How to Start a Lash Business - Our 5 Top Tips
5 Things We *WISH* We Knew When Starting A Lash Business
Starting a lash business can be challenging. While becoming a Lash Technician has its perks, establishing your own lash venture is a whole new challenge. The hours may be gruelling and it quickly becomes evident that there's a myriad of tasks to handle behind the curtain to ensure success - but it’ll be totally worth it!
Here are 5 insights we wished someone had shared before embarking on a lash business journey:
1. Implement a Reliable Booking System for Lash Extension Appointments
It might seem like a no-brainer, but by 'reliable', we're referring to a system that allows you to track who's scheduled, the services they've opted for, and the duration of their appointment. It doesn't need to be extravagant, but it should prevent overlapping bookings. Jotting it down in a diary isn't the best approach. A tool like Google Calendar is a cost-free, user-friendly alternative that offers all these features. Plus, it syncs with your email, making it accessible and straightforward.
2. Monitor Your Stock
For this, a notebook might suffice, provided you consistently know the quantity of each item you possess and when you might run out. Seize opportunities to buy items like lashes during sales, allowing you to bulk purchase without concerns about expiration. Dedicate some time monthly to replenish your perishable lash items, such as lash adhesive. To alleviate some pressure (because realizing you're almost out of lash adhesive right before the next bottle arrives is a nightmare), consider an lash glue subscription service like ours. It ensures timely deliveries of your preferred adhesives every 2, 4, or 6 weeks. And if that's not enticing enough, you'll also get a 20% discount on subscription lash adhesives 😉
3. Avoid Underpricing Your Lash Extension Services!
This is crucial! While low prices might lure in new customers, it's not a sustainable long-term strategy. Here's a suggestion: First, calculate the cost of the treatment based on the products used (product cost divided by the number of applications). Then, ponder over the value of your time - how many lash training sessions did you attend? Factor in your overheads and expenses. Your daily/weekly/monthly earnings should cover these costs and provide you with a decent income.
If you aim to draw in new customers, offering an introductory discount is a great idea. Just clarify that it's a promotional rate. Much of a lash business's triumph revolves around managing client expectations.
4. Establish a Solid Cancellation Policy with a Cancellation Fee
This is vital for fostering mutual respect between you and your clientele, and it reduces last-minute cancellations and no-shows. In the event of a cancellation or no-show, this policy offers financial security while you have unexpected free time.
Requesting a deposit is common and can be seen as a two-part payment method, especially with the growing popularity of 'pay later' options like Klarna or PayPal's 'pay in 3' feature. Charging 50% of the service fee at booking isn't unreasonable.
5. Encourage Clients to Schedule Their Next Session Post-Treatment
It might sound obvious, but it's an easy step to overlook. As your client is paying for their treatment, prompt them to schedule their next lash infill for three weeks time. This proactive approach prevents last-minute scrambles when they return for a fill with only a few extensions remaining because they didn't schedule ahead. It's not on them to know - unless they're in the lash industry, they'll unlikely know about all the intricacies. While we might seem like magicians, we can't manipulate time (though wouldn't that be something? 😍). So, assist them by suggesting a follow-up appointment. If they decline as they just wanted their lashes done for a one-time event, still let them know that they can come back to you for swift and safe removal service.
To conclude, launching and managing a lash business is both an exciting and challenging endeavor. While the journey of becoming a lash technician is filled with learning and growth, establishing a thriving business requires a blend of organization, foresight, and client relationship management. From implementing a reliable booking system to setting the right price points and fostering client loyalty, every step is crucial. As you navigate this path, remember that success often lies in the details. By adhering to these insights and continuously adapting to the ever-evolving beauty industry, you'll be well on your way to creating a reputable and prosperous lash enterprise. Good luck!
