Contact profession? Retain your customers and revenues during the Coronavirus crisis
The world has been under the spell of COVID-19 for several months. This means that many companies have been idle for 5 weeks. And for people with a contact profession (such as masseurs, hairdressers, nail stylists, pedicures) it will remain the case for at least several weeks. We understand that this raises many concerns. However, there is also a positive side: we see all kinds of new, creative initiatives emerging. In this article, we list some idea to generate income and keep in touch with your clients during the Coronavirus crisis.
Start a webshop
In recent weeks we've seen a huge increase in people with a contact profession who started a webshop. Some of them already achieved great success! With a webshop, you provide a source of income and you maintain the bond with your clients as long as they cannot come by. The initiatives below are a good example of this.
1. Sell supporting products
Check if you can sell the products you normally use to your customers. As a hairdresser, you can think of a personalized haircolor package to color your hair. If you run a massage parlor, you can think of massage and wellness products. If you have a nail studio, sell a maintenance kit so that your customers can update their nails at home. This way you show customers that you think along with them and offer some service. And most important, you can keep (a part of) your income.
You can offer these products by appointment, but the safest way is through your own webshop. This way, customers don't have to visit you. A webshop is also the perfect way for upsell; offer a 10% discount on the next order to increase the chance of repeat purchases.
2. Gift cards
One way to make money, is by selling gift cards. Let your clients purchase a gift voucher and add an extra 10% or a free treatment on top. There is a big chance that people will buy a coupon to support your salon.
TIP: Do you have a hair salon? Then sign up for the Support your Salon initiative.
3. Keep offering value
Check if you can continue to offer value (online) to your customers. In addition to offering products (see the tip above), you can also show your value in other ways.
For example:
- Masseurs: offer a list of the finest yoga and meditation exercises, or a self-made yoga video.
- Hairdressers: think of DIY videos to color or braid your hair, or hair hacks not to be missed.
- Beautician: make-up tutorials or a 'how-to' video: create a face mask with products you have at home.
By doing this you stay on top of mind with your customers. Beside that you also show that you're an expert in your field. Those customers will be first ones to visit your salon or store when it's possible again!
Finally: maintaining a webshop takes some time, so consider carefully whether you want to start. At the same time, it is a perfect way to continuously generate extra income. Not only now, but also when you're able to practice your profession again.
Can't wait to start?
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