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The Eyelash and Brow Artist’s Path to Prosperity: Part 6 - How to Find the Best Vendor for Your Lash Business

5 min read

Posted by Maryann Matykowski on September 27, 2016

6 Comments

When we decide to start our business, we always begin by doing research on who has the best products. Who has the best value on their lash and brow products? If you are anything like me, you have spent countless hours looking for that perfect company or vendor to work with.

Where to Begin?

Most people today look to the internet for answers to their most basic questions on just about everything in life. We just love Google! It has made our lives so much easier and has saved us so much precious time. Unfortunately, Google can’t always answer our technical questions on lash and brow products, like a good vendor can. Have you come across those companies who solicit your business via WhatsApp, Alibaba, eBay, Amazon, and so on? They have rock-bottom prices on their lash and brow supplies. It’s easy to get sucked in to the deep discounts on these supplies. I can tell you, I have been tempted to try these suppliers. However, I am not going to put these offshore, off-continent suppliers in the vendor category. When purchasing from these suppliers, you must purchase large quantities to even get them to consider your order. If you are looking for a good solid company to do business with as a lash and brow artist, then here are a few things you should review, before you decide which vendor or company will be a good fit for you and your business.

Vendor Checklist

Spend some time online researching your vendors. Look at their website, is it easy to navigate?
Do they have products that you have used already? Gel pads, glue, tweezers, and etcetera?
Do they have current descriptions of their products, i.e., how they perform, size, ingredients?
Are they posting their reviews?
Do they have a wide variety of products so you can do one-stop shopping?
Can you shop online?
Do they have a customer service representative?
Can you get your questions answered easily?

Creating a Good Working Relationship with a Vendor is Invaluable

A vendor can keep you in the know with new product launches, updates in ingredients, product giveaways, and industry newsletters. Some vendors have blogs to give helpful information on business building, marketing and advertising, and safety and sanitation – just to touch on a few categories of interest. These vendors know that our success is also their success. If they are interested in our needs, they will be open to questions, suggestions, and technical support for their products.

The Relationship Has to be Reciprocal

In the many years I have been lashing, I have tried about ten or more different vendors and companies. Some had great products, but were difficult to place an order. Some were just not that interested in my business, and they couldn’t answer questions. Some never returned my phone call to place an order, and some had difficulties just shipping my order. I do have a little bit of a different situation, as I live in the desert. The temperatures here can reach 120°F in the summer, not to mention how hot it can get in the mailbox. This extreme heat can wreak havoc with my glue. So I have to be careful to keep close tabs on my orders. They can’t sit in my mailbox all day. I have to work with a vendor who is sensitive to my shipping concerns. I want to feel like I matter to them, even though I don’t place huge orders. I still want to be treated like my business matters to them, and that they understand my issues. You may be a large or small business – it doesn’t matter. You deserve to be treated like you are their only client. If you aren’t getting this kind of treatment, then maybe this is a one-sided relationship.

Being Cheap Won’t Save You the Bucks in the Long Run!

Too often today we want things fast and cheap. In our quest for fast and cheap, are we sacrificing quality? I am here to tell you, I have made that mistake and have a drawer full of slightly used products to show for it. They weren’t what I thought I was getting... Lashes so stiff you could pop balloons with them... Glue that was less than effective, and the fumes... Obnoxious! Tweezers that don’t close, tweezer coating that peels off when cleaned leaving paint chips everywhere, and gel pads loaded with gel that leaks into the eye as they warm with the body temperature... It has taken me many years to realize just how important it is to know your products. If you know your products, you will be more confident in selling them, and your other services. Don't limit yourself with inferior product! To learn more about selling your services, read one of my previous articles in the series here.

Lashings of Love for My Vendor

I am very happy that I finally found my perfect match. It took me several years of shopping around to get my vendor that I love to work with. From the very first time I reached out to them for help placing an order, I was treated like a VIP. They answered all my questions, addressed all my concerns, and advised me on the products suited to my business. The customer service was absolutely the best I have ever experienced with any vendor or company in my lashing career. Their shipping is always spot on and reasonably priced. Does this mean I don’t ever shop anywhere else? Pretty much. Once in a while, in the heat of the summer, I have to purchase from a local vendor, but I kinda feel guilty. My lash vendor is amazing; I love everything about them. I almost feel like they are my work family now. I believe in loyalty. This may not be very popular right now, but we love it when our clients are loyal. I’m sure our vendors or companies are hoping that we will be loyal to them. Honestly, I’m not going to stop shopping if they raise the price a little on an item or two. I am all about consistency, I want to deliver the same great results each and every time.

It Has to Work For You!

So, do your research, find your best fit, and develop a relationship with your lash and brow vendor or company. In my next article in the Path to Prosperity series, we will delve further into the topic of vendor support, and find out how to maximize what you're getting out of this crucial relationship! We would love to hear from you in the comments section. Let us know what steps you take to make sure you have the best relationship possible with your vendor. Or if you have any questions you would like to ask me, please don't be afraid to ask!

Maryann Matykowski

Maryann has an accomplished, 30+ year background in the beauty industry. As a cosmetologist she opened her first salon in ’83. She has specialized as an educator since 2006. Maryann knows what it takes to create successful salon businesses and is here to share her experience with you.

6 Responses

Maryann Matykowski

October 09, 2016

Hello Mika, Thank you for the kind words, so happy you find the articles useful!

It’s great that you are moving forward with your business. I am going to address the steps on growing your business from concept to completion. From being on your own to having the Salon of your dreams. Stand by for these up coming articles. I will help guide you through the rough spots, address questions and help you gain confidence in your future.

Best of luck with it all!

Mika Lashartist

September 30, 2016

Hi Maryann! I just stumbled upon these articles and it was very helpful when I got a clear idea of how to work with my vendors. I am in the very first level of starting my company based in Sweden and I am very exciting about it. I loved your articles, they were very helpful. I have been working with eyelashes for 3 years now and I will start selling the products and my own designed tools on a website. My dream has always been to open a salon but it will be a later project.

I am wondering if there is an email I could ask you some more questions? best regards Mika

Maryann Matykowski

October 09, 2016

Hello Mika, Thank you for the kind words, so happy you find the articles useful!

Best of luck with it all!

Mika Lashartist

September 30, 2016

I am wondering if there is an email I could ask you some more questions? best regards Mika

Maryann Matykowski

October 09, 2016

Hello Mika, Thank you for the kind words, so happy you find the articles useful!

Best of luck with it all!

Mika Lashartist

September 30, 2016

I am wondering if there is an email I could ask you some more questions? best regards Mika

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