Pro brand snobery

Hi everyone

Today is a bit of a random unplanned blog (as most are) because something popped up in one of the facebook groups I joined, the reference was 'Brand Snobery' A bit of a strange thing to talk about you may think but it occured to me that the obsession with pro brands really depends on the type of buyer you are yourself.

Lets start at the beginning. The question was raised about sticking to one brand of polish for your mani/pedi treatments, the lady in question was asking other therapist opinions about whether or not they stick to one brand and what brands they use, for the most part several of us agreed that to stick to one brand was much more beneficial to customers, it shows consistancy through the treatments therefor building client trust, some felt it didn't matter if you used a couple of brands so long as what you use is quality and others said use what you like regardless of brand whether it be from the local boots or your local pro beauty store.

Then came a little debate whereby one therapist claimed that she uses brands from boots and she has 100% return rate with happy clients and that using a pro brand is just brand snobery. I ( and most others ) feel that you should provide a service not readily available for all to do at home themselves. A cheapshot being thrown at discount stores selling OPI now and  how they dont like it. For a start if you are a professional going to a discount store to buy you products for professional use surely that brings your professionalism into question, if you are not prepared to pay out for products in the first place how can you charge for a first rate service? My opinion only of corse to each his own.

This got me thinking very hard about what clients think about the products used on them. I personally  feel that if I am going to spend my hard earned money on a luxury service such as hair, nails or waxing I want to know that the products being used are at the very least considered luxury but at best the professional range. Anyone can go and buy head and shoulders, veet or Barry M so why would I pay through the nose for it in a salon/spa or via a mobile professional. I opened up the question to my business page, I only got 2 responses but the two whom responded are like both ends of the client spectrum, One lady who never quibbles about price, rebooks for other treatments and loves the service said exactly what I did, to each his own but if I'm paying for luxury I want luxury in return. The other is a very different type of client, always wants a discount, moans about everything, expects appointments last minute then cancels and even said to me she shops around to get deals on everything so it is cheaper for her, her response was If the service is good and the right price I don't care what people use as their products.

This says a lot for the type of clients you want to attract to your business. There are those that will always compare the price, these ones expect a £100 service for £50 and will drop you as the provider for that service if they find it cheaper elsewhere and there are those that appriciate you are providing  luxury treatments, they know that for the most part they can not do this themselves for whatever reason and are prepared to pay the going rate for you to do it for them, these clients enjoy the treatments, products, atmosphere and come back for more without quibbling on price. I know exactly what type of client I want to attract and have turned people away for wanting a second rate service just to get it cheaper, you know they want just a set of gels none of the fancy stuff just gel polish then complain about the coming off too quickly, before you know it that 15 min client turns into an hour client but doesn't pay anymore.

Be wise about where you spend your money in your business, be sure of the types of clients that you want to attract into your salon/spa or mobile database, I am certain that if you are true to what you love then that will come across and you good clients will return. Brand snobery? I don't think so I think you set the standards. How high are yours?

Lots of Love

Mrs G xxxx