Social media interaction plays a huge role in our salons these days; it affects our reputation and holds us accountable for the prices we charge.
There is an untold amount of chatter on all social media platforms about stylists and salons over selling themselves and their abilities. I and other stylists have been observing the mad rush of stylists upping their prices based on inflation – meaning they are using price increases as a crutch to up prices from a 5% inflation to a 10% price increase or higher without justification. Although the price hike is a concern for clients, they now demand the value of the experience to be reflected – period.
Clients are now leaving the stylists who are just playing the game and weeding through those stylists who are in the game. And this is where we are. We are being monitored and checked-
First, look at SOME stylists’ base arguments about why they are charging more money.
- Because booth rent for them is so ‘damn expensive.’
- Because they pay an ‘extraordinary amount of money for continuing education.’
- Because ‘I’m having a baby’.
The backlash from two of those types of price hikes isn’t cutting it anymore. Clients are talking, reasoning, and basing more on actual performances than pretty pictures and feeling bad for others’ bad spending habits.
So, Stylists, ask yourself the real hard questions.
Are you worth the time and money? Because only One of those answers is working with a business mindset. #2
And I will tell you why –
The stylist who has budgeted and planned for a two thousand-dollar, class has committed to becoming worthy of their prices. Now, don’t confuse what I am saying— you don’t have to spend that type of money for a masterclass, but you will need to gain alternative ways to achieve that type of experience.
The other two reasons are bullshit.
AND I’ll tell you why- IF the booth is too expensive, you are playing in a field too big for you – because you don’t have the client base or don’t want to work the actual hours to make the money to be at that location. Hard- but there it is.
And the last reason for the pricing structure is personal. Clients won’t mind paying the price for you to perform the task – but never, not once, does it include a baby tax or your summer vacations with weekends off.
If you want to know if you fall into our ‘People Are Talking About You’ category- answer these questions.
1.) Do you take your continuing education seriously enough to get your knowledge from the source, or are you getting a secondhand, watered-down version from stylists who DID attend a class? (I hate that shit).
2.) Do you think you should be spoon-fed clients through the front desk and not attempt to connect with clients?
3.) Do clients like you and your personality, or can you not help your resting bitch face?
Yeah, these are real things that won’t cut it in our industry. Because believe it or not – The last client of the day deserves the same smile and enthusiasm you started the day with.
Fortunately for the client, a significant part of finding the right salon is addressed when salons provide a price list and stylist information on their business website. This information helps to prevent sticker shock pricing and gives a better idea of the stylist’s skills and expertise. Clients want stylists to Provide “CONFIDENT VALUE” for their hard-earned money. Not someone hiding behind -“Specializations” or Vague unsupported titles.
To be clear, how can stylists effectively convey their value to clients without resorting to vague unsupported titles? Client Communication –
1.) Be honest with your background. Are you a beginner with this technique? Make that information JUST as visible as your Instagram photos.
2.) Let it be known you are a stylist working your way up the ladder and you WILL increase prices as you learn.
3.) Be willing to do the work
Honesty and a clear understanding of where you are and where you plan to be and become will let that client understand – you will be raising prices because you will be worth it & this information will stop a heavy dose of these topics being raised by clients.
You stylists aren’t the only ones working hard, so keep it real.
BE Real – Be Honest – Be Willing to WORK.
Salon Owner- Heather Ryan
whackedadventures.com 