Retail

[Islamia]

I'm an MT in a salon-day spa environment. My bosses would like me to try to sell a little more retail to my clients.  I'm not opposed to this but there isn't a lot that they already have that would be appropriate for me to sell.  They are understanding of this and are willing to bring anything(within reason) into the salon if I think that I would be able to sell it.  I'm at a loss though.  I was wondering if any of you out there are doing successful retailing and of what.  I'm looking for some fresh ideas 'cause I'm fresh out!  Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Kayt]

Retail

A salon that wants me to go work there told me that they would like for me to sell their Aveda products to my clients to use for home care for their skin. Maybe you could look into that? When people go to get a massage, they usually go to either relax or for pain relief. Most products that salons get are for skin care. I wouldn't expect to sell much of that. However, Sombra or Biofreeze may do pretty well!

 

[A p]

Retail

I agree with the sombra & biofreeze, and it would be easy to sell. Simply use it whenever appropriate & talk briefly of the benefits. Its a 'soft sell'. Other things that I can think of.... salt & sugar scrubs & Moor mud packs. You could use the mud on the back, as terab, I think, suggested in another thread. Its easier to do a full body yourself at home in the shower, but you need a significant other, etc to do your back! haJill/Sagetherapist

 

[Vampire Lord]

Without knowing what the salon currently sells, it's hard to know what to suggest.  I'm glad not to be in your position......I want to be an MT, not a salesperson.....I'm not good at that.  I hate going to places that are trying to push things on you too......just not my thing.  In addition to what has already been suggested with regard to skin and body care.....what about other products that will help with stress management?  I've been to spas/salons that cell relaxation CD's, candles, Hot packs for the neck........all sorts of things.  These items sell particularly well around the holidays....Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas.  It's a lot of inventory to carry, but it would increase your chances of selling.Good luck.

 

[Ana]

I, once again  , agree with Kneaded.  I am not a product sales person.  I once worked at a spa and the owner wanted me to sell products.  I didn't use any of them and didn't know anything about them.  Most were for facials or nail products.  No thank you.  Sell the things that you are interested in and they will sell themselves.  

 

[krizutch]

Retail

Sell the things that you are interested in and they will sell themselves.  

I very much agree with this. If you don't believe in your product neither will your client. I sell skin oils like Jojoba and grapeseed oil with a little essential oil in them. Items that you already refer your clients to use is what you can sell.

 

[Caribou Lou]

Sell the things that you are interested in and they will sell themselves. I agree!!!  That's why I'm most comfortable "selling" massage.

 

[jcaddyer]

THanks to all of you who had advice.  I do already sell Biofreeze and the salon carries Bioelements line of body and skincare products.  Bioelements is a very good line and I could be doing more with that-maybe I'm missing the boat a little there.  I am considering doing something like lotions or oils with essential oils.  I was looking at the Aroma Vera line--does anyone have any familiarity with them?As far as being pressured to sell--I've worked in salons where there was a definate pressure being put on me(I'm no sales-person either),luckily the salon I'm at now is very supportive.  My bosses and my co-workers all sincerely want to see me succeed.  If that weren't the case I wouldn't be putting any effort into trying to do retail.Please keep the ideas coming!  It's interesting to know what other MTs are doing or what you've seen in other salons or spas.Thanks againIngoodhands

 

[hvn_fun2]

I've not begun to sell products, and I've debated on whether I ever would. I think it's kind of an ethical issue- is it really right to use your influence as the therapist to try to sell clients things they don't neccassarily need? In a way it makes me think of how many dr.'s use their influence to sell drugs to patients, that they usually don't really need. That being said- I think selling things that you are already using in your treatments- having them on display for sale but not pushing people to purchase might be an ethical way to do it. I use a heated rice/flaxseed pillow for feet, and a heated flaxseed eyepillow during sessions, and I've thought about making one to use for the neck/shoulders area at some point.  I may at some point get some things like that to have out, but I also think they'd be great to add to a mother's day gift bag, or to give to clients as a nice gift- so I'm still not to sure...

 

[Ascendancy]

Retail

I don't really think it's unethical to provide clients with biofreeze, sombra, etc. if they're looking for a good quality analgesic. If they're in pain, they may need/want to use it. Same with if they're wanting smoother skin or whatnot, if they're looking for a result, I have no problem selling them products to help them accomplish their goal.