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| | (1 recommendation so far) | Message 1 of 23 in Discussion |
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Hey guys!! Aight so I wanted to post about What I feel like the economy has done to our industry.. At least here in Florida!!! I wanted to see if any of you from around the world and nation are experiencing the anything similar!!!! Ok first off DON'T GET ME WRONG... HAIR IS MY LIFE, PASSION AND MY HEART!!! But I am quiet irratated... how I have came out.. and I AM TOTALLY OPEN FOR ADVICE AND ANYTHING THING YOU GUYS CAN TELL ME TO MAKE IT BETTER!!!! Aight so .. Here in Florida I have been in this industry since 1996 and a professional since 1999 Aight.. So At first the first 2-5 years.. I could not have had it better.. I did really well got my own place got a car PAID FOR... And did not really have no debt... and was stable and a lil sercure in my income... Aight now!!! and within the last 4-5yrs.. It seems that here in florida anyhow IT HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE!!! Even though I always work for company salons... For the stability and such... Honestly guys.. - I HAVE NOT EVER MADE OVER $20,000 A Year... Please NEW PPL IN THE BUISNESS DON'T LET THAT DISCOURAGE YOU!!! You can do well.. I think depending on where your at... I understand most places up north ARE DOING GREAT IN THE BEAUTY FIELD!!! AND THE FIELD IS HOT TO TROT UP THERE!!!!
But here in Florida.. UH!! IT SUCKS!!! I have friends all across Orlando and have asked... If they are having any issues... Most have said Ya.. Like I don't know what's up and what's going on... Honestly I think 9-11 hurt us so bad.. It seems to me from what I have exp. It has quiet bounced back the same like it was before 9-11 I use to do about 10-15 heads a day and now I am lucky to see that much... I thought at first it was the area I am in right now.. But when I talked to former co-workers and friends that are spread out throughout Orlando I was like OMG!!!! I hope whoever is next in line for president HELPS FIX THIS ECOMONY ISSUE... CAUSE IT IS KILLING THE VERY HEART OF ME With my CAREER!!!! I am kind of hurt!!! I one feel like I should be further along and I AM NOT.. Granted I have gained mighty exp.. Most in our industry takes longer to get exposed to! But... I have not seen it benefit me yet!! and I AM QUIET FED UP TO BE QUIET FRANK... I AM SICK OF BARELY MAKING IT AND WANT TO COME OUT MORE THAN ENOUGH!!! Ya know!!! Anyhow if ya guys got anything to add to this advice!!! I AM WIDE OPEN AND MY EARS ARE FREE TO HEAR AND LEARN ANY I CAN TO TURN THIS AROUND... .It does'nt make sense.. how something I love so much... let me down. This guy that works with me in my salon now.. He has been doing hair 30 something years.. He said one other thing too THAT MAKES PERFECT SENSE!!! How clients back then for a good while swore by their stylist.. and were overly dedicated and loyal and dependent on their personal stylist.. and Now it seems PPL ARE ALL ABOUT CONVIENCE AND AFFORDABILITY!!! Although I have gained a decent but not solid clientele... I have noticed too... If I am not available.. Although they apperciate my work.. They are quick to be like "OH WHOEVER CAN DO IT .... ... IT DON'T MATTER " Just out of convience... The Loyality is gone out the window!!!! THIS IS SO VERY AGGRAVATING!!! I bet if I started alot earlier in the industry I could of had a better life!!!!! Aight there it is .. My fustration!!!!! It bothered me so much I was considering laying down hair for a while ...Just to get my finances back on track... WHICH I REALLY DON'T WANNA DO.. But IT NOT MAKING ENDS MEET FOR ME RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! Aight.. Enough of my rambling.. I overall wanted to see you guys imput and what you might be experiencing in your neck of the woods and wanted to know if any of you are suffering at all in our industry from the ecomony and has it affected you at all in your buisnesses and with your clientele????? ~Hugs and Love~ Leslie -Ms_BeautyExpert THANKS GUYS FOR LISTENING!! AND IF YOU ACTUALLY READ ALL THAT A BIG SUPER THANK YOU!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS FOR THE SUPPORT AND FEED BACK SO THANKS IN ADVANCE!!! |
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I agree that venturing out on your own is the only way to make any money. Find a place that the rent is reasonable (renting the chair) and walk ins are high. Spend a year there and get a cell phone just for clients. When you get more built up, take your cell phone and business to your ideal place, be it in your home or your own place or stay there if you like. High walk in factor is key. That way your income can be higher while you are building. Nothing is worse than being slow and doing nothing while you starve. The other is having BCs with your cell phone so clients call YOU to book, even if there is a receptionist. Find a place where you can have your own phone. If they don't want to hear your phone, put it on vibrate and/or answer/return calls between clients. I did all of this and it paid off well. That way they don't book with other people and when you leave that salon, you take your clients 100% of them with you. I am now in a ONE PERSON salon that I pay rent on. The initial expense was high buying a chair, sink, dryer, fixing it up the way I wanted, etc. but its MY PLACE, my music, everything. I offer clients chocolate and great drinks and my satellite radio plays whatever they want to hear. They have me 1 on 1 and the whole place to themselves. The clients love it and my retention value is higher than any place I've been. My rent is low as I'm on the 2nd floor and share bathroom with other tenants of the building. I pay about 1/2 of what I paid for just one chair at a salon. I have a website, check out what it looks like to have a 1 chair salon (www.flipsalon.com) I have tried many ideas of giving referral rewards. Referring a said # of clients didn't work. Some clients don't have 3 people to refer, just one. What has worked best is......$10 off your next appt. if you refer anyone! That has been the best one and I've tried just about every trick. Imagine how happy clients are when they go to pay and I say they their bill is $10 less cause they referred their friend, thank you. Works like magic. Good luck! ***Remember, bad times are what motivate us to make good times. I was in a horrible salon before I opened this one for myself. It motivated me to do it otherwise I may still be renting a chair from someone. Its the best thing I ever did and did it at a point where I thought about quitting this profession as well. ------Karla/Flip Salon/Portland, Oregon |
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I totally agree with 9/11 killing our business. We have seen it dropping a little each year. People are coloring their hair more at home to save money. And yes a lot of the ppl are not as loyal as they use to be. I think this time of the year is a slow time anyhow. As for making alot of money, I have never done over 18,500. and I have been in the business since 1984. That is not including tips. I did work for a JCP for 13 years, for the wonderful benefits, and leaving all that in October of 06 to start in a smaller salon. It has had its benefits. Prices are lower and I dont feel guilty for charging them. Tips are higher and this year I made more than I did working all those years at JCP. We do alot of word of mouth advertizing with the refer a friend program and new customers 10.00 off. We also have a stamp card that after 10 visits you get 5.00 off. Everyone seems to love those. We have also started a little gift bag for the neighboring businesses. They have samples in them along with 5.00-10.00 off depending on the service. Every new customer that we do get also gets a little gift bag with different goodies in it. We offer coffee, beer, wine, water, pop and the occasional mixed drink, although coffee and water are our biggest desires. We try to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome and wanting to come back. We have a sign that we change periodically to say funny things that get your attention. At this time of the year anything helps. We've had phone calls pertaining to it so we know it works. These are some of the things we all do in our salon. Great ideas from everyone! |
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Hi all....It seems to me most are runing scared.. if you listen to "The Secert "cd or video by Rhoda Byner ... you'll see there is more then enough to go around.. although many of the post have good thoughts ...one needs to learn how to bring wealth to one self.. life gives you what you ask for.. so if u say the economy is bad thats what you'll get .. if you say life sucks thats what you get .. think good thoughts and see what happens.. thoughts become things ... so think good thoughts.. now i know you all by now think i'm crazy .lol ...but it truly works.. we have the tools ... our mind is very powerful .. this cd has helped me a hundred fold.. it's better to have a Life!!! then life have YOU!! Also remember ..it's easier to ride a horse in the dierection it is going..lol...wake up tomorow and thank your high power for what you already have ..i will leave you with this... I use to be different ..Now I'm the same..lol...  Drew |
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AWW Drew.. I can hear nothing but wisdom in those words!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THAT Not only is it encouraging professionally but personally too!!! I am still trying to figure out the last statement though "I use to be different ... Now I'm the same..." That sounds very resourceful... lol If I could figure out what exactly it means.. But Really your right!! I need to grip hold of my thinking!!! Funny I been reading alot about how our minds affects what we get out of life... That was only confirmation of what I was thinking where I have messed up! lol THANKS! Ok And as for Ms.Jaden.. Thanks so much quiet encouraging that I am not alone!!! I love some the ideas you had there.... I have done alot of that myself as well.. Sometimes it works sometimes it don't ... I should try the 10$ off thing.. I am jus affraid my mgr.. Will FLIP Though... They already give me issues throwing discounts at ppl and offering free haircuts for refferals.. ect. Ok and For Ms.Karla...--- I think you and Donna make a very strong point and getting out on ur own and having your own place... I know it works for some people and lots sware it the only way to MAKE $$$ I am not convinced of that... I mean don't get me wrong I would do it in a heart beat if I could... But I have a hard time grasping the concept to take $$ I don't have to go all into that buying equipment, chemical , product ect. Or even Booth rent.. I don't understand that concept either.. I know why ppl do it.. I could'nt though I don't think.. I see it as "HOW AM I GONNA PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO WORK.. " I need go to work to GET PAID NOT PAY SOMEONE ELSE! And I got 3 kids to provide for.. If I can hardly keep a roof over their head as it is.. and food on the table.. HOW THAT GONNA WORK... ?? Not really realistic... and the fact that clients at least in Florida anyhow are'nt that dependable... Won't help me... If I did'nt have kids... and no other responsiablities otherwise.. I could see my self giving it a shot.. But for where I am @ right now I can not see it.... I do strongly agree with Drew though... My thinking has to change first... I do see myself owning my own salon and even day spa one day.. *WHERE MY HEART IS* I jus think with my girls being the ages they are.. It not the time right now... They are 10, 4 and 3 bout to all have birthdays coming up around the corner 11,5, and 4 they will be.. So see... I can not exactly do what was suggested there Ms.Karla... Much easier said than done.. Although the 10$$ off with the refferal thing I may can try.. verses what I already do which is every 3 ppl they send a free haircut... Most my clients seem to like that idea.. and if they tell me.. They don have 3 ppl to send cause they don know nobody I tell them they can have a free hair cut for one! So... ?? and a free haircut in my shop is worth $20 so I think that is a lil betta than 10$ off but I see how it goes.. Maybe it is physcological and the 10$ strikes something and they THING THEY ARE REALLY GETTING OVER VERSES FREE... I know I handled one day this lady that was upset she was waiting so long for her daughters haircut.. she was about to walk out... and I go and offer to not only cut her daughters hair for free for her inconvience but to blow dry it too for her for FREE... She was still ready to walk out until I mentioned that I was comping a $45 service for FREE... (It was 45$ cause her hair was past her shoulders and really long) One I told her "But Mam, I am compensating you a 45$ service for your inconvience Give me a chance to make it a happy visit" Then she finally said Aight... They were happy when they left and now reg. clients. Anyhow... Thanks everyone who responded this has been a fabulouse response!!! AND JUST GREAT TO HEAR EVERYONES VIEWS!!! I LUV THIS SO MUCH!!! THANKS GUYS!! YOUR ALL LOVED!~ Leslie --Ms_BeautyExpert2 |
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| | (1 recommendation so far) | Message 13 of 23 in Discussion |
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HI Leslie, this is Leslie in Michigan. We are having a very bad economy, I have been in the business for 30 years also, and have never experienced such a terrible income in my life! I am a young 50 and love the business very much, but I am losing faith quickly. Clients do not remain faithful to you, that is right, it is price and convenience now. Everyone is on the go and if you can not accomodate them, they go wherever! So I am always trying to come up with ideas and promos, to no avail, but I keep trying. There seems to be a salon every 50 yards of the next one, which doesn't help. I really don't know what the answer is, I am only going to stay in the business for 5 or 6 more years, moving to South Carolina I think. Maybe it is better there. Leslie in Grand Rapids |
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COOL!!!  I had no idea there was another "LESLIE"  on here!!!! Thanks so much for your imput it is encouraging to know I am not alone  ... I think you're right S.Carolina it is good there  ... It is also good in my homestate which is VA. Although I am trapped in Florida lol Although last night in the salon talk chat... I discovered a lovely lady Bren  .. who is in Ocala.. not far from me.. bout 30-45 min or something.. and She says her salon is jammin with 14 stylist and it still is not enough... Thinks I should figure out a way to move to her area  !!!! hhehe Anyhow... Thanks THANKS Everyone.. And Leslie from Grand Rapids.. You guys are awesome... Thanks so much for the ongoing imput!!! ~ Hugs and Love ~ Leslie -Ms_BeautyExpert ***Or Leslie in Florida lol **** HEHEH |
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I moved hour 1/12 away from my job (which I own).. to make the trip easier i took a one day a week job (fridays)to be closer to home... i started there unkown and clientless, in 18 months i'm booked and now will be working sat to( and may buy the salon).. so for me the economy is great.. perhaps it's in our being.. when i'm with a client ..it's all about them.. it's there stage.. i service them the monmet she or he walks in to she or he leaves. I share myself when asked and i'm open to there needs....i give tips on making them look better and never talk about my problems or relationship .. or home problems .. i make them feel weclome and very comfortable.. they look forward to there next vist.. and the funny part.. there are better hair people out there ... so maybe take stock in what you say and how your being around them ..not only your clients but others to.. and get the dvd ,,the secert.. don't belive all you see on tv and newspapers....focus on what you want in your life .. and bring it to you.. it's in the dvd.. Drew p.s no spell check here so 4give my spelling.. |
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| | From:  krzykkc | Sent: 2/14/2008 1:34 PM |
Leslie... i'm in Michigan too and you are spot on. The economy here is terrible. I'm in Bay city on the east side of the state. There are no jobs. Factories closing, mom and pop shops and restaraunts are closing. It's a shame. We are looking to relocate after my b/f finishes college. Thinking about going west... Michigan a one state recession. |
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Drew I have watched the Secret a couple times and going to watch it again soon...I love it!!!! I am working on making a vision board now..And you are right it sure makes life better and my business has picked up...and it is going to continue to get better I know it!!!!!!! |
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Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Hooooooooooooooooooo... i'm so excited for you Tanya..thanks for trusting me...Now if we can get all our salon talk family doing this we can move mountains.. what an impowering group we would have...Bring your experiences to our next chat...thoughts become things ..so think good thoughts....Drew |
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Hi I'm from Livonia, Michigan. I heard this economy is very bad. What is going on? I'm loosing my clients. I tried to give $10 off the services. No one comes. My salon is going to slow down and no buissiness. I thought moving back to CA. CA is very expensive. I need to know why michigan is so bad. I heard everyone is moving out of state to get a better job. I like to stay in MI for a while but I don't make money. Should I find 2 part time job or move out of state. Boy! this is terrible. |
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It's everywhere... our salon has definitely slowed down! I am guessing Michigan has many car factories, and that is industry is falling apart... We're heading towards a recession...maybe depression......I am getting pretty scared too, hoping to figure out ways to get through this mess. I know I have been bending on my prices too for services, the clients haven't asked me to, but I just know some of my clients are really having a hard time right now, and I let them know that I am their hairdresser first before money, and during this tough time, I would like to help anyway that I can, since they have always been there for me. |
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I've been doing the same thing, also handing out coupons. I see no shame in it at all! I would rather still have work with discounted prices, than sit around and do nothing at all. I know clients appreciate it, and are able to come back. I appreciate any money I'm able to make right now. I count my blessings too, I know it could be alot worse. |
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Hi from Rockford, MI. ! The salons here have slowed down alot! We are battleing the same thing here! I have been in the business for 30 years and have never seen anything like this! The girls at the salon are saying the same thing. We are all trying to hang in, supporting each other as much as we can, the owner is a great girl, she knows how hard it is right now. We pay chair rental for certain number of hours we work, now she is letting us work as much as we can so we can just make rent for the same rent as P/T! I am also putting out any kind of discount just to get people in, if they buy a gift certificate for $25. they will get $50. worth of service. (which means they would get a free H/C and style in most cases when they get a chemical service, they have to spend at least $50. for this to work). This bad economy has to end soon, I am working a P/T job on weekends, Sat and Sun nights, it helps but isn't the answer. Just keep the faith! |
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I think that's great! We all have to work together in times like this, and we'll come out of it. Just remember, that if there is a depression, it won't be nearly as bad as the last one. I agree to keep the faith, everyone will always need their hair done, and we're not going anywhere! |
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