I am not a big believer in offering volume discounts, although it is sort of an industry standard in the skin care world. I also rarely discount my services as you can read about in Special Promotion discounts (see link below). If you are new to your business I don’t exactly recommend following my model unless you already have a healthy clientele.
If a client approaches me, which several have over the years, about offering a price reduction on a series of treatments or somehow lower the average price of the facial if they purchases several at once, I certainly will offer them some kind of discount. I want to work with my clients in ways that work for both of us. In scenarios where I am directly asked for something, most likely I will accommodate.
Although I don’t offer concrete volume discounts, I do “rewarded” my regular monthly clients with either a free end-of-the-year facial or I’ll surprise them with a no-charge birthday facial during their birthday month. This discount isn’t listed anywhere and it varies from year to year and from client to client. Just like having a policy for frequent short-notice cancelers and people who no-show, I also have “policies” in place for those clients who show up on a regular, long-term basis.
I have seen some salons that have a punchcard system of discounting, similar to what my local coffee shop offers—if I buy 10 coffees, I get one free. As a salon you could do what many skin care businesses do: With 5 punches, you get the 6th free; with 12 you’d be getting 2 free, essentially. Obviously you can set up your discounts however you choose.There are companies who make these “loyalty cards" or you can make them yourself. If you do decide to have this type of discount system, be sure to let your clients know. At vistaprint you can have these cards made for very little money or you can use your local printer when you are having other business pieces printed.
If you are new to being in business, it might behoove you to put some discounts in place in order to attract more clients to your salon. Having a “first-time client” discount is a great idea to get people in the door. Once they experience and love your service, they will gladly pay full price in subsequent visits—and will be happy they found you in the first place.
However you set the promotion—if you decide to discount—be sure to let people know so they can partake in your discount program.
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