Starting a business is hard work, and maintaining it requires even more effort. As difficult as the early stages of being a business owner may be, the satisfaction of seeing a client beam at their new hairdo or recommend your service to a friend makes all the hard work you put in worthwhile. However, there’s really no cap on how prosperous your business can become. So if you’re looking for ways to elevate your salon business, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as we explore three things you can do to take your salon to the next level.
1. Find fun ways to play with light.
Mirrors—both ornamental and utilitarian—are a great and affordable way to upgrade your salon’s aesthetic. Unfortunately, mirrors are only as good as the accompanying lighting. Your salon’s lighting should render color accurately. What this means is that the quality of light that your salon’s light bulbs provide should be faithful to the original color.
To explain, have you ever had your makeup done or your hair colored in one color, only for you to leave the salon in a different hue than you intended? How well a bulb accurately depicts color is determined by its Color Rendering Index (CRI). For best results, use bulbs that have a CRI of 86 or greater.
For suggestions on the best mirror with LED lights, consider an LED lighted makeup mirror for your salon’s vanity station. Besides appealing to old Hollywood glamour, this mirror is great for enhancing precision when giving haircuts and during makeup application. Consider a full-length floor LED vanity mirror if you’re looking to have a mirror as your salon’s centerpiece. What makes this mirror stand out is the fact that it’s adorned with crystals, allows you to control the brightness, light settings, and color temperature—cool, warm, neutral—and has energy-efficient LED lighting stripes.
2. Have your heating and cooling system regularly serviced.
Your salon’s HVAC system should be in good condition because it’s responsible for purifying your salon’s indoor air, while also controlling the indoor temperature levels. During the hotter months, your air conditioner plays a more important role in the overall comfort level that your customers enjoy. To make your salon a comfortable and relaxing environment for your customers, you should be aware of the signs to watch out for that indicate that your cooling system is inefficient.
For starters, if you notice a significant increase in your monthly utility bills, this should alert you to the fact that something in your cooling system could be faulty. Despite being the clearest sign that your air conditioner is no longer operating efficiently, it can be difficult to find the source of the problem on your own. Luckily, a certified HVAC technician can help you perform an energy audit to see where you can make your salon more energy efficient.
The average lifespan of a cooling unit is about 10 years. If you’ve had your AC in for a long time, it may begin to show signs of wear and struggle with normal operation. A common sign that it may be time to replace your HVAC system is when you notice that the thermostat is running overtime. Additionally, if you notice any leaks or signs of moisture around your windows or near your air conditioner, it may be a sign that you need a new unit installed. These extended run times lead to an increase in energy costs that result from an inefficient heater.
Lastly, if your HVAC system keeps overheating, you have constant issues with your coolant levels, or you have to have a technician come in for regular repairs and spare part replacement, your system may be breaking down. Frequent malfunctions are a sign of a coolant system that can no longer operate at its maximum effectiveness. Besides costing you a lot of money in repairs, these constant breakdowns also add up on your utility bill and prevent your salon from running at its best.
3. Don’t slack on your customer service.
At the heart of your business are your customers, so to keep them satisfied—and convert walk-ins to repeat customers—find small ways to elevate your customer experience. Complimentary drinks and snacks can be a great place to start. For instance, partnering with a water service company in your area is a great way to ensure that refreshments are never out of stock. Beyond this, you can also put this water to good use and use it for your coffee pot or tea station. If your salon also caters to little kids, consider incorporating fresh fruit, cookies, or candy to help distract them from a long hair appointment.
Deciding to effect a few decor upgrades, have some refreshments on hand, and utilize an air conditioner that works are just some of the ways that you can give your salon the best fighting chance for success.