Sole Proprietors - Client Requests

Since I'm in business for myself I sometimes find that I have no one to brainstorm with about business issues. So, I'm reaching out to all of you. How do you handle clients that ask for things outside the box? Example: I just ran a special offer that was pretty generous. Purchase of complete skin care system and receive a high-end service comps. Now clients are asking for other deals that are outside of this offer. Basically they want free services for purchasing their regular 1 or 2 product? Hmmm. Any feedback would be appreciated. Sometimes my knee-jerk reaction is that I am a small, one-person business trying to grow, not a corporation who could easily entertain their request. Thank you.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on March 9, 2011 at 11:05am

Hi Jackie,

The SPF trial sizes (.25 oz) are PCA Skin. They are small but packaged in a nice little tube with a cap, not like a sample that you have to tear to get the product out. They have about 5 different sunscreens that target various skin types/conditions. The cost to me would be about $2 each but I get them for free with my product orders (at least for now). I have a surplus of them because I've placed many orders in the past few months. I only give them away when they purchase more than $250 in products. This has increased my sales for sunscreen. After they use it, they order a full size.

jackie mozingo said:

@Denise, what spf do you use? I use Bioelements and it's to expensive to just throw in their purse.

Thanks

Permalink Reply by Brenda Griffin on March 9, 2011 at 8:38pm

Jackie, I so understand this. I started out ordering it as they requested it but you really lose sales on impulse buys. I now keep product on hand and I also order as they request it. I try to have the biggest sellers on hand so I don't lose the sale. As far as how much to keep on hand, I think this ties to your budget. I have the ability to order my biggest sellers by the case and receive one free when I do this so I try to do this all the time. Good luck.

jackie mozingo said:

As a solo esty, I have a hard time keeping retail in stock. Does everyone keep retail or get it as they ask for it.

I know this is a big part of our income so I want to have it,. How much should you invest or keep on the shelf. Thanks all..

Permalink Reply by Brenda Griffin on March 9, 2011 at 8:40pm

Well said, Kirsten. I believe giving a complimentary service or upgrade is better than discounting products. I do not discount products only services. Thank you for sharing.

Permalink Reply by Cat the bikini waxer on March 10, 2011 at 10:31pm

we offer 1 free wax service for your Bday, We also offer a free wax if u refer 3 friends.

5.00 off for students

Permalink Reply by jackie mozingo on March 11, 2011 at 8:47am

@Brenda, that's funny. A budget, I've been on a strict one since Jan. and still I over spend. When someone buys retail do you just keep that in a special account and just reorder from that money. And when do you start keeping some for a profit? I think that is my biggest issue. Thanks Ladies...

Permalink Reply by Brenda Griffin on March 13, 2011 at 11:59am

@Jackie, that's a good inquiry. I to struggle with this. I do not keep money in a special place when clients purchase products. All goes into the business and I just replace orders from that account. Here's something you might research that I wish I had done sooner. I am "on account" with my product line now. This means I can order products willy, nilly (yeah right) and then I owe for it in 30 days. It has worked pretty well. Another thing that some clients do is pay up front even though I have to order it. This helps too until you can get where you have the products on hand.

Permalink Reply by Celina Porter on March 13, 2011 at 6:47pm

I love this group! I am new new new. I just opened Jan 1st, it is only me.

I have put up several deals online:

-$20 for checking in via FB (the more people see me, the better)

-$10 for every client you refer (If a person comes in and says their friend recommended me, I will call and say thank you and let them know they have credit... hoping that they book an appointment),

-$15 coupon on google places (must be printed and you must get a facial + buy product)

Not one single person has asked for a discount and the only one I have given out so far is the -$10 client referral.

I'm sorta bummed that no one bites at these. I do not offer them verbally, I feel if they wanted it, they would look for it or ask for it.

Also, since I do want to get regulars I have just put together a new "package" system. Buy 4 of any service in ADVANCE and get 2 free... What do you think of this one? I have not posted it yet anywhere?

Permalink Reply by Brenda Griffin on March 13, 2011 at 7:29pm

@Celina, the idea to bring in regulars by having them purchase a package and receive something free is great. I would only offer them 1 free services. That is the norm. Also, they have to pay up front to receive this.

Permalink Reply by Tiffany Jent on March 17, 2011 at 4:11pm

I am also owner operator of my own business. I have been in industry 22 years but this is my first time owning my own business. I know the fear you are experiencing.... Say no to anyone and I will fail syndrome... There are clients out there who take advantage of new business by using bullying and fear tactics. The fact of the matter is you have to make money. If you establish yourself as the "DEAL MAKER" you will have a whole clientele that will nickel and dime you... ALL THE TIME... My deal policy is as follows... You send me three I give you something free.... Send me three referrals and I will perform a complimentary service. Also, remember you can very easily comp an upgrade like an eye treatment or LED light add on... this way they sample something new and may eventually have a higher ticket sale in the future. Tread lightly and do not be bullied... You are a working professional and business woman. You have earned this position in your career. You call the shots.... These clients are not CHEERLEADERS for your business but opportunist... Best of luck!!!

Permalink Reply by Kelly VanMeter on August 20, 2013 at 12:59pm

Well said, thank you.

Permalink Reply by Brenda Griffin on March 17, 2011 at 5:29pm

Tiffany, thank you so much for the encouragement. I know this but I do not always stand and be a Queen. Have a great day!

Permalink Reply by Pamela Chiarizzi on April 7, 2014 at 6:13am

I'm starting my home-based business and so glad to be able to connect w all of you.

Keeping a written journal each day could help evaluate your "unexpected experiences" and come up with spontaneous strategies without making them go away or not come back. Have some small freebie goodie bag w/ bath sponges, percentage off gift certificate, samples etc. on hand. I wouldn't discount retail products, ever. There are other ways to be creative and fun without hurting your profits. Good luck to all :)