Christmas Booking Checklist

3 tips for a till-full of profits this Xmas

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Pia Jackson, our Head of Customer Success has years of experience helping her salons achieve high profits every Christmas. Here are her Top Slickmas Tips to help YOU hit record profits too!

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Tip 1: Fill slots

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NEVER assume you’ll be full! The average UK salon had 2 in 10 chairs sat EMPTY last December.

Late October

• Send a marketing text to your high-spending and regular VIP clients to reserve their preferred slot.
• Ensure you mention limited availability to drive bookings 
• Do NOT offer any promotions or discounts

Here’s a Text template to use:

‍‘[Business name] has now opened their Christmas diary! To avoid disappointment book your December appointments via [insert booking link] or call [phone]’

Early November‍

• Send a marketing text to your remaining clients
• Exclude any clients who have already booked in by selecting the ‘Next Visit’ > ‘An appointment in the future’ filter 
• Do not offer promotions or discounts but mention limited availability to create a sense of urgency

Here’s a Text template to use:

‘[Business name] is filling up fast for Christmas! Don’t miss out on your Xmas Glam appointment. Book via [insert booking link] or call [phone]’

Late November

• How much white space do you have? You can check this in your KPI’s
• Fill remaining slots by sending a blast to ANY clients who have NOT booked in
• Filter by service e.g Colour clients as these are the services that will earn you the most

Here’s a Text template to use:

‍‘[Business name] only has a few spaces left for Christmas! Don’t miss out on your Xmas Glam appointment. Book via [insert booking link] or call [phone]’

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Tip 2: Stop Cancellations

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Cancellations at Christmas are a KILLER!

Why? Because if a client cancels 2 days before their appointment, the chances of you finding a client to fill that 4 hour balayage are LITERALLY ZERO.

You might get a £40 blow dry but you could have lost £200! 

Deposits are the only sure way to protect your income. Think of them as insurance for your bookings. You’re selling time; people need to pay for that time.

Check out the video below from Pia

Your Golden Rules

1. Be Selective: Most salons take 50% from all online bookings and select in-salon bookings. Make sure you take deposits for all high-value appointments at a bare minimum. Pubs, restaurants etc will take deposits for Xmas lunches and parties. You are no different.
2. Be Clear: Ensure you have a clear cancellation policy online and in-salon
3. Communicate this policy in advance. Explain to customers why you are doing this. Some salons will create a ‘Cancellation Policy’ Instagram post and pin it to the top of their pages. UNITFOUR is a great example  
4. Set Boundaries: make sure your staff feel COMFORTABLE asking for a deposit. Use our script and get staff to practice!  

Cancellation Policy Templates ➡️ HERE ⬅️

Receptionist Deposit Script ➡️ HERE ⬅️

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Tip 3: E-Gift Vouchers = Passive Income

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The easiest way of boosting your income is E-Gift Vouchers!

Businesses offering E-Vouchers see a 420% increase in voucher sales in December!

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Why are they SO great?

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1. Existing clients buy them when booking as a Christmas gift for friends / family. This means you get a new client for free!
2. Easy upsell! Not sure what to buy the mother in law? Gift voucher!!
3. Cash flow: you get the income now but often the voucher won't be used until January. That's great for your cash flow if you have a big December colour bill to pay! We also know that only 30% of Vouchers get redeemed - so its basically free money!!

Not sure how to set up? 2 min guide ➡️ HERE ⬅️

Check out the video below from our co-founder Steph on how E-Vouchers can help you!

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