Can you hear the jingling of Santa’s sleigh bells around the salon as you read this? If not, it’s only a matter of time. That’s right, the festive period is upon us once more, and after the bleak scenes of Christmas past (thanks for the gifts, 2020) we’re more determined than ever to make this holiday season one to remember.
That means taking stock of new gift sets, sharing the love with gift cards, and ensuring the only white scenes are on the ground outside and not on your salon diary screen. But as we all know, booked appointments don’t always translate to custom.
Dreaded no-shows are faced by salon owners all year round, which are not just frustrating but can really hamper your profits. But what can you do to deter non-arrivals, and make sure Christmas 2021 pops off like Santa’s buttons after a big meal? Take a look at an important how-to guide, curated by Premier Software, to help deter no-shows…
All I want for Christmas is you
Your first stop to a successful season should be exclusive packages and treatments. With so much competition, you need to stand out from the crowd. What are you offering that Martha May Whovier next door isn’t? By offering a menu of services that clients can’t get elsewhere, you make yourself indispensable and clients are far less likely to leave you out in the snow.
Till bells ring, are you listening?
Nothing shows commitment like a ring payment in advance. OK, perhaps it’s not as romantic as a ring, but it’s still very important. Any bookings made over the Christmas period should include a deposit. Your time is limited, and availability is precious. If your client is committed to their appointment, they will be happy to pay to get their hair ready for the big day.
If you check off my Christmas list
It’s not just your diary that will be packed this Christmas time. Clients’ calendars will also be full of parties, last-minute shopping, and delivering presents. That’s where automated SMS confirmations and reminders come in. Salon software will automatically take care of these, reducing slip ups by ensuring clients know where to be and when.
Naughty or nice
Hopefully most of your lovely clients are on the nice list. But if some are naughty, your software will ensure you’re the first to know. If a client didn’t show up for their last appointment, your system will alert you of this, providing the opportunity to take payment at booking, and/or reconfirm their appointment before arrival.
Promote salon gift cards this festive season
with Premier’s Christmas Gift Card Package
Dashing through the snow
The truth is, clients will be rushing through the streets like Kevin McAllister through Central Park, to get in your chair before Christmas. So, just because your diary looks full now, don’t turn others away into the cold.Start a waiting list should last-minute availability arise. With software, you can be alerted to book in clients when a suitable slot becomes available.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
For a flurry of finishing touches to your no-show strategy, why not look at incentives? Everyone loves a gift, especially at Christmas! So why not offer clients loyalty points or a Bounceback voucher to spend on their next visit? Going full circle, these are great ways to make your offerings exclusive and future-proof your business for 2022 and beyond.
Premier Software clients using Salon by Premier Software can purchase their Christmas Gift Card Package or loyalty tags now to get started.
Not using a Premier Software solution? Book a presentation today to see how Salon can help reduce your no-shows.