Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most businesses have remained closed for the better part of this year and last year. Most countries enforced lockdowns, and some businesses like salons, massage rooms and barbershops had to close due to social distancing measures. But things are now getting better, and countries are easing the restrictions, thanks to the ongoing vaccinations and the decreasing new infections and deaths. Now is the right time to start planning your operations once you open again. Though things are not yet back to normal, there are a lot of reasons why you should make the reopening fun and memorable. Additionally, your clients will be eager to have their hair done and enjoy all the wellness and beauty procedures they have been missing.
Below are the things you can do to get back stronger than before.
Have a strategy
There is a high possibility that your wellness centre or salon will see an increase in the number of clients once you reopen. Most of these clients who missed their appointments during the pandemic will be excited to be back to your place of work, which may lead to social distancing problems.
You can avoid such a scenario by having a booking strategy that will lead to lesser clients in a day without reducing your revenue. For example, you can consider VIP clients first as you can serve a few of them and still make some good money.
Streamline your service to the new normal
As you reopen again, you should be aware that we are still not completely out of the pandemic, and there are measures that every business should follow to prevent the spread of the virus. You should ensure that the arrangement of your business and the procedures follow the required protective measures like social distancing and frequent sanitisation of the premises. For example, you can rearrange your waiting area to promote social distancing and ensure that the surfaces are regularly sanitised. Such changes may increase your footfall because customers are now considering COVID-19 prevention measures when choosing their most trusted spa or salon.
Update your policies and procedures
Before you open your business, you should revise your policy and procedures to add new health and safety guidelines like staff washing hands when they arrive at work and washing their hands before and after serving each client. Other procedures include regular sanitisation of the premises and wearing masks and gloves at all times.
Review your annual business goals
Now that there is some light at the end of the tunnel, you should review your business goals to enhance the aggressiveness required to keep your business afloat. You can add more emphasis to key performance indicators like revenue, customer retention and obtaining new customers. The revenue expectations for this year should be higher, now that you can serve customers at any time.
Embrace digital sales and consultations
Since you will be required to minimise the number of clients visiting your physical locations, you can create a business website where customers can purchase beauty products and have them delivered to their doorsteps. Also, use video consultations and only invite clients whose needs require face-to-face services.
Consider outsourcing cleaning services
It may not be possible to meet the new requirements like deep cleaning your space and regular sanitisation if you are busy serving your clients and promoting your business. Therefore, you can hire a third party cleaning company to do the cleaning while you concentrate on the business’s core functions like marketing and providing quality services. Your customers will appreciate your concern for their safety and trust your business more.
Let your clients know that you are reopening
You can conduct a campaign to notify your clients that you are reopening two weeks before the reopening dates. Some ways to get the word out there include sending short messages to the clients, a banner on the business’s website, social media and a notice at the front door of your physical location.
Parting words
Everything has changed in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including businesses and our personal life. The above ideas can help you reopen your salon and wellness centre successfully after closing during the pandemic. You can look for a treatment room for rent if you want to take your business to the next level.
