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You worked hard during 2017 – the economy has definitely picked up and your numbers are better than this time last year. Holiday sales of gift packages and lotions are better than the last five years. You got your staff trained in January – perhaps with Sun is Life® Certification at the Four Seasons Expo in St. Charles, MO. You’ve re-lamped your sunbeds through a local service company and you’re exuberant with the optimism of the new season in front of you. Then, one early morning, you are notified by the police that three of your salons were broken into. That’s a tough way to start the season!
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Well, a similar break-in actually happened in Belfast, Ireland over the holidays according to the online edition of the Belfast Telegraph. An electrician who had done some work at three salons in Northern Ireland looted them, seeking what he claimed was money for unpaid work. The owner of the salon was able to identify the man from video cameras set up inside the salon, playing back the tapes to catch the thief. The electrician pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary with intent to steal. (For more info on the crime, visit goo.gl/pxpWBo)
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What steps can you take to reduce the risk of such a brazen act? I checked in with longtime friend and tanning equipment service guru, Jeff Valaska. Jeff has rescued countless salons with quick and accurate knowledge based on over 30 years of industry experience. “Joe, it pays to do some research before you hire,” he advises. “Ask for not one, but several references. Check their experience, how long they’ve being repairing sunbeds. Many service techs are electricians who may be bonded and carry insurance, but some may not. Check to see if they have a website and perhaps, if they’re listed under a local social media app.” Great points, Jeff! Once you’ve decided on the repair tech, agree on a time to meet during business hours at the salon. Get an impression of who you’ll be dealing with. Set up the ground rules, such as no smoking, eating or drinking in the salon. Agree on the time of day that the work will be done.
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Of course, a great deal of faith would have to be earned and given in order to provide the tech with a key to the salon to work after hours. Agree on an estimate for the work, talk about and agree on the payment terms. Make sure that the tech receives approval for additional work that he deems necessary. Remember: lost operational time for equipment equals lost revenue that you can’t just make up at a later date, and tanning equipment that is not functioning does not bring in money. Once you’ve selected the tech and they’ve performed some solid work, you may also want to establish a plan of periodic preventative maintenance. Developing that relationship of trust can go a long way toward creating a bond that may be able to, figuratively, pull you out of the fire when the flames are too hot.
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Good luck, and all the best for a great season!
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Remember: lost operational time for equipment equals lost revenue that you can’t just make up at a later date.
