9 Ways to Boost Your Retail Sales

Providing product samples is one of the easiest, most effective actions you can take to increase total retail sales in your spa. One study shows that offering samples not only increases sales in the short term, but that it also impacts sales long after they’ve been given out. The same researchers found that in-store product sampling increases total category sales, not just the products being sampled. This means that offering clients samples of one skin care product can drive sales of other skin care products, even those of a different brand!

How will your clients know what to buy if they’re never made aware of the products and brands you’re selling?

Training your team is the only way they will be able to effectively suggest products to customers without coming across as a salesperson. When your employees understand and believe in your products, making recommendations on the specific needs of their clients becomes an organic and unobtrusive process.

Making your retail products available online adds simplicity to your clients’ lives. Instead of having to commute for their favorite products, they can conveniently restock from the comfort of their living room. Moreover, research has shown that people want to shop at local businesses, so allowing them the opportunity to support their local spa/practice via an online channel is an easy way to scratch that itch without sacrificing convenience.

Online reviews are one of the first things customers look at before buying a product, and they want them to be transparent and authentic. Offering clients a discount on services or a free product if they write a review can make a tremendous difference. While it may seem counterintuitive, make sure your clients know you want to know what they think—regardless of if it’s positive or negative. Having some negative reviews lends credibility to your business and responding to negative reviews in a positive way shows customers that you care. It’s a win-win.

Clients are much more trusting of their friends and family when it comes to product and brand referrals. Offering a referral program with incentives allows for advocates of your spa to share their favorite treatments and products with the people they know, who are more likely to make a purchase.

One of the best things in the world is getting coupons for things you actually want to buy. Creating customized coupons based on the actions / purchases of your customers is a great way to show clients that you care about what they want, while also incentivizing retention.

Employees that aren’t motivated are less likely to sell more than they have to. Try putting a commission strategy in place or offering the leading salesperson a cash reward or extra day off. The sales team is the backbone of any business. Making sure that they’re appreciated is very important.

First impressions matter. If your retail area is dusty and disorganized, chances are your customers are going to think you don’t care about what you’re selling and will be turned off from buying from you in the future.

Knowing who you’re selling to is extremely important. Take some time every couple of months to research trends in your geographic area and analyze what your customers are actually buying. Using this data will help you effectively suggest products to specific demographics and allow your staff to take a more personalized, professional approach when dealing with clients.