The Secret to a Profitable Salon Suite: Location, Amenities, and Branding

Date:
April 14, 2023
Read TIme:
4 min
Written By:
Rachel Ekstrom
Tag:
Knowledge

If you're considering opening a salon suite or are already running one, you may be wondering if it's a profitable business model. The short answer is yes, salon suites can be profitable, but like any new business, success depends on several factors. Here we'll explore those factors and provide tips on how to maximize your salon suite's profitability.

What are salon suites?

Salon suites, known at beautiLofts as salon Lofts, are individual mini-salons housed within a larger salon or building. Each suite is typically equipped with industry-specific furnishings like beauty chairs, massage tables or shampoo bowls, and then rented out to individual beauty professionals.

The beauty professionals who rent these suites almost always work independently, setting their own schedules and prices for services. This model allows beauty professionals to have more control over their time and provides the opportunity to build their brand and business. Salon suites also offer clients a more private, personalized experience compared to traditional salons, as they're usually one-on-one with the beauty professional.

Factors that can affect salon suite profitability

Amenities and Services

Limiting yourself to just a small number of services can affect your profitability. Offering additional services to your menu like facials, waxing, or makeup services can attract more clients and increase revenue. Similarly, offering luxury amenities like complimentary beverages or high-end beauty products can make your salon suite stand out from competitors and attract more high-paying clients.

Rent and overhead costs

The cost of renting your salon suite and other overhead costs like utilities and supplies can significantly impact your profitability. It's essential to calculate these costs and factor them into your pricing to ensure you're making a profit. Keep in mind that you may need to charge higher prices than traditional salons to cover the additional expenses of independently operating a salon suite. To check what your profitability could be at beautiLofts, be sure to check our profit calculator here.

Marketing and branding

Effective marketing and branding can help attract clients and increase revenue. As a salon suite owner, it's crucial to create a brand that stands out and resonates with your target audience. Building a strong online presence through social media and a website can also help attract new clients and increase your visibility. Online advertising may also be advantageous to targeting new clientele. 

Competition

Competition is another significant factor that can affect salon suite profitability. If there are many other salon suites in your area, it may be harder to attract clients and stand out from the competition. Offering unique services or amenities and building a strong brand can help differentiate your salon suite and attract more clients.

Location

The location of your salon suite can have an impact on its profitability. If you're located in a high-traffic area with plenty of foot traffic, like a shopping plaza or a mall, you'll likely have more potential walk-in clients coming through your doors. On the other hand, if you're tucked away in a less visible location, it may be harder for walk-in patrons to find you.

Tips for maximizing salon suite profitability

Calculate your costs

Before opening a salon suite or making any significant changes to your existing business, it's essential to calculate your costs. This includes not only the cost of renting your suite but also any overhead expenses like utilities, supplies, and marketing costs. Once you have a clear understanding of your expenses, you can set prices that ensure you're making a profit. Check our profit calculator here to assist with this.

Offer a variety of services

A full service menu is a profitable one! Offering a variety of services can help attract more clients and increase revenue. Adding short, stackable services can expand your client base and increase revenue per client. For example, a hair stylist that adds eyebrow tinting and waxing to their service menu could make an average of $50 more per client. Nail techs could add nail art for an average of $20-$50 more per set and makeup artists who offer spray tans can increase their revenue $30-$60 per client.

Focus on branding

Building a strong brand can help differentiate your salon suite from competitors and attract more clients. This includes developing a unique logo and color scheme, creating a memorable name, and developing a brand voice and personality that resonates with your target audience. Being consistent with your branding can establish you as an authority in your area, attracting new guests to your business.

Provide luxury amenities

Offering luxury amenities like complimentary beverages, high-end beauty products, and comfortable seating can make your salon suite stand out and attract more high-paying clients. These small touches can create a more luxurious and personalized experience for your clients. Word-of-mouth can often be the most powerful, and this is a great way to increase referrals!

Offer referral incentives

Speaking of word-of-mouth marketing… Encourage your existing clients to refer their friends and family members to your salon suite by offering incentives like discounted services or complimentary add-ons. This not only helps attract new clients but also fosters a sense of loyalty among your existing client base.

Leverage social media

Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your salon suite and attracting new clients. Create a strong social media presence by regularly posting high-quality content, engaging with followers, and collaborating with other beauty professionals and influencers in your industry. Consider offering special promotions or discounts to your social media followers to incentivize them to book services with you.

Improve and evolve your skills

To stay competitive and profitable in the salon suite industry, it's essential to continuously improve and evolve your offerings. Keep up-to-date with the latest beauty trends and techniques, regularly upgrade your equipment and amenities, and solicit feedback from clients to identify areas for improvement. Continuing education is also a great way to keep your skills sharp. We understand the importance of staying on top of your game, that’s why beautiLofts provides monthly free and low-cost education classes to our Loft Owners.

Final thoughts

Salon suites can be an extremely profitable business model for beauty professionals, but success depends on several factors. By focusing on offering a variety of services, providing luxury amenities and continuously improving your offerings, you can maximize your salon suite's profitability and attract more high-paying clients. 

Beyond all of that, the most important factor is you! Your determination and drive will make all the difference in ensuring your business is a success. It might be a little intimidating to step away from your traditional salon, that’s why the team at beautiLofts is here to support you through every step of this journey. We can’t wait to watch your beauty business grow!

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