In this blog post, I will be sharing the story of how I successfully implemented a hair extensions rental service at my salon, and why I highly recommend other salons consider adding this service to their offerings.
I own a hair salon in the Roscoe Village area. One day, we had a wedding scheduled for a bride. As I was styling the bride's hair, we talked about her wedding gown and she mentioned it was a couture dress. I couldn't help but ask her how she managed to afford her stunning couture wedding gown. To my surprise, she revealed that she had actually rented her dress. I was immediately intrigued. "How did you rent a couture wedding dress?" I asked. She then introduced me to a company called Rent the Runway. This innovative platform allows users to rent, subscribe to, or purchase designer apparel and accessories.
Inspired by this concept, I had an idea - why not offer Velo Hair Extensions for rent at my salon?
I immediately started doing research to determine the demand for clip-in hair extension rental services and their popularity. In-depth research showed that not only were celebrity stylists using these services for award ceremonies, TV appearances, and media events, but also contributing to the increased demand among famous individuals wanting to rent hair extensions.
So I began creating a menu that would cater to brides, prom-goers, and those attending special events at our salon. This menu offers two options: a classic blowout or updo service, and a deluxe blowout or updo service that includes the rental of our Velo hair extensions for 72 hours. The deluxe package is ideal for individuals seeking a sophisticated hairstyle with added volume, length, and/or want extensions without the commitment of purchasing $400+ extensions that may only be worn for a single occasion.
HOW IT WORKS:
Reservation: Cost to rent extensions are $100 - $150 for 72 hours
Our receptionist ensures that each client is offered the option to upgrade their blowout or updo from classic to deluxe, which includes the addition of renting hair extensions. This upgrade is discussed during the booking process.
Similarly, our hairstylists follow the same procedure during bridal or hairstyle consultations, ensuring that clients are aware of the option to enhance their look with hair extensions.
For the convenience of our clients, we keep a credit card on file. If a client decides to keep the hair extensions, we will charge the cost of the extensions to the card on file.
Sanitation Process: All the extensions we provide are thoroughly disinfected, shampooed and conditioned between clients.
Extensions: Our Velo hair extensions are available in natural colors and cannot be cut or colored. When creating updo hairstyles, we maintain the extensions at their original length to add volume and fullness. For downdo styles, we do not cut the extensions to match your hair length; instead, we expertly style them to seamlessly blend with your natural hair. Our extensions are offered in lengths of 16 inches and 20 inches.
How to Return: Clients have 3 days to mail back the extensions or drop them off at our salon location. Note: After the 3-day period, there is a $50 per day late charge. If they are not returned within the initial 3 days, your credit card will be charged the cost of the extensions
***We are not liable for any extensions lost in the mail. We highly recommend dropping off the extensions at our salon location. Extensions lost in the mail will be charged the cost of the extensions.
Once we have received the extensions they will be inspected to ensure there is no damage or discoloration, etc. If the extensions are returned damage free, then you will only be charged the rental fee.
To effectively promote this service, we started by creating eye-catching flyers or posters to display in our salon and around the community. We utilize social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase before-and-after photos of clients who have used our rental extension service at our salon. We also offered special promotions and discounts for first-time customers to entice them to try out our service. To do this we decided to use Canva. This platform allowed us to design visually captivating cards that highlight exclusive discounts, which really grabbed people's attention and got them interested in what we had to offer. Lastly, we made sure our staff was well-trained on the benefits and process of our rental extensions so they can confidently educate our customers when asked.
Why I recommend hair salons to add this service:
From my personal experience and the proven success of implementing this additional service in my salon, I can confidently recommend that renting hair extensions can benefit a hair salon in several ways. By offering this service, salons can cater to clients looking to experiment with different styles and looks without the commitment of purchasing extensions. This opens up a whole new market of customers who may not have considered getting extensions otherwise. Additionally, offering rental services can help boost a salon's revenue streams by providing an additional service that can generate income on a recurring basis. It also gives salons the opportunity to showcase the quality of their extensions, potentially leading to future sales if clients decide they want to invest in their own set.
When it comes to pricing rental hair extensions services for salons, there are a few factors to consider. First, be sure to draft a rental contract to protect you and your salon and avoid any miscommunications with your clients. Next, you'll want to take into account the cost of the extensions themselves - this includes the quality of the hair and how long they are expected to last. Think about how much time it will take to apply and style the extensions - this should be factored into the overall cost as well. Lastly, consider your target market and what they are willing to pay for these services. It's important to strike a balance between offering competitive prices while still ensuring that you're making a profit. Don't forget to also factor in any additional services or products that may be included in your rental package. Each salon offers unique services, with pricing that varies based on their location. For instance, the cost of an updo or blowout, along with the rental fee, will differ depending on where the salon is located.
For example, if a blowout is priced at $65 and the Velo rental fee is $150, the total cost would amount to $215. This represents a 300% increase compared to solely receiving the blowout service.
Setting prices for rental hair extension services requires careful consideration and detailed research to ensure fairness for both your salon and clients. Renting out hair extensions can not only attract new clientele and boost profits but also elevate the overall customer experience at a salon. With a combination of marketing tactics and excellent customer service, your rental extension service is bound to be a hit!
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