Bundling your salon services into “package” deals is a great way to sell more products and make more money.
When you’re setting up your list of salon services, it’s easy to write out what you can do for clients and slap on a price tag.
But, if you’re not seriously considering salon marketing strategies, like bundling services and products together into packages, you’re missing out on lucrative opportunities.
Packaging your salon products or services is a fantastic way to market your salon + incentivize new and current clients to book with your online scheduler.
There are plenty of benefits to bundling your services, like:
- You’ll sell more products.
- You’ll encourage repeat business (aka more appointments).
- You’ll set yourself apart from the competition by speaking directly to client needs.
Here’s exactly how to find the best deals for your salon’s client retention — plus 10 bundling ideas to get you started.
How to Figure Out What Deals Are Best for Your Salon’s Client Retention
Step 1: Set serious goals.
The obvious goal is to make more money, but let’s drill down and make a more concrete business plan for your salon.
Ask yourself the following questions…
- Why do you want to create deals?
- What can you improve to grow your business?
- Are you trying to get new clients for your salon?
Or… Maybe you’re hoping current clients will rebook more often — and no-show less frequently.
Maybe a competitor opened down the street, and you’re looking to stand out?
Whatever the case may be, bundling your services and products into packages is an effective way to meet your targets.
Once you have your goals for your salon deals, you’re more equipped to make informed decisions about what to offer.
Pro Tip: Schedulicity offers packages for both service- and class-based businesses. Once you get things rolling, Schedulicity makes it super easy to track clients’ packages — with an easy-breezy process for deducting sessions and handy reports to keep an eye on things as well.
Step 2: Research your existing salon client list.
Next, take a deep-dive into your current client list. It should give you plenty of insight to help you create offers and manage package deals.
Take a look at your books and get a sense of what kind of clientele you’re working with.
Do you have tons of new clients?
Do you have loyal salon clients who come back on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis? (If so, consider creating a customer loyalty program, too.)
What about one-time clients who book once and never return?
If you find yourself with an abundance of one-time clients who don’t rebook, a re-engagement offer might get those customers back.
If you’re sweating new clients, try a package for first-time appointment booking.
Let your current client list — and holes in your client base — inform the deals you offer.
Step 3: Sell packages during downtime in your schedule.
If you look at your calendar, you’ll likely notice trends when it comes to scheduling: days of the week or months where you’re booked solid or quiet periods filled with empty slots.
(By the way, our online scheduling software, Schedulicity, offers Fill My Book to help with hard-to-fill appointments.)
These periods are the perfect time to introduce package deals.
If July is always full for you, there’s no need to offer discounted services.
But…
When things slow down in August, you can incentivize people who might not otherwise book to set up an appointment by throwing something special their way.
Step 4: Test different deals to see what works.
Make sure you’re testing different package deals against each other, so you can assess your success.
Too often, business decisions are made on assumptions or feelings instead of evidence.
Package management is a perfect place to consider the scientific method.
Note the type of deal you’re running, time of year, and all other factors that set the deal apart.
Then, compare to a new deal the following month or season, to see which works best for your business.
Pro Tip: To make it easier for you, Schedulicity offers promotion and package reports. These reports keep track of what’s working for you in an easy-to-read format.
10 Deal Ideas to Improve Your Salon’s Client Retention
There’s an endless amount of package deals out there, so where do you start?
We rounded up ten proven package deals to consider for your salon, depending on your goals and client list.
1. New Client Deal
The new client package is a classic for a reason. It incentivizes customers to book with you the first time and keeps clients coming back.
Consider offering a client’s first five classes at a discounted rate, a 30-day unlimited deal, or a service bundled with a free consultation for new customers.
2. Product Bundle Package
Offer a shampoo and conditioner combo.
Bundle texturizing spray, hair oil, hairspray, and whatever else!
Putting your best salon products together upsells each appointment — and even at a discounted rate, you’re bringing in more profit than if the client booked just a single service.
3. Partner Package
Partnerships are the secret weapon of small business marketing, capitalizing on other brands to drive customers directly to you.
If you already have a referral program with another business, consider bundling your services together at a discounted rate.
4. Loyal Customer Package
Getting customers to continue to book is a cornerstone of a successful salon, and giving clients a reward for their loyalty will keep them coming back for more.
Consider a discount on recurring appointments, which make your billed hour a guarantee instead of relying on clients to remember to rebook.
Here’s our guide to spa and salon loyalty programs to get you started.
5. Buy Two, Get One Free Package
Why sell one when you can sell two?
Figure out how many classes or services you need to sell in order to stay profitable even when you add in a freebie.
6. Bridal Package
Themed salon deals are perfect for targeting specific clients. Think back to your research about who you’re after.
Start with people who are definitely spending money: people with life events coming up.
For example, bridal deals can include anything from cut to color to style.
7. Post-Baby/New Mom Deal
Another critical life event? Becoming a parent.
New parents are in need of extra pampering, and giving them the opportunity to spend some money on well-earned self-care sets you up to make a nice profit.
What Kind of Money-Maker Are You?
Let’s talk money, honey! Spend it, save it, hustle for it.
Take the Quiz8. New Year, New Me Package
Everyone enters the new year with a plan to take better care of themselves.
Target this audience with special programs that transform your image.
People are thinking of chopping their hair off, dying it a new color, trying anything new to look and feel different.
(Another version of this deal would be the Summer Ready Package — which, you can probably guess, functions in a similar way. Make room for all the blonde appointments!)
9. Back-to-School Package
The school year starts in August or September. Consider offering back-to-school or picture day cuts to kids.
10. Specific Goal-Based Discounts
Think about what your client is looking to accomplish:
Do they want to go from black hair to platinum blonde?
Are they growing their hair out to donate?
Build packages around exactly what it takes to get them to their goal.
Are you a salon owner or hair stylist on the hunt for a new online scheduling app? Schedulicity has you covered!
With built-in payment processing and tools to manage your salon promotions and discounts, you’re ready to crush business.
