Client Retention Building and maintaining consistent clients is not an easy goal but it is worthwhile. If you are willing to put in extra effort to draw them in, wow them, and win them over youve achieved your goal. Remember, clients always enjoy doing business with people that give them their moneys worth. When beginning a retention program, start off by asking the yourself the following questions: How many times have I looked in the newspaper to see who has a sale? How many times have I received coupons in the mail? How many times have I shopped right before and after a holiday because of sales? How much time have I spent in the past few months planning next months special? Does my client appreciation promotion last one week or one month? What special am I having for Mothers Day? Do male clients get a special for Fathers Day? Do I give a discount to clients that send in new clients? How many times have I linked-up with other stylists or businesses to offer a package deal? Have I contacted the local bridal shop to offer specials for their wedding parties? Did I offer a gift-with-service to promote my service and increase my retail? Did I give my client something special for their birthday? Asking these questions will help you stay aware of marketing and promotional efforts and ensure client retention. Remember that timing of your promotional efforts are crucial too. People are willing to spend more for special occasions and holidays like Christmas. As salon professionals, we must always market ourselves. We sometimes tend to overlook the small things that keep our clients coming back, but we must show appreciation. We must let them know because of them, we exist. In the words of Barbara Jordan - "If you are going to play the game properly, youd better know every rule." [Back to Index]