Home-Based Estheticians

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This is a group for all home-based providers with a treatment room at home, full-scale business at home or just those considering home-based skincare.  Let's put our heads together on ideas to meet the challenges of a micro-spa.  To our success!
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Security from home based spa

by Dana Lindahl

Jun 3, 2013

Hi everyone,

I recently started a home spa after getting out of school and passing boards.  Since I don't have an established clientele, I've been networking quite a bit and emailing friends and family. My clients so far have been strictly people I know.  Since I don't want to advertise to the entire world and have complete strangers showing up, what is the best way to get the word out? Also, I just got my first "prank" phone call asking for a facial.  When I asked their name and who referred them, I got some made up answers.  Needless to say, it shook me up a bit because I want to expand but am leery of things like this happening.  I finally told her I couldn't take her business because I did not know who she said referred her.  Anyone have good advice for advertising for a home business and making sure you remain safe?  Thanks..

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  • up

    Janie Moorehead

    Hi Dana. Maybe it was a competitor trying to get your prices. I don't have any experience with this as I am still in school. I do plan to start a home spa on the side along with working at a Med Spa. I wish you all the best but do be careful. Maybe you should stick with friend referrals for now and offer incentives to friends that bring you new clientele.

    Apr 5, 2014

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      Paulette Banoza

      Dana, ditto for me on this question.  I am moving from CA to TX and I'm concerned on how to build my business.  I am in a commercial building here and over the last four years have built my business quite well, using groupon, living social, etc, word of mouth and various ads.  I just wonder if that works for a salon in my home.

      Jun 5, 2014

      • up

        Pamela Chiarizzi

        Welcome!! I'm late on this post, sorry. I have a tight budget for marketing, so I create my own brochures, print them out using good quality paper. Investment is in the inks and paper for now. However, I do use VISTAPRINTS. They always have great sales 250 cards for 10 bucks! Postcards are great to print using card stock paper or lighter (Walmart, staples etc.)

        OK ...facebook. ... Look into your community Facebook groups, such as "school district MOMS" for example, mine is "Three Village Moms" some groups will allow you to post your FB skincare page (some once a day, some once a week)  I've have gotten a few bites for Prom and wedding makeup! And while they're in my studio for makeup trial, what better way to get them on the chair for analysis!  I think when school start in September, MOMS will be wanting some pampering. Plan a grand opening (invites only or bring a friend or two. Pick out a name from a hat, and that person can be your model for demos. Hand out refferral cards ... with "to:__________  & From:_________. The person referred to, should present that card (ex. $25 towards a full facial) w/ the person referring person's name, put it in her file, so when she comes for her appt. she gets $25 off that service.    As for the phone calls, you may get plenty of them ...even texts! But don't let that get to you. Someone in the business may want to see if they have a competition. Be cautious tho. Don't refuse a service, try to make appts when someone is home. If you don't have a camera installed, put up a phony one .... not laughing, seriously  ...lol  Good Luck :)

        Aug 1, 2014