Andrea Miller, product marketing manager at DaySmart Salon and Spa, discusses why business management software should be at the top of every spa owner’s holiday wish list.
Spa owners already know they can expect a wave of business during the holiday season. Whether it’s clients wanting to look their best for events or shoppers loading up on products and gift certificates to give to others, there’s typically an increase in appointments and sales. After a difficult two years of navigating lockdowns and safety mandates, this growth opportunity is much welcomed for small businesses. However, it may also be difficult to manage.
On top of this sudden rush, businesses across the country are dealing with supply chain bottlenecks caused by equipment, labor, and storage shortages exacerbated by the pandemic. Because of these disruptions, businesses are pushing consumers to start buying gifts earlier this year. However, many shoppers are already encountering difficulties finding the items they want. Half of the adults who have started their holiday shopping are reporting delivery delays and stock issues, and this number increases to 70 percent of Gen Z and millennial consumers. As the holiday shopping season really kicks in, there will be continued pressure on businesses to manage the high demand and lack of availability for products.
This elongated season of pampering and spending can be quite challenging for small businesses to keep up with. Spa owners, managers, and employees may feel they need extra support during this time to handle the influx and continue providing top-tier customer service. Implementing business management software is one way spas can beat these holiday season challenges, and impress customers so they keep coming back after the new year has passed.
Here are three reasons why business management software should be at the top of every spa owner’s holiday wish list.
- High Tech Simplifies Employees’ Day-to-Day Tasks
During the chaotic holiday season and supply chain challenges, spas should use every tool available to simplify employees’ lives so they can provide better service to clients. With business management software, operators can schedule staff proactively based on busy days and shifts, and communicate with employees so they know when their hours are extended. Employees can block off time they may need for their own holiday activities, all within the same system for a streamlined experience.
Integrated payment processing is another way to support spa employees. This allows all of a spa’s software to communicate so that there’s no need to switch between systems during checkout. For instance, if a customer adds a purchase during an appointment, like an extra service, this information is already in the system and the cost is recalculated, saving employees time transferring information into the payment processing system. Operators no longer need to juggle systems at the front desk with integrated payment processing, which speeds up check out times, reduces errors, and can lower credit card processing rates. These benefits allow employees to help customers more efficiently and send them on their way without the hassle so that they are delighted with their service and can get back to their busy holiday schedules. During a time when work demands are high, these tools can make all the difference for employees to provide higher quality service for clients.
- Accessible Product Sales Statistics Streamline Inventory
Typically, tracking inventory can mean hours of manual counting and recording, which takes up valuable time and is prone to errors. Some businesses even need to schedule employees after business hours to complete the process when customers aren’t around, which means money lost and frustrated employees. However, the right business software can enable spa operators to quickly see which products are in stock, and which are making money – this way, they always know what to stock their shelves with.
During the supply chain shortages that businesses are currently experiencing, this capability can help spas plan ahead to order more of especially popular items and avoid running out based on previous years’ holiday sales. If reports show that a particular item was very popular, but a supplier doesn’t have it in stock, owners can research an alternative to recommend to customers so they don’t miss out on a sale. It’s also a good time to purchase holiday gift sets from suppliers that include those top-selling products to upsell shoppers. Having the insight to prepare for these situations will be critical this holiday season so that employees won’t have to disappoint customers by telling them the item they want is unavailable.
- Text and Email Marketing Keep Customers Informed
Software with built-in text and email marketing capabilities allows business owners to promote their offerings in real time, such as discounts, new products, and special deals. This way, as soon as a product is available, spas can let interested customers know with the push of a button. Customers can then reply to make a purchase or stop into the store to pick up the item before it sells out. Spas may also want to focus this year’s holiday marketing campaigns on gift card and membership promotion as these are often a hot gift during the holidays. Gift cards open up an opportunity for a new or return customer, making them even more impactful. Business management software should include built-in capabilities for spas to sell and track gift cards online or in person, so the process from purchasing to redeeming a gift card is seamless for customers and employees.
With the right business management software, marketing messages can be automated so customer communications don’t need to take up employees’ time. It’s important that spas also use this tool to ensure clients are kept informed of new safety protocols, adjusted hours and appointment reminders. Business management software can handle these communications and prompt customers to provide text confirmation so that spas can keep track of who is coming in that day for what services, and be sure they understand any safety protocols in place. With clients’ jammed holiday schedules, they may forget an appointment or need to reschedule. Automated reminders ensure spas aren’t losing money in these cases.
Don’t Let Supply Chains Create Chaos
Supply chain disturbances may be out of spa owners’ control, but there are still ways they can prepare to fill the gaps and continue providing excellent service throughout the holiday season. With business management software, spas can better handle the influx of customers by saving employees’ time, gaining visibility into inventory needs, providing customers with relevant updates and more benefits that will streamline operations. Spas should invest in a tool that will support their evolving needs during the holiday season and beyond so that they can better respond to supply chain shortages, labor market changes or any other external force that may impact their business.