Why Are So Many Salons Failing?
Written by Jon on July 19, 2010 – 10:14 am -
“ Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough” ~Og Mandino
The impact of the recession has proven fatal in many industries but particularly for salons and hairdressers. Why you might ask? Because many salons were already vulnerable, due to several underlying long-standing problems with the structural core of business management aspects of the salon profession; any economic hit was bound to cause complete chaos.
If there are two words that best describe the beauty profession and in particular, the challenges of salon ownership, they would be apathy and turmoil. As our country struggles to get out of this recession, salon owners are facing many challenges and obstacles. Among these, rising business costs, price and commission wars and the challenge of finding and more importantly keeping committed hairdressers on staff has put exorbitant pressure on owners.
These problems are symptomatic of larger scale issues that include a lack of education on business ownership and staff management. Hairdressers end up under prepared in the work place with very little hands on experience seeking higher wages than the salon owners can deliver; which creates tension and high turnover. Conversely, salon owners lack the interpersonal skills and management savvy to salvage the promising hairdressers that could become successful down the line if mentored properly. And sadly, most hairdressers and salon owners do not even have proper health insurance, retirement, or other benefits to fall back on.
While other industries are finding solutions to adapt to changes in the marketplace, the beauty industry and salon owners in particular continue to struggle. New generations of young hairdressers and the small working salon owner will be especially vulnerable in these difficult times. So who’s at fault? Fingers could be pointed in many directions, but will placing blame fix the problems?
Although many of our colleagues are struggling, I urge you to keep a positive attitude, develop strong business management skills, persevere with a competitive spirit, and let Hairdresser Career Development Systems be your partner in addressing your concerns.
For more information visit our website.
Tags: about succcess, business management courses, business management education, education articles, educators, hairdressers, internet marketing course, internet marketing seminar, management.business, Salon owners, spa owners
Posted in Business Tips for Hairstylists, Salon Management, Seminars & Training Resources | 7 Comments »
By Esther Alejandro on Jan 20, 2011 | Reply
Any seminars in Spanish?!!!!
By Jon on Jan 30, 2011 | Reply
Not yet, working on it
By Jon on Mar 9, 2011 | Reply
Esther , have non planned s yet but working on it
By Susan on Jul 20, 2011 | Reply
Lack of knowledge fueled by abject fear of failing. My funds are limited, my passion insane (love it), and expecting people to do it and do it right. Work ethics sucks these days. I have had booth renters who don’t pay right or at all, also young kids who are full of drama and excuses. I am feeling like a fool but I will persevere !!!! I am giving and getting zip.
By Shirley on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply
Wow! I am a booth renter starting on my 2nd month rent is set at $105. weekly that isn’t so bad as long as you have clients. But when they throw a birthday party you have to put in $5 plus cost of food split up usually $20. The owner wants an additional $20 for floor service monthly. I knew the booth rent fee going in but the rest was told to me during the 1st month. We had three birthdays the 1st month! Also, the shop dictates the price of your services. This is my first time at booth rental and I think its not so good.
By Georgieos Hair Design on Jan 17, 2012 | Reply
I have been involved in this profession for over forty years. It saddens me to see the professionalism being traded for survival dollars. Many salon owners have lowered their management standard and now cater to the demands of their employes. I refuse to employ any person who did not leave their last salon on good terms. No new employee is permitted to contact the previous salons customers for the purpose of building a clientel. Call me crazy, but I have no respect for those who would do so. They would be terminated immediately.
By Jon on Jan 17, 2012 | Reply
You are not crazy, you set a standard everyone should follow, I respect you for your honesty and professionalism,you are not alone,I do hope that you join our movement towards unity among salon owners,an equal playing field will benefit everyone. Please feel free to call me at my toll free number, again I commend you for wanting to bring back sanity to our profession. I do hope other salon owners will join you in your efforts for wanting to return to a code of ethics.
Jon