstylist in your hometown by extension girl http://www.spaboomblog.com/2009/how-to-become-a-celebrity-hairstylist-in-your-hometown#comment-28700 extension girl Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:18:13 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2009/how-to-become-a-celebrity-hairstylist-in-your-hometown#comment-28700 I hope I can call myself a local celebrity hairstylist. I love my clients and what I do. Thank you or this blog. It inspired me. I just moved across town and now have to rebuild half my clientele so this helps. :) I hope I can call myself a local celebrity hairstylist. I love my clients and what I do. Thank you or this blog. It inspired me. I just moved across town and now have to rebuild half my clientele so this helps. :)

]]> Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by Shelly http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28699 Shelly Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:36:07 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28699 The Groupon business model is proliferating everywhere and many businesses think they need to jump on because "everyone" is doing it and for some industries, it probably is a great way to market a business. But let's face it, this is a business model that works well in a poor economy because the consumer is looking for a deal and business owners are desperate to do anything to keep their doors open. This business model also helps businesses who have access to cheap, (undocumented) labor and can handle the revenue loss better than the business owner who pays a decent, living wage and offers employees and clients a safe, clean work environment. There is an interesting thread on the Groupon Website discussion board about whether Groupon can kill a small business rather than help it. Many business owners who have signed on to Groupon relate stories of being unprepared for the onslaught of customers and ultimately suffer from bad reviews on Groupon because they couldn't deliver the goods. Is it worth the risk? As salon and spa owners, we all know that most people who take advantage of huge discounts are 1-time-only clients. Our best clients are those who value what we have to offer and are willing to pay for it. These clients are our best source for referrals and we can easily reward our best clients for referring new clients to us. I agree with the position that participating in a program that relies on ridiculous discounts will hurt you in the long run. It erodes your pricing structure and image. There are so many other ways to promote your business to get around the Groupon faze. As the economy improves, businesses who use Groupon-like-advertising will still be in bad shape and their clients will be looking for a better experience. Those of us who have weathered this recession and resisted the temptation to offer ridiculous deals will bounce back quicker and stronger. Business models like Groupon will start to shut down because no one will need them! Hang in there! The Groupon business model is proliferating everywhere and many businesses think they need to jump on because "everyone" is doing it and for some industries, it probably is a great way to market a business. But let's face it, this is a business model that works well in a poor economy because the consumer is looking for a deal and business owners are desperate to do anything to keep their doors open. This business model also helps businesses who have access to cheap, (undocumented) labor and can handle the revenue loss better than the business owner who pays a decent, living wage and offers employees and clients a safe, clean work environment. There is an interesting thread on the Groupon Website discussion board about whether Groupon can kill a small business rather than help it. Many business owners who have signed on to Groupon relate stories of being unprepared for the onslaught of customers and ultimately suffer from bad reviews on Groupon because they couldn't deliver the goods. Is it worth the risk? As salon and spa owners, we all know that most people who take advantage of huge discounts are 1-time-only clients. Our best clients are those who value what we have to offer and are willing to pay for it. These clients are our best source for referrals and we can easily reward our best clients for referring new clients to us. I agree with the position that participating in a program that relies on ridiculous discounts will hurt you in the long run. It erodes your pricing structure and image. There are so many other ways to promote your business to get around the Groupon faze. As the economy improves, businesses who use Groupon-like-advertising will still be in bad shape and their clients will be looking for a better experience. Those of us who have weathered this recession and resisted the temptation to offer ridiculous deals will bounce back quicker and stronger. Business models like Groupon will start to shut down because no one will need them! Hang in there!

]]> Comment on Massage Envy envy? by Mary http://www.spaboomblog.com/2007/massage-envy-envy#comment-28661 Mary Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:19:04 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2007/massage-envy-envy#comment-28661 I love the massage I get at Massage Envy, but really dislike 80% of the front desk staff at the West Ashley location. I would consider myself an average tipper. I tip $15--$20 per my massage depending on if it's a swedish massage or a deep tissue. There's a girl there, I think her name is Tori, and as I've left and just had the door begin to close behind me I've heard her say that people need to not be so cheap with their tips. First of all a tip is purely voluntary and nobody should be forced to give one, but more importantly, how can someone who is supposed to promote a positive company image still working for Massage Envy. I've also heard her big mouth while I was waiting in their "tranquility room" before a massage cussing and joking around with the other girl who has a southern drawl. I will probably start going to the Summerville or Mt. Pleasant, SC location from now on to avoid having to listen to her big mouth. I love the massage I get at Massage Envy, but really dislike 80% of the front desk staff at the West Ashley location. I would consider myself an average tipper. I tip $15–$20 per my massage depending on if it's a swedish massage or a deep tissue. There's a girl there, I think her name is Tori, and as I've left and just had the door begin to close behind me I've heard her say that people need to not be so cheap with their tips. First of all a tip is purely voluntary and nobody should be forced to give one, but more importantly, how can someone who is supposed to promote a positive company image still working for Massage Envy. I've also heard her big mouth while I was waiting in their "tranquility room" before a massage cussing and joking around with the other girl who has a southern drawl. I will probably start going to the Summerville or Mt. Pleasant, SC location from now on to avoid having to listen to her big mouth.

]]> Comment on Front Desk — More Than a Receptionist? by andrea http://www.spaboomblog.com/2009/front-desk-more-than-a-receptionist#comment-28651 andrea Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:19:40 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2009/front-desk-more-than-a-receptionist#comment-28651 Do you think a salon should spend money on a receptionist? Do you think a salon should spend money on a receptionist?

]]> Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by Deb Roberts http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28627 Deb Roberts Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:59:37 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28627 Interesting points raised here. I agree and disagree. Spa Finder's Deals Week and Groupon can be great tools for marketing your business. IF the goal is to drive new business leads, then a spa or medical spa must remember to turn this into a good opportunity to upsell, cross sell and create a relationship based on a great experience. One treatment, one time is not enough to establish a relationship. What are you doing during the treatment? Are you listening and providing solutions? How are you encouraging your clients to come back? Was the service and results so amazing that you now have a loyal client? Why should they return to your spa or medical spa verses another? I'm not an advocate of promoting your business on price alone. However, offering special promotions is intended to excite your target audience and create a sense of urgency. The two marketing vehicle examples mentioned are both professional organizations. We're not talking about cheap looking coupons packs or fliers here (it is important to align your brand with similar quality brands). Plus, these promotions are available for a very short period of time. Another plus, exclusivity. The vehicles you decide to put in your marketing tool kit are just that: tools! It's your unique selling position, team, service quality and memorable experiences that create long term customer who come back and refer you to others... regardless of how they came to know your business in the first place. Food for thought. Interesting points raised here. I agree and disagree. Spa Finder's Deals Week and Groupon can be great tools for marketing your business. IF the goal is to drive new business leads, then a spa or medical spa must remember to turn this into a good opportunity to upsell, cross sell and create a relationship based on a great experience. One treatment, one time is not enough to establish a relationship. What are you doing during the treatment? Are you listening and providing solutions? How are you encouraging your clients to come back? Was the service and results so amazing that you now have a loyal client? Why should they return to your spa or medical spa verses another?

I'm not an advocate of promoting your business on price alone. However, offering special promotions is intended to excite your target audience and create a sense of urgency.

The two marketing vehicle examples mentioned are both professional organizations. We're not talking about cheap looking coupons packs or fliers here (it is important to align your brand with similar quality brands). Plus, these promotions are available for a very short period of time. Another plus, exclusivity.

The vehicles you decide to put in your marketing tool kit are just that: tools! It's your unique selling position, team, service quality and memorable experiences that create long term customer who come back and refer you to others… regardless of how they came to know your business in the first place. Food for thought.

]]> Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by Tiffany http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28626 Tiffany Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:14 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28626 I did a promotion last summer with a local radio station, and I feel like I really sold my soul to a person more evil than the devil... if such an individual should exist. They sold my service for 50% off of what I normally charge, and I got air time and tips. I've learned my lesson. I will promote my business, from the inside out. In my opinion these tactics are not worth the headache they bring about. I did a promotion last summer with a local radio station, and I feel like I really sold my soul to a person more evil than the devil… if such an individual should exist. They sold my service for 50% off of what I normally charge, and I got air time and tips. I've learned my lesson. I will promote my business, from the inside out. In my opinion these tactics are not worth the headache they bring about.

]]> Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by Janet http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28620 Janet Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:36:34 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28620 We just need to further differentiate our places from theirs because they are trying to position themselves in the market as "just like the high end spa, but cheaper," and that is far from the differences! So really we all need to further our distance from them -- and you don't do that by lowering your prices anywhere NEAR to their prices or tactics! We just need to further differentiate our places from theirs because they are trying to position themselves in the market as "just like the high end spa, but cheaper," and that is far from the differences! So really we all need to further our distance from them — and you don't do that by lowering your prices anywhere NEAR to their prices or tactics!

]]> Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by Natalie http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28618 Natalie Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:05:56 +0000 http://www.spaboomblog.com/2010/dont-sell-your-soul-to-the-discount-devil#comment-28618 I do not think that high end spas should be competing with Massage Envy, Hand and Stone, etc. If you look closer, their proposition and focus are very different. If you start lowering your price you dilute your brand for sure. While people may go to value/membership based places for a regular massage therapy treatment they still need to indulge and treat themselves to a wide rage menu of services at a high end spa. Yes, there is a trend and people now discovered the accessibility of what was used to once a year indulgent experience. So only the strongest will survive on the high end spa market. I do not think that high end spas should be competing with Massage Envy, Hand and Stone, etc. If you look closer, their proposition and focus are very different. If you start lowering your price you dilute your brand for sure. While people may go to value/membership based places for a regular massage therapy treatment they still need to indulge and treat themselves to a wide rage menu of services at a high end spa. Yes, there is a trend and people now discovered the accessibility of what was used to once a year indulgent experience. So only the strongest will survive on the high end spa market.

]]>