The benefits of having an Online Store in addition to a physical salon retail space.
Between in-salon inventory and selling online, logic says that having more than one way to sell professional products will increase your salon income. However, some salon professionals question if adding eCommerce as a sales channel will take away from their existing in-salon retail sales.
Here’s how and why your Online Store can work hand-in-hand with your existing retail in the salon:
- Selling online adds awareness of professional salon and spa brands. The more times your client sees your favored brands through your emails, social media, your website and Online Store, and in the salon, the more likely they will purchase them from you.
- Offering the same products online that you have in the salon will give your in-salon-shopping clients a place to go if you are ever out of stock on an item or they run out of product between appointments. They just hop online and order what they need from you, with products delivered to their doorstep within a few days.
- Your Online Store is a great way to extend your offerings beyond what you carry in the salon. Consider adding specialty lines for specific needs that your current offerings may not cover. Products to curb hair loss or remedy scalp issues come to mind. You can also expand the types of products that you carry, such as adding skin or body care, and even appliances.
- The clientele that shops online is an entirely different type of customer. Online shoppers prefer to browse at their leisure and make purchases when convenient for them. They often venture further into Online Stores, looking into products not available in the salon. Even better, this portion of your clientele tends to spend more online than the average in-salon purchaser.
- Up to 80% of a salon’s clientele is buying their products elsewhere, with many looking to online retailers like Amazon for professional brands. Why not have them shop online with you instead? They just need to know that you offer the option to shop online.
- Your Online Store allows your clients to take advantage of subscriptions - where they can set the regular product delivery intervals based on how often they typically use up product. This feature is especially helpful in keeping clients stocked up on their favorite shampoos, conditioners, and must-have styling products; that way, they never run out.
- For salons that do not have room for retail, eCommerce provides a safe place for your clients to shop while you earn commissions for every sale.
In reality, having an Online Store complements your salon’s in-house retail. It affords another layer of convenience for your clients, not to mention an additional income stream for your business.
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