COVID-19 is still surging, which means more unknowns for salon/spa owners to deal with.

To say these are stressful times is an understatement.

To emphasize the sense of urgency to keep your salon/spa as productive as possible, here’s the current reality:

• Most salons, spas and barbershops have reopened.


• For the second time, California recently ordered non-essential businesses (including salons/spas) to shut down. Some California salons haven’t been allowed to reopen since last March.


• Fingers are crossed that more states don’t follow California and order non-essential businesses to shut down.


• Depending on the location, salons, spas and barbershops are only allowed to operate at 50% capacity or less. With COVID-19 surging, it is unknown when a return to full capacity will be allowed.


• Many businesses are at or near the end of PPP funds. Businesses that received EIDL loans will burn through cash if reduced capacity isn’t lifted.
  
  
  
  • Businesses can still apply for a PPP loan until August 8th.
  
  
  • SBA is still accepting applications for EIDL grants and loans.
    
    
    
    • Grants are $1,000 per employee up to $10,000.
    
    
    • EIDL loans are now capped at $150,000, no payments for 12 months at 3.75% interest for 30 years. To apply, go to SBA.gov.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Another economic stimulus plan is being argued in Congress. On the table is the ability for businesses severely impacted by COVID-19 to get a second PPP loan. As always, both sides are far apart on reaching agreement.
  
  
  • Many salons are reporting an increase in last minute cancellations and no shows.
  
  
  • The probability of employees being exposed to COVID-19 is increasing. Those that are exposed cannot return to work until they test negative. This makes operating at reduced capacity even more of a challenge.
  
  
  
  

1. Prebooking future appointments: A client going to checkout without a recommended prebook date is a systems failure. Without a recommended prebook date from the service provider, the responsibility falls on front desk/guest services to encourage a client to prebook his/her next appointment. THE RULE: Every client receives a recommended prebook date before going to checkout.


2. Prebook recommendations aren’t closed at checkout: Front desk/guest services must complete the prebooking process that service providers recommend to clients. THE RULE: Prebooking is a system. Service provider recommends. Front desk/guest services completes the prebook. Every client — every time. It is the client’s option not to prebook.


3. Retail recommendations and sales: You can’t sell what you don’t recommend. When clients walk out the door without ever receiving a retail recommendation, it is a missed opportunity. THE RULE: Every client receives a professional recommendation. We suggest verbal and written. Front desk/guest services close the retail sale.


4. Up-selling services: Just like selling retail, you can’t sell what you don’t recommend. THE RULE: At the chair, in the treatment room, on the phone booking appointments — recommend the service that the client may benefit from or is due to have done.


5. Not working within time standards: COVID-19 safety protocols may require additional appointment time, but when service providers require more time than what certain services should take — it adds up to a big missed opportunity. When service providers require more than necessary, it’s a skill deficiency — or laziness. THE RULE: Salons/spas sell time. Don’t squander the hours you have available for sale.


6. Not charging the correct price: This is perhaps the most significant missed opportunity at salons and spas. It includes everything from giving services away (sometimes to get a bigger tip), preferential client treatment, not charging for additional time/product, and just plain lack of confidence. THE RULE: Every employee must be skill certified on service pricing and how additional time and professional product must be charged for. Start charging the correct price and you’ll see revenues increase.