Over the past few years, more and more salons have been finding the shopping centre environment difficult or even unsustainable to do business in. A number of salons have already made the move home, or to a private property, and the most common reason for doing this has been to reduce costs in a challenging economic climate.
Following the pandemic and with lockdown regulations still in place, many more salons are making this decision in order to keep their businesses viable. This special mailer is packed with information on convenient, affordable, money-saving products and services as well as creative business ideas that can help salons kickstart in a new environment, and rebuild to profitable strength. We have also interviewed home salon owners who have made the move and who share their stories with us.
We hope you find it helpful, practical and inspirational as you relocate and regroup your business.
Contents
Is Moving Home the Right Decision for You?
Salon Stock Trader: Buy and Sell Products, Furniture and Equipment
“Why I Made the Move Home” – Interview with Ruth & Cas - The Salon, Bloemfontein
ProFeel: Affordable Monthly Scissor Rentals
Selecting the Right Brand and Supplier to Support a Home Salon Business by George Marnewick
Milkshake Hair Products: Solutions for Small and Home Salons
“Why I Made the Move Home” – Interview with Dalene Walters - Bobs and Beehives, Benoni
Salon Hygiene Pack Special Offer: Easy Solutions for Safe Compliance!
Pivoting Your Salon to Private Premises Offer a Better Experience by Marisa Dimitriadis
Twincare TPOs Countrywide: Wide Range of Products, Furniture, Equipment
“Why I Made the Move Home” – Interview with Johan Naude – Hair By Johan, George
Mon Platin Professional: Top Quality, Affordable In Salon and Retail Products
Affordable Disposable Towels for a Safe, Eco Friendly Alternative
Marketing the Move to a Home Environment by Ursula Brett
Icon Hair Cosmetics: Supporting Entrepreneurs in their New Businesses
FaucetBoyz: Save Money with Instant Hot Water, No More Geyser Costs
“Why I Made the Move Home” – Interview with Maritza Rossouw - Hair Artistry – Cape Town
Is Moving Home the Right Decision for You?
“I was in a shopping centre for many years and the escalation was 8% every year and at the same time we saw a decrease in walk-ins. My lease came to an end and I decided it was time to move.
When you move you will lose some clients and it will take 8 to 12 months before you get the same number back. Some clients return even if you move to a different area as they realise their hair doesn’t look the same!
I could see if I stayed where I was I would end up working for the landlord.
I am so grateful I made the decision especially with the onset of Covid-19.”
Johan Nortje – Isjon
Here are some questions to help you decide whether moving home, or to a private property, is the best decision for you:
• Are your premises close enough to the existing salon that clients will be happy to go there instead?
• Do you have sufficient parking that is convenient and secure?
• Is it safe, seamless and welcoming when clients arrive and leave?
• More than one move might mean you start losing clients –are you able to guarantee you will be in your new location for a couple of years at least?
• Have you researched what permissions are needed before you open your doors or set up shop?
• Can you fit your salon into the new space and if not what changes must you make?
• Can you operate totally separate from the house to ensure professionalism and hygiene – including toilet facilities?
• Have you done your costings correctly to ensure your business will be viable and hopefully flourish in your new location?
• Are you strong on marketing and social media to replace the “passing footfall” from a shopping centre?
Salon Stock Trader: Buy and Sell Products, Furniture and Equipment
Salon stock trader brings you cost effective, reasonably priced hair and beauty products, equipment and furniture.
What does Salon Stock Trader offer you.
• Simple online shop of all 2nd hand furniture and equipment
• Stock trader page where you can submit an offer on goods (mixed boxes of unopened product for sale on salon closures)
• New goods eg we are stockist of both retail and professional salon products.
• Simple and easy courier service to your door mostly overnight unless you are in an outlying area.
• Furniture and Large equipment courier fees are quoted on order due to the size – only once the courier quote has been accepted is the order processed.
We endeavour to assist with all enquiries so if there is something you need and cannot find in our online store please send an email request, we will assist in sourcing where possible.
Contact Details
WhatsApp: 066 207 2328
Email: info@salonstocktrader.com
“Why I Made the Move Home”
Interview with Ruth & Cas - The Salon, Bloemfontein
Q: When and why did you make the move from a shopping centre to a home / private property? Our move took place Oct 2014 . Moving the salon to our home, we wanted to create a home away from home feeling for our clients but also a professional environment.
Q: Did you downscale during the move and if so how? We decided to keep it simple from a 14 chair salon in a shopping centre to a 8 chair salon.
We are currently 3 senior stylists Ruth (myself) Caz (my hubby) and Lientjie and a group of 5 talented Operators.
Q: What changes have you made in terms of marketing since being based from home / private property? We found that social media e.g. Facebook and Instagram and especially word of mouth has been incredible . We also ran a competition called the face of The Salon where one person would be chosen to be our brand ambassador for a year . She would have 4 seasonal makeovers and weekly visits to our salon , she would also be gifted products and would have to promote them.
Q: What percentage of clients have followed you to the new location and what are their thoughts on it? You always take the risk of loosing clients when moving , we were very blessed to say that 95 percent of our clients followed us and many new ones were added to the family . Our clients prefer a homely vibe , they love the personal touch and to be out of the mainstream.
Q: Do you find it is easier or more difficult to be Covid-compliant working from home / private property? Much easier to be Covid compliant it’s our personal property and we get to be in control of how we want to do it as my husband and I are very clean conscious so we are loving the sanitising etc it’s right up our ally.
Our salon is next to our home on the same property it has its own entrance.
Q: What did you have to do to get permission for your home salon to operate? (i.e. consent use from neighbours etc). We had to lodge an application at the town planning scheme , it took us about a year to get a certificate. It’s worth every cent and gives peace of mind to know that we followed the right procedure.
Q: What has the impact been on your costs, turnover and profitability? We decided to go all out and make it look as professional as possible with a homely feel . The initial cost was great but long term the reward is priceless especially during the lockdown we had one less concern in paying rent for the salon as it is our own property.
I could recommend anyone thinking of moving Their salon home to remember if you give good service and make your client feel special they will drive miles to be with you, no matter where you are.
ProFeel Professional Salon Products: Scissor Rental Now Available
ProFeel introduces the start of a Revolution in the Supply of Salon Equipment!
• Scissor Rentals – Minimum Fee From R120 per Month, New Set every year
• Payment Terms – 3months to Pay
• Discount on COD
• Workshops – Professional Advice & Personal Service with trainings and Samples to Try
• SOH – No delay in delivery as Stock on Hand
• Scheduled Payments (stop orders) cash, card or eft
Contact Details
Karmen Lombard
Cell: 082 372 2337
Email: karmen@profeel.co.za
Selecting the Right Brand and Supplier to Support a Home Salon Business
by George Marnewick
We believe one of the most important decisions to make, when deciding to operate a small business i.e. a home salon, is to select a product supplier and Brand who is willing to support you as a small business. Choose a supplier who offers not only extremely good quality products, but a supplier who offers you as home salon training and education, technical product assistance, no minimum orders, marketing assistance and most of all, direct access to administrative and logistical personnel.
Your decision in selecting a professional and retail brand, when starting small, will be the key decision to make, as this relationship will develop into a mutual beneficial business relationship as you grow your business. Although pricing of products is an important factor, brand quality and support will have a much bigger and longer term impact on your business. Good quality products and brand support, ultimately drives customer retention. Your clients want to know that you only use the best products on their hair, ensuring longevity of a service provided.
In any relationship, be it personal or business, the following traits are most important:
ATTITUDE
INTEGRITY
CREATIVITY
PASSION
PEOPLE
HEART
DESIRE
milk_shake
Choose milk_shake, we offer you:
• Education & Training – No matter how small you are!
• Direct access to all Directors and staff
Contact Details
Email: georg@z-one.co.za OR marku@z-one.co.za
“Why I Made the Move Home”
Interview with Dalene Walters - Bobs and Beehives, Rynfield, Benoni
Q: When and why did you make the move from a shopping centre to a home / private property?
I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, when Covid happened I was ready to make the move.
Q: Did you downscale during the move and if so how?
Yes, we downscaled form 13 to 3. We retrenched our staff with big packages.
Q: What changes have you made in terms of marketing since being based from home / private property?
I have not changed any of my marketing strategies, the feedback has been incredible.
Q: What percentage of clients have followed you to the new location and what are their thoughts on it?
95% of my clients followed me, they are extremely happy as I get to spend more quality time with them.
Q: Do you find it is easier or more difficult to be Covid-compliant working from home / private property?
It’s been easier at home, we follow all the procedures. I didn’t have to take a lot of money to make a whole salon Covid compliant.
Q: What did you have to do to get permission for your home salon to operate? (i.e. consent use from neighbours etc).
Due to being on a small holding, I didn’t need any consent.
Q: What has the impact been on your costs, turnover and profitability?
My profitability is much higher due to less overheads.
Isjon Salon Hygiene Distributors: Discount on Starter Packs Available
The starter pack includes:
• 1 x 500 ml Alcohol Rub High level sanitiser
• Sterifog Room fogger Vanilla 350 ml( high level steriliser -broad spectrum / kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, spores with 30 day antimicrobial activity... covers 50 square meter)
• Barbello 500ml (keeps instruments disinfected)
• Cleaning Wipes disinfectant- kills 99.999% bacteria, viruses, fungi.
• Eco Hand hand wash 1L (Anti bacterial)
Contact Details
Tel: 011 314 0506
Pivoting Your Salon to Private Premises Offer a Better Experience By Marisa Dimitriadis from Spa Professionals Guild and The Spa Consultants
First and foremost don’t see this move as downscaling but rather see it as PIVOTING, CHANGING for the better and to offer your clients a better experience.
Some tips about making home salons a success
Treat the space as if it were in a centre. This means, have a separate entrance, have signage, have working hours. Don’t treat the space like it's your home.
Now you can afford to pay attention to detail. So go the extra mile, give your clients spoils and an experience they will TALK ABOUT. Little things like perhaps a hand massage while they having their hair washed or a hand scrub with their nail paint. Look at what your competitors are NOT DOING and DO IT.
If you didn’t have an ADD ON menu nows the time to introduce it. So ADD ONS to every service. A little like take-a-lot does on their shopping site when you choose an item, then they match other items that were often bought together. To give a few examples: hair services add ons: hair treatment, nails while you colour hair, back and neck massage with specialised oil with your hair wash and so many more. Get creative and you can upsell like never before.
Social media/marketing must speak about your salon not your home. There is no need to tell clients you have moved home, rather say you have moved to a more comfortable, private space where they will feel safe and pampered. Not that there is a problem with the word home but you are running a business and keep the two separate.
For more information or to contact Marisa, please email marisa@thespaconsultants.co.za
TPO - Twincare Professional Outlets
For all your salon furniture & accessory needs!
Contact Details
“Why I Made the Move Home”
Interview with Johan Naude – Hair By Johan, George
Q: When and why did you make the move to a private property?
I moved about 10 years ago, to focus more on my clients and work for myself.
Q: Did you downscale during the move and if so how?
Yes I did, I have no staff and I also made the choice to move to good quality affordable products that are SA manufactured.
Q: How do you do your marketing being based from a private property?
My marketing is based purely on word of mouth as it attracts the same type of client.
Q: What percentage of clients followed you to your private property and what are their thoughts on it?
Almost all of my clients followed me. They enjoy the fact that they have my full attention and they love the intimacy and privacy of the salon.
Q: Do you find it is easier or more difficult to be Covid-compliant working from a private property?
Much easier, as I work on my own and having one client in the salon at a time is not an issue. It is also a lot easier having a smaller premises to clean and sanitise.
Q: What has the impact been on your costs, turnover and profitability?
The 3 month lock down was a total loss, but now it's getting better at a slower rate.
Mon Platin Professional
We offer stylists and customers a full solution of products from in-salon professional products to retail solutions that consistently deliver quality & reliability - guaranteed to produce unrivalled results.
We have NO minimum opening orders, NO minimum monthly order requirements, order what you need when you need. Perfect for the “In-home Salonist.
Contact Details
Tel: 083 259 5573
Email: info@monplatin.co.za
Astral Marketing and Services: Affordable Disposable Towels
We at Astral Marketing and services have decided to provide you with disposable towels to protect ourselves as well as our clients and country in this pandemic.
The Disposable towel is a relatively new invention in the field and especially in our industry.
• Affordable price
• 100% Biodegradable
• Made from non woven fibres that act as absorbent fabric that soaks up liquids.
Our Disposable towels are primarily used for drying and sanitation purposes.
They are becoming a necessity for our beauty salons, Hairsalons, resorts, hotels,day cares and similar fields. The main advantage that disposable towels offer is the hygiene and cleanliness that they guarantee for each user.
Astral Marketing and services want to protect you and your client in this pandemic.
Contact Details
Tel: 079 358 4012
Marketing the Move to a Home Environment
By Ursula Brett
Here are tips to help you retain your clients and keep them positive, excited, and eager to book into your new home salon.
It’s very important to focus on the relationship that you have built with your clients and to communicate clearly and regularly with them.
Share on all your platforms that you are moving and why you are moving. Don’t make the announcement dramatic and rather explain the positive reasons for the move. Use SMS, Whatsapp and email. However remember a lot of people don’t like to be added to a Whatsapp group so rather keep the messages individual and personalised.
Make sure clients know you are still offering all the same services, and are still operating as a top professional destination.
Emphasise safety, convenience, and that you have all the necessary protocols in place, and that it is a separate and fully sanitized space. Take photos or do a video so that they can see the look and feel of your new salon.
You can also explain that many people in the industry are adopting a new way of working, and that moving home is a growing trend for many smaller salons that you are proud to be a part of. Make sure they know you are doing everything in your power to keep them happy and give them the very best.
Click HERE for more info on how to unlock the potential of your salon and stylists through our effective social media and marketing support.
Email: ursulabrett@gmail.com
Tel: 076 856 4227
Icon Hair Cosmetics
Icon Hair Cosmetics will assist each hair stylist discover and master their growing business by providing the following services:
• Expert support from our Technical Directors and Area Managers
• Professional and affordable product ranges
• Direct delivery to salons
Contact Details
Tel: 012 361 8474
Email: info@iconhair.co.za
Faucet Boyz
Hot water at your fingertips!
• NO Geyser NO Gas
• Saves on your Electricity and water bill
• Instant hot water,,in seconds,
• LCD to see the heat degrees,
• Water temp adjustable between 30 & 50c
• No need to pre-heat.
• Low consumption,, Water pressure 0.04--0.05mpa
• Installation carry LIABILITY AND WARRANTY
Contact Details
SALES - Jeff: 062 488 4581
KZN Based, Amanzimtoti
Email: faucetboyzkzn@gmail.com
“Why I Made the Move Home”
Interview with Maritza Rossouw - Hair Artistry – Parklands North, Cape Town
Q: When and why did you make the move to a home salon?
I moved to Cape Town three years ago. I decided to open a home salon, a year later. I opt for a home salon, as I had no clientele and needed to keep overheads as low as possible. We celebrated Hair Artistry’s 2nd year anniversary in May 2020.
Q: Did you downscale during the move and if so how?
I did downscale in size, the shop is only 30m2, only a third of the size I am used to.
I downscaled in staff, it is only me and Isadene, my assistant.
I downscaled on overheads, rent etc.
I downscaled in the amount of Haircare I carry and order more regularly, to keep cash flow healthy. I also only retail my utmost favourite products, as I do not have space for the whole Redken and Pureology range. I offer a compact but effective Haircare Solution to my guests.
Q: What changes have you made in terms of marketing since being based from home?
I invest a lot of time and effort on my Instagram, Facebook, Google Business and our website. I collaborated with two influencers (that complimented my brand and culture) in my area to get me started, which helped me build this brand. From there, the clients started referring friends and family. Google Business has also been a great tool, the more active you are - the more referrals you get from it.
We do take our time with every guest, believing in working smarter. We insist on best practices every time and do not rush or cut corners. We offer them a Boutique-style salon experience, although at home, we believe the service and professionalism would be rated five-star.
We keep on learning and make sure we stay on top of our game. we take time, on taking before and after pictures, trying to get the pics the best we can, as Social media is now our new Business card and CV.
I also spend a lot of time networking with fellow stylists. Although not under one roof, we still need to inspire and be inspired by our fellow craftsman. The only way I could have been brave enough to go on this adventure, was knowing the REDKEN Tribe was only a phone call away. Cross-referencing guests, also helped build up the business.
Q: What percentage of clients have followed you to the new location and what are their thoughts on it?
We started with not one single client. The first month we saw only 17 guests, mostly neighbours, curious on what is happening in the neighbourhood. It gradually built from there.
I do think 60% of your guests will follow you no matter where you move to. It is about the experience you offer them and the relationship you built over time. The way that we go about our move is important, approaching our move ethically and respectful to all parties involved is key.
I am fortunate to see some of my Pretoria guests when they visit Cape Town.
Q: Do you find it is easier or more difficult to be Covid-compliant working from home?
Although the salon is at home, we try our utmost best to keep it as Covid-compliant and professional as possible. Therefore, the only thing that makes it easier, is not having to manage a bigger staff, regarding distancing from each other and sharing a staff room etc.
But it’s the same effort sending out the required questions when they book their appointments, having the virtual consultations, making sure the timeslots are booked to perfection. Measuring fever when they come in. Having enough space between the working stations. Some guests need motivation to keep the mask on during the visit.
Disinfecting where anyone has touched and our tools all the time! I think it is a new culture and routine, we all have had to adapt to, now already second nature. Like saving water forever, after the Western Cape’s drought, we will forever sanitise after the World Covid – 19.
Q: What did you have to do to get permission for your home salon to operate? (i.e. consent use from neighbours etc).
The rules depend from region to region. It all depends from setup to setup. For us, it depended on the size of the workspace relative to the size of the home. Because we are only 30m2 in size, the neighbours did not even have to give consent, I did run it by them though.
For the 30m2, we have to offer the guests 3 parking spots on our premises, as parking in the street or on the sidewalk is against the law. Our Name board can only be 250mm by 750mm, also we can only be 3 people working in this space.
Q: What has the impact been on your costs, turnover and profitability?
This was a very interesting exercise. I think it will be different from setup to setup. For this salon, we managed to keep the overheads low. Our turnover is lower, as I do not have multiple assistants to help with the guests procedures. I do all my colour applications, toners and blow-dries myself. This lowers the turnover (also the costs, less salaries), but it does bring me closer to doing what I love. It gives me more time to connect with my guests and create beautiful hair with my craft.
Less stress because of lower costs, lower turnover because of less staff but the same profitability as in the bigger salon set up.
Hair Artistry is a two year old baby, we will see what teenager she develops into. Kenny Orchison has recently joined our team. We have collaborated and he is taking full custody!
I am working in the salon, two Saturdays a month, in the week I Educate for Redken. The world is our playground! Let’s create
