Taking time to reassess the needs of your business is never wasted. Here are a few ideas that might save you time and money!

1.Learn from the pandemic
Thankfully, the strict measures arising from the Covid-19 pandemic are easing. While a return to normality is very welcome, there are certain aspects of the health and safety measures that you might want to consider keeping. Create a checklist of hygiene tasks and when they need to happen – before you open, after each client, and before you leave at night, plus any periodic deep cleans you undertake. Sign off each task as it’s completed so that the whole team knows the state of play. You probably already assign specific cleaning roles to members of staff, but it’s worth firming up responsibilities to avoid confusion. There is no harm in maintaining simple measures such as social distancing, using screens where appropriate, keeping sanitiser available, and even wearing masks to keep the vulnerable – and everyone else – safe.

2. Do you need a cancellation policy?
Missed appointments can add up to thousands in lost revenue, so it’s good practice to have a policy in place. This could include a notice period, so if the client cancels with less than – say – 24 hours notice, there might be a penalty. Asking for deposits which are non-returnable in the event of a cancellation can also form part of the cancellation policy. However, you know your clients best and measures such as these can cause ill-feeling, which is the last thing you want in such a competitive business. If you do implement a cancellation policy, be sure to communicate it clearly to your clients, and be understanding if there is an emergency.

Try to reschedule the client then and there, so at least the booking isn’t lost altogether. There are also tools you can use to try and prevent cancellations happening. Sending a reminder text in the run up to a booking is a great way to jog a client’s memory – there are automated systems for doing this if you are short on manpower. You could also get the salon coordinator on the front desk to allocate time each day to make reminder calls. Loyal customers are also less likely to cancel habitually, so make sure they feel valued and that you offer them the best service!

3. Let your business evolve
Does your current situation still suit your lifestyle? A steady salon environment works for many stylists and is a security they do not want to give up. However during the pandemic, many people in a variety of industries enjoyed the convenience of working from home and are reluctant to give up this more flexible way of working. Going freelance might give you more time for commitments such as caring for children or relatives and for study. There will be start-up costs including equipment, travel expenses (if you plan to go to client’s houses to work), utilities (if you are working from home and using your own water and electricity), local council licences, and the correct insurance. Do your research into both the costs of going freelance, and the realistic profits you might make.

4. Get the right coverage

Make sure your insurance coverage is still sufficient and offers the best value-for-money by talking to a broker. With over 40 years’ experience, Britton Insurance prides itself as a knowledgeable Salon Insurance provider with a commercial department dedicated to providing you with a bespoke quotation suitable to your requirements. We are aware that no two salons are the same but as a broker, Britton Insurance has a variety of insurance providers based in Ireland and abroad which means we can offer competitive quotations for hairdressers or beauticians, whether salon-, home- or mobile-based.