Just starting out
I still have some things to finalize before I am totally happy with everything. however, as I get excited about getting started, I have co-workers asking for services. I want my debut to be impeccable. I have all the basics, just missing a little decor and some final business issues like a credit card machine.
I'm thinking about offering a soft pre- opening package for my co-workers and my boyfriends coworkers. It will be a reduced rate package, for 3 services of their choice. All three services paid in cash up front at the first appointment and the other two appointments will be booked at the first appointment, preferably 1 treatment every 3 weeks. This will give them the chance to try a variety of services and see the results.
I need opinions on whether or not this is a good idea. I'm nervous and anxious at the same time. Any advice or stories welcomed!!!!! Thanks
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on
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Just to clarify, is your full time job in the esthetics world or in a different field? If it is in esthetics, I'd be careful bringing your co-workers from a competing business into your home based business. If that's the case, let your esthetics co-workers come to the real grand opening, but don't include them in any soft pre-sale type events.
Next, a lot of people are going to chime in about making sure you meet your State Board's requirements with regards to home businesses. Yes, of course, get that all worked out before you start selling packages so you don't find yourself having to refund people's money.
Finally, are you thinking about doing the opening as a party? My friend Toni is on this board and she is a true master at hosting parties and events where does a tremendous amount of sales in packages and pre-sale for new treatments (i.e., if she's raising $$ for a machine), as well as LOADS of product moving at these parties. I would speak to someone like that who has that unique talent and figure out what someone like that is doing right.
Lastly, be sure you have a good system in place for tracking those sales and plan ahead for how the services will be redeemed. The last thing you want is to lose track during a fun event and then have confusion later when they're on your chair.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by veronica woodle on
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My full time job is in a total different profession.
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The soft opening is not a party. I'm just making my services available to a few people. I'm offering a package of a skin analysis, mask and a peel to be paid for up front at a reduced rate. I have all the paperwork.
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Great idea then! Before you set the packages, read up on some Groupon horror stories and make sure you don't "Groupon" yourself into too low compensation, clients who will never value your services at full rates, etc.
Make sure you get something valuable in return for those discounts - since it's the very beginning of your business, this means valuable FEEDBACK, both directly to you and on yelp/Google reviews. I'd recommend taking a stab at making a feedback card where you ask about their satisfaction and comfort level with various aspects of the treatment - I would be happy to review what you come up with (it will be specific to your services). Then print them up and prepare them in self addressed stamped envelopes and have them ready in the client's bag (even if they don't buy product, they still get a bag with their home care instructions, your brochure/menu, any samples you recommend, and several business cards... the self addressed stamped questionnaire goes there) for when they walk out. Be sure to add a polite paragraph thanking them for their valuable feedback, letting them know that the door is open if they have more detailed issues or suggestions for you, and reminding them that if they found their service to be truly superior, Yelp and Google reviews go a long way to helping others find you.
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