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Permalink Reply by M Elaine Gustafson on May 3, 2013 at 9:39am

I used IS at the last place I worked. We were "associated" with a doctor so we were able to get the line. Not sure why we needed it as it wasn't that strong. They only had 2 good facials - the others were not worth the price we paid. I thought it was very expensive on the retail side though I loved the products. I am in my own practice now and use Image Skincare - same quality at much lower cost on the retail side and a good compliment of professional products. Love the O2 peel! 

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Permalink Reply by A.maia on May 5, 2013 at 3:52am

Thank you M Elaine.

You are right about the retail prices, it is more expensive than what I would like. About the facials, since I customize almost all my facials, this is not a problem. My biggest interest is on the retail.

Have you tried the Fire and Ice treatment? What do you think about it?

Thank you again :)

 

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Permalink Reply by M Elaine Gustafson on May 5, 2013 at 7:27am

Yes, I performed numerous Fire & Ice facials - to myself, as well. It is a good facial, the client likes the feel - the Fire part is very active on the face, they get pink and the Ice portion is very cooling. Since the client feels something they feel they get their money's worth. It is not a deep peel just has some ingredients that bring the heat. No one peels or even flakes after in my experience. They have a new facial the FIZZ - similar to the Image O2 Lift. Your backbar charges really eat into your profit on the facial even at the treatment prices they recommend.

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Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on May 4, 2013 at 6:09am

Many lines use the "only sold to doctors" thing as a marketing strategy, to convince both the estheticians and their clients that this line is sooooo effective, when really their ingredients and labeling follow cosmetic, not drug protocols, and therefore they can legally be sold via whatever distribution route the manufacturer determines would be most lucrative for them.  You are right that this is a similar issue as "pro" lines appearing in big box stores, online, etc.  

The bottom line is that if you are going to tie up your hard-earned money in inventory, you want a line that is effective, follows any ingredient philosophies that you may have developed in your years working with clients, is free of unnecessary irritants, free of other ingredients that your particular clientele might find objectionable (SLS/parabens/chemical sunscreens are all examples of effective ingredients that now have a bad rap, and you may wish to consider lines without them if your clients are particular about those ingredients), and that is exclusive.

It's hard to find lines that remain exclusive to skincare professionals.  I have had several lines that I liked go mass market while I was carrying them, and it really hurts your business.  It is a slap in the face to the company's existing professional clients when they allow big stores to undercut our profits.

There are also many very effective professional-only skincare lines at different price ranges available in many countries.  The fact that Is is emphasizing their exclusivity is a good start, but you have to make sure that you will be able to afford to keep inventory on the shelves, and that your clients will be able to afford to make regular purchases so that you actually make money on this investment.  A final word - you need to check out what your competing local estheticians are carrying, as some professional lines have been vastly oversold in certain territories.    I can think of a couple lines like that where I live, that are in every spa, salon, and skincare shop.  Sooner or later the shops that are under competitive pressure are going to start discounting, and that's where your clients will be buying their products.

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Permalink Reply by A.maia on May 5, 2013 at 4:09am

Thank you Christine

This is a very important issue. I really try to don't work with "pro" products that clients can find everywhere. I do think we deserve some exclusivity, right? 

I also like to have different products. I don't want to offer the same products/treatments as everybody. Decleor, Guinot, Murad, Dermalogica, Md Formulations, etc... this are in every clinic in Denmark!!! 

I need something effective and different :)

Thank you for your reply. It is very informative.

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