We often picture “disasters” in the way they’re portrayed in the movies: raging cyclones and blazing fires. But the truth is, catastrophes come in many forms. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic was exactly that … a catastrophe for most businesses in our industry. In the hope that most of you will have the opportunity to re-open your facilities in the coming weeks, it’s vital to have a plan in place. Here are some ideas to consider:
An effective reopen plan includes an up-to-date database. Yes, the information you have on each salon guest is even more important than ever. The good news is technology is our best friend right now, because it allows you to still engage with your guests even before you re-open so you can communicate information such as: what’s happening at their favorite tanning salon! The more accurate info you have, the more successful the grand re-opening of your business will be.
Re-open Checklist
- How will your customers know you’ve re-opened? You could put signs in your salon windows/door. Make a banner to hang outside with a grand re-opening date. Text, email and social media posts will all be efficient ways to let the public know.
- Stay up-to-date with what your state is doing and planning with regard to restrictions on businesses. From what we are seeing, the information is updated and changes often. Be on the lookout for what date you are allowed to re-open and what rules you have to follow to do so. The best-case scenario is that business owners know ahead of time what to expect when they do make their grand re-entrance, your salon is ready and you communicate that it’s safe and you are following state and federal guidelines.
- Post a countdown to the opening day (you can even ask them to follow your social media page – like, share and #besttanningsalonever for a chance to win something), or have them post what they miss the most about your salon, like, share and #besttanningsalonever for a chance to win.
- Post the precautions you are using to keep the salon clean and sanitized. You can create a video showing how it’s done and the products used to do so, because your tanners will want to be confident in your procedures to feel comfortable coming back for a session.
- Post any new protocols that will be in place once you re-open, being mindful of the guidelines in your state. Like, some states may limit the number of people in the lobby at one time, or maybe they will allow more with floor stickers designating a six-foot distance. You can order the generic stickers or even custom stickers with a logo. We have seen many sites that offer custom face masks, as well. It’s important to know what your state rules are and to be ready – and not just ready, but to also communicate it as I mentioned before, so your guests know what to expect and are confident about safety products.
Re-opening Promos and Specials:
It will be vital to run promotions all month long to help entice customers to come back and visit your salon. But it’s not just about running a promotion. It is an excellent time to show your community how much we appreciate those who worked on the front line, showing up and sacrificing so we could stay safe at home.
Here’s a quick essential worker list: doctors, nurses and first responders, federal and state mission-critical workers/military members, police officers, firefighters, CNAs and assisted living workers, grocery store workers, postal, delivery and gas station workers, truck drivers, any others you can think of that I may have not mentioned.
Many of these folks didn’t have a choice to stay home and provided essential services to help everyone in the community. Recognizing and appreciating them goes a long way.
Also consider creating specials for all those whose weddings/special events had to be cancelled or postponed. This would be a great time to promote spray-tan specials with beauty bag deals or a “sorry you missed your special day” promo.
Let’s go, Tanning Family! We’ve got this!
