Trading Services

Trading services with other practitioners can be a wonderful thing. For many years in my career I have done this—traded with other aestheticians, massage therapists, and even acupuncturists. There have also been times when I just had to say no. Trades, obviously, involve no money exchange, and some periods in my working life I just wanted or needed to keep my appointments open for paying clients.

Trading services can help bring more clients into your office. If the person you’re trading with agrees to keep your take-ones in their (non-competing) office, you will get more exposure. You, in turn, will agree to keep information from your trading-person in your office and help to promote their business. For integrity sake, only do this co-promotion with people you would freely recommend to your clients. Otherwise you run the risk of sending clients to people who don’t really provide a great service, lessening the client’s trust with you.

I don’t have a lot to say about trades except keep accurate records! Some trades will be a you-come-in, then-I-come-in type set up. But some trades I’ve done went more like you come in, and again, and again—a bit lopsided. That is why it’s important to keep good records.

I didn’t trade for skin care products, only facials. Also, even though I usually charged more for my service than the person I was trading with, I always felt the trade was even because of the time spent (vs. the cost of the treatment). For instance, when I got my hair cut, the service took 30 minutes start to finish. I traded this for my one-hour facial. I felt it was an even trade although the facial was longer and cost $20 more than the cut. It was a really good haircut!

As with any and everything with your business, you will set things up the way it suits you best, whether it be exchanging services with someone or just setting your prices for clients.