Does your business have a referral program in place?
If you don’t have a referral program, you may want to get one happening as they are an excellent tool to keep a steady stream of new clients coming in. This program can work if you are a single service provider or a salon with a lot of employees. Here are a few ideas on how to get referrals going in your business.
Money Talks
I offer a $10 referral credit to my clients for any new customer they send in. I have special cards printed that describe the referral program. There is a place on the card for my client to add her name so she gets credit for her efforts. She then gives the card to her friend, family, colleague or whoever is interested in lashes. When the referral comes in with the card, I know who sent them and make a note of the credit on their file. I also list their referrals name on their file and add the date of redemption of the credit when they collect their $10. You have to remember to add the redemption date to their file so you aren’t giving credit unnecessarily.
I just use $10, because it's a nice, even number and works for my business. You may decide that another amount or maybe an additional service or product may work better for you. An after care product can be a nice touch for this. The point here is to reward those amazing clients who are very social and who love you and your work.
Competition
You may want to go a bit bigger by having a drawing or raffle for a gift basket with fun items from your salon. Every time a client sends a referral, their name goes into a basket for the prize. It builds a competition and generates a buzz. Keep the goodie basket on display with a sign stating how they can get in on the comp.
Your basket can have items like Wash and Wink, a few cleansing brushes, extension safe mascara, eye liner, a heated lash curler, Lash Lock sealant and any other items your salon carries. Or you could just opt for the easy option - a Glad Lash After Care Kit - ready to go in the box, perfect! Not only does this showcase your retail items, but gets your client trying them out for future purchases.
Lash Lock sealant helps to prolong the life of your customer's lashes and makes a perfect thank you gift for a referral.
Let your clients work for you. Let them help you grow your business. Most importantly, you have to ask.
How do you reward your best customers who send business your way? Share you ideas, Lash Lovers!
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.
