Christmas

[circa 1980]

Ok, whos doing what for the holidays? I spoke with a local restaurant owner about a Nov special I wanted to run. Im offering free dinner for 2 at his restaurant ( I told him I would pay for them) with purchase of a couples package. Not only did he like the idea, he said he would cover HALF the cost for me getting him new customers! Im pretty pleased with the arrangement. Id like to offer small gift baskets this year. Anyone have any good ideas? Want to share what youre planning? :}Im also offering Body Butter massages (they have a choice of 4 diff scents, and they get to take home the balance of what was used) Lets start sharing holiday ideas while we have time!

 

[Rock Hard Spock]

Christmas

Ok, almost 50 people read my post, and NOONE has any ideas for the holidays? Noones running any specials, or wants to swap ideas??

 

[stephpenk]

There really no innovation in my holiday strategy.  I do a holiday mailing to anyone who has ever visited my practice.  I think trying to cultivate new business at the holidays is great but getting existing clients or those who have experieced your work prior is an easier sell when the multitude of messages received by consumers this time of year is so high.  I'm usually surprised how many former clients come out of hiding for gift certificates at the holiday season that don't respond at all to mailing during the year.  Joe E.  

 

[TSL]

I am considering doing a "wish list" type of thing...kind of like a registry.Every year after the holidays, I have dozens of clients that say, well, I got some perfume, or clothes, or tools or whatever, but what I really wanted was a gift certificate here.  I guess they never picked up on my hints"So I was thinking of setting up a system where clients give me a list of people that normally get them presents for holidays, birthdays,anniversaries, etc. and sending those people a postcard informing them that their friend "Jane Doe" has just registered on our gift registry for  the special holiday or date they chose,  and offer a discount or promotion if they purchase a gift certificate for that person.  Then I would keep it on file for future use as well.I think it needs "tweaking" but I think it could be a cool idea.  What do you think?

 

[diamonds24]

Christmas

both excellent ideas! I need to go ahead & send out my postcards. I think the wish list is GOOD! I'm also trying to get folks to try out some services they normally wouldnt by offering 5-10 off if they bundle them. I need to get a holiday CG banner up infront of my shop!

 

[colonelsanders33]

Christmas

I'm launching a holiday special right now, expires on 12/31/04...purchase 3 gift certificates and get one free...I am however, debating whether or not I should charge the full hour price of $55 or do my special "grand opening special" price (which I'm only running until 11/15/04) of $40/hour...I don't want to undercut myself too much but at the same time, I don't want to scare people off...any ideas?

 

[casi]

I agree with BJB-LMP, don't combine the sale prices.Even though I don't normally do 30min appointments (usually only 1hr or more) I will sell 30min gift certificates - it means the person buying the gift isn't having to pay out that much money, and I will offer an upgrade when the booking is made "would you like to upgrade to an hour for only $x? An hour is usually $y."  Most people upgrade.  I only offer the 30min certificates if they come to me, no way will I go to someone's home for a 30 min appointment.

 

[keani]

Christmas

Reba the buy 3 get one free at full price breaks down to 41.25 per massage. They are getting a great discount at that price. Don't undercut yourself.

 

[feedphillipnow]

Christmas

Thanks for the input guys, I think I will go ahead and charge them full price ($55)...they're still getting a hell of a deal

 

[bethan]

Christmas

I run a special that gives them a bigger savings for the more they buy.5 sessions - 5% savings, 10 sessions - 10% savings, etc. all the way to 25 in blocks of 5.Most of my clients I see once a week, with a few client 2 or 3 times a week, so they go through them fast.

 

[solsolbi]

Christmas

For those who will be sending out a mailing, when do you plan on sending it out? (mid Nov, early Dec.?) thanks

 

[Rio Madeira]

Christmas

We avoid Holiday specials - tis the season to spend like crazy, so why give it away? People tend to splurge on luxury gifts like spa treatments and are giving them to someone else. They like to save when they buy for themselves.Same goes for Valentine's day - our busiest weekend of the year and other big events.If your goal is to generate work when it is slow, discounting GCs won't get you there. It will fill your wallet now, but then you run the risk of redemptions throughout the year, not when you are slow.If you are trying to generate cash to carry you through the holidays, then discounting will probably get you the same amount of $ as selling fewer at full price, without eroding the value of your service.

 

[x.ILoveLeeS.x]

I don't do discounts either.  I do send post cards and continue to sell gift certificates.  I get massage specific post cards from Information for People to send out.

 

[stephen raj]

I work in a small salon, 2 LMT's and 1 lady that does manicures and pedicures. Last year we made up a few packages and  sold them at 5% off the regular rate.  We sold quite a few packages. This year we decided to do an "A la carte" Holiday Wish List.  We took the top requested services and put them on a list and you can choose any 2 services and get the 5% discount. This way the customer is creating their own package.We wouldn't think of not having Holiday Packages because so many people request them.I, personally went to a dollar store and found the plastic hand massagers.  I plan on giving those to my regular clients as a little thank you from me to them. I'll put a label on them with my name and number along with a ribbon or bow.  I also plan on going to Hobby Lobby and looking for some really small containers so that I might be able to put a small amount of massage cream in them and give those out as well.  I wanted to do something for MY REGULAR clients as a way of saying "Thank You" that wasn't too expensive.

 

[Donkey]

I suggest if your going to do a mailer that you get it out by the middle of Nov.  I just sent mine out this weekend.  I let people know what I will be offering this holiday season, buy one massage at regular price and get the next for 5.00 off.  I also let my customers know that because we do not have a receptionist I would mail their gc to them.Also I'm doing an Open House.  I'll have refreshments, free chair massage, product available.  I sent the flyer along with my regular mailer hoping that my clients will come in that day and purchase GC for the holidays.

 

[Bill L]

Christmas

Have you ever had a Christmas open house before? if so, how did it work out? A florist a few doors down is having one for their business soon, was thinking of having one the same day! Customers may as well have access to one stop Christmas shopping! I was planning one for the spring, but I would like to get the holiday shoppers.

 

[Samira S]

I'll be having my Open House on the 20th.  Yes, cookies, hot apple cider, Christmas music, and hopefully selling lots of GC.    This is my first one, so I hope it goes well.  Will let all know how it goes.

 

[Gerph]

How cool!  We are having our open house on the 20th also!  My thoughts will be with you for a fabulous, productive Open House!

 

[aquaninja]

One of my instructors does a buy a one hour GC and get a 30 min free free during the holidays.  The only catch is the 2 GCs must be used by 2 different people.  He says it's a great way to get new clients in.  I think I may try it.

 

[Hannah G]

We are planning an Open House as well.  It is set for this Friday the 19th.  We are having someone come in that sells costume jewelry and purses, scarfs, etc. and some one that sell make-up products.  I think this will definately help all parties involved to make sales in each of our businesses.  I will also have a massage chair set up in the front office area.