Being friends with the comp. - tanTALK

OTM DALLAS · 01-19-2005, 07:36 PM

I was helping a competitor, not a direct competitor, but in this situation it could work to all of our advantages.

We started talking about lotions, and they made the comment that they wanted to be different than the comp. I agreed when it comes to equipment, but lotion thats another story. Lotion manufactuers can do all the marketing they want, but if we carry the same lotions there are several benefits: the 1st would be less trainningor explaining to the customer, the 2nd and I think the most important no trying to switch customers from one to another. A lot of salon owners get into a bad habbit of a customer comes in has a different lotion from thier prev. salon and thinks thats all they want, so the salon owner feels like they have to buy that product now, because they don't want to miss a sell, now the salon owner has 10 - 20 different lines of lotion on the shelf. This causes less coop dollars, and less rebate dollars with your favorite lines.

*Jancy* · 01-19-2005, 08:35 PM

We finally gave up on the specail lines and just carry whatever is priced good and works. Those rebate programs are nice, but every salon in our area does it. I'd rather hit the $20 market and have our customers happy. When we switched to lower priced lotions our sales increased dramatically and we are collecting much less dust on the shelves. Whatever the market will bear (as long as it is not knock off stuff from the dollar store....)

TotalEclipse · 01-19-2005, 08:46 PM

OTM, how does it help each individual salon if we all have the same lotions???? People may be fond of their one brand that they carried over from their previous salon, but you know what, people switch from Coke to Pepsi and vice versa every day. And to paraphrase what you said....people come from other salons with the lotion they want and the salon owner feels they then have to carry that lotion....not true at all. A good sales person will ask their new client what they like so much about that lotion, be it price, scent, tingle, bronzing ability, etc and they will pick something from their line that will work equally as well. And as far as training goes, unless you have a revolving door of employees that come to you from other places and leave you just as fast, you really shouldn't have a hard time telling someone what's in a lotion...most of these lotions have the same base ingredients...all your employee then has to do is pick out JUST 1 distinguishing ingredient on each lotion and use that as it's selling point. We're not about conforming here....that's what sets us apart...we're different...we carry our own line, and one other brand....that's it. Nothing confusing there and we've encountered no barriers with new members that come in with another brand.
Sorry so long....I'm all for friendly competition, but I don't see any benefits to anyone but the lotion company if we carry the same things. The only one who really benefits is the lotion manufacturer since they get a new influx of orders.

MJ · 01-20-2005, 01:53 AM

I admire you for trying to reach out locally. Some salon owners feel very threatened by these situations. Understandable...trust is a factor.

I personally think being "friends" with your competition is close to impossible. Any salon over 5-10 miles from yours -- possible. It is good to be on a friendly basis with your local guys... But FRIENDS as the term is commonly used....nope.
It would be difficult at best. I am certian you meant Business associate...correct?

I have a few of those myself.... with (almost a little too close)local salon owners...have over time, grown to friendlier relationship.

But would not be considered a great friendship. We have on occasion split lamp orders to save ching, both helped each other when the timer, bed, or CC machine was down. Even helped each other with back ordered lotions when a client really needs on NOW, pass on the shared and bounced a few ideas off each other etc.

It's not like I would be inviting them over for dinner with the 'Fam'anytime soon.

But a friendly exchange, touch base now and then, helpful advice or emergency help with issues.... I see nothing wrong with that. Just know what is appropriate and what is not to disclose with your local salon owner.

There are certian lines that should not be crossed of course. Most will respect these lines. Unfortunately most salon owner do not feel this way. That is why we will always be a divided industry at best.
What comes to mind is the cartoon Wilie Coyotie (sp) and that Sheep Dog that you can't see his eyes...
Well..the particular cartoon I am talking about is--
When they punch in and start doing what comes natural...Wilie trys to take his sheep and the dog kicks the crap out of him.

Then the lunch bell rings, they stop what they are doing, chat have lunch. Then go back to work, finish the day-- clock out and walk home together.
I love that cartoon! LOL
The moral was..for those of you who missed the point...
Business is business ~ and never forget that when dealing with your competitor.

If you don't get it..you probably never will.

Does that mean they are not associates - friends outside of work?
Of course they're not Friends!!!
They are friggen cartoon charactors!!
J/K

Seriously--
The point is they both know their rolls.

As for you and this guy stocking similar --identical lotions probably not a good idea. JMHO

If you guys are that close and seeem to be on the same page...why not just be partners and take over the entire market. or just PL.
Just a thought.

_________________
Jane... You Ignorant Sl*t!!![ This Message was edited by: MJ on 2005-01-20 01:58 ]

SandiGirl · 01-20-2005, 02:18 AM

I get along with a salon that's not too far from us who gets along with another salon. It will be interesting at the lotion seminar on Monday when we run into my direct competitor who made his girls sign contracts not to come in or talk to us. He'll see everyone else getting along while they sit in a corner.

I've called the other lady and told her I'm putting in an order in case she wanted anything but didn't have enough for the $200 minimum. Or if she needed any that I have and don't want, that I would trade for something she has or she could pay me the cost. No biggie.

TanningEmporium · 01-20-2005, 07:23 AM

Actually MJ is right. The definition is how you are gonna look at it. A friend is someone you spend alot of time with.
I am friend with a comp and she actually helped me when picking and choosing my beds. Our beds are from the same company, but she is on the ritzy side of town, we are about 10 miles from each other, but we send each other business all the time. I send people on her side of town business and for the mystic booth that she has, and she sends people to me. We visit each others salons and call for advice when needed. We have been to the same shows and pretty share thoughts when possible. I think if you can have a professional friendship with a busniess in the same industry you can help each other out. But you do have to choose to be that way and you must be very professional about it. I dont bad mouth and I dont believe she does me. I am proud of her and her salon is beautiful, it is more upscale than mine, but it really does matter based on your clientele. My clients love my salon as her clients love hers. And it is all really a matter of convinence for our clients. We do carry some of the same products, but she can carry the higher priced lotions because of the clientele that she has, that is the difference the 10 miles makes.

OTM DALLAS · 01-21-2005, 09:56 PM

Eclipse, the question is not what is different about you, but what makes sense. I only carry 2 lines and am able to switch people over as well, but I'm just saying it's easier to sell that customer on something that they already are familiar with. Lotions for the most part are all the same some a little better than others, I just was brain storming the other night after I left my competitors and it just made sense.

Friendly competition is good; comparing programs and numbers with the guy across the street is not, with all of the lotion companies giving training now a days you might as well make it easy, customers can only buy what they see.

MATT A · 01-21-2005, 10:01 PM

You can share trouble clients, people that write bad checks (if you don't have telcheck), people to advertise with. I am friends with one person. But he's too far to be comp maybe border line. I would not share too much and keep your guard up. Because at the end of day you both know you want to increase volume.

_________________
[ This Message was edited by: GENIUS on 2005-01-21 22:20 ]

OTM DALLAS · 01-21-2005, 10:06 PM

My gaurd is always up, and yes I agree. I just think this lotion thing helps all of us. I'll have to check in this week-end gotta get out of here.

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01-19-2005, 07:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
OTM DALLAS Join Date: Jan 13 2004 Posts: 106 Rep Power: 21	I was helping a competitor, not a direct competitor, but in this situation it could work to all of our advantages. We started talking about lotions, and they made the comment that they wanted to be different than the comp. I agreed when it comes to equipment, but lotion thats another story. Lotion manufactuers can do all the marketing they want, but if we carry the same lotions there are several benefits: the 1st would be less trainningor explaining to the customer, the 2nd and I think the most important no trying to switch customers from one to another. A lot of salon owners get into a bad habbit of a customer comes in has a different lotion from thier prev. salon and thinks thats all they want, so the salon owner feels like they have to buy that product now, because they don't want to miss a sell, now the salon owner has 10 - 20 different lines of lotion on the shelf. This causes less coop dollars, and less rebate dollars with your favorite lines.

01-19-2005, 08:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jancy I'm a Trouble Maker Join Date: Jul 14 2004 Posts: 242 Rep Power: 0	We finally gave up on the specail lines and just carry whatever is priced good and works. Those rebate programs are nice, but every salon in our area does it. I'd rather hit the $20 market and have our customers happy. When we switched to lower priced lotions our sales increased dramatically and we are collecting much less dust on the shelves. Whatever the market will bear (as long as it is not knock off stuff from the dollar store....)

01-19-2005, 08:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
TotalEclipse Join Date: Dec 24 2004 Location: Dallas Age: 47 Posts: 370 Rep Power: 20	OTM, how does it help each individual salon if we all have the same lotions???? People may be fond of their one brand that they carried over from their previous salon, but you know what, people switch from Coke to Pepsi and vice versa every day. And to paraphrase what you said....people come from other salons with the lotion they want and the salon owner feels they then have to carry that lotion....not true at all. A good sales person will ask their new client what they like so much about that lotion, be it price, scent, tingle, bronzing ability, etc and they will pick something from their line that will work equally as well. And as far as training goes, unless you have a revolving door of employees that come to you from other places and leave you just as fast, you really shouldn't have a hard time telling someone what's in a lotion...most of these lotions have the same base ingredients...all your employee then has to do is pick out JUST 1 distinguishing ingredient on each lotion and use that as it's selling point. We're not about conforming here....that's what sets us apart...we're different...we carry our own line, and one other brand....that's it. Nothing confusing there and we've encountered no barriers with new members that come in with another brand. Sorry so long....I'm all for friendly competition, but I don't see any benefits to anyone but the lotion company if we carry the same things. The only one who really benefits is the lotion manufacturer since they get a new influx of orders.

01-20-2005, 01:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
MJ Join Date: Jan 21 2002 Posts: 2,709 Rep Power: 23	I admire you for trying to reach out locally. Some salon owners feel very threatened by these situations. Understandable...trust is a factor. I personally think being "friends" with your competition is close to impossible. Any salon over 5-10 miles from yours -- possible. It is good to be on a friendly basis with your local guys... But FRIENDS as the term is commonly used....nope. It would be difficult at best. I am certian you meant Business associate...correct? I have a few of those myself.... with (almost a little too close)local salon owners...have over time, grown to friendlier relationship. But would not be considered a great friendship. We have on occasion split lamp orders to save ching, both helped each other when the timer, bed, or CC machine was down. Even helped each other with back ordered lotions when a client really needs on NOW, pass on the shared and bounced a few ideas off each other etc. It's not like I would be inviting them over for dinner with the 'Fam'anytime soon. But a friendly exchange, touch base now and then, helpful advice or emergency help with issues.... I see nothing wrong with that. Just know what is appropriate and what is not to disclose with your local salon owner. There are certian lines that should not be crossed of course. Most will respect these lines. Unfortunately most salon owner do not feel this way. That is why we will always be a divided industry at best. What comes to mind is the cartoon Wilie Coyotie (sp) and that Sheep Dog that you can't see his eyes... Well..the particular cartoon I am talking about is-- When they punch in and start doing what comes natural...Wilie trys to take his sheep and the dog kicks the crap out of him. Then the lunch bell rings, they stop what they are doing, chat have lunch. Then go back to work, finish the day-- clock out and walk home together. I love that cartoon! LOL The moral was..for those of you who missed the point... Business is business ~ and never forget that when dealing with your competitor. If you don't get it..you probably never will. Does that mean they are not associates - friends outside of work? Of course they're not Friends!!! They are friggen cartoon charactors!! J/K Seriously-- The point is they both know their rolls. As for you and this guy stocking similar --identical lotions probably not a good idea. JMHO If you guys are that close and seeem to be on the same page...why not just be partners and take over the entire market. or just PL. Just a thought. _________________ Jane... You Ignorant Sl*t!!![ This Message was edited by: MJ on 2005-01-20 01:58 ]

01-20-2005, 02:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
SandiGirl OFFICIAL BFF member Join Date: Jan 2 2005 Posts: 2,481 Rep Power: 51	I get along with a salon that's not too far from us who gets along with another salon. It will be interesting at the lotion seminar on Monday when we run into my direct competitor who made his girls sign contracts not to come in or talk to us. He'll see everyone else getting along while they sit in a corner. I've called the other lady and told her I'm putting in an order in case she wanted anything but didn't have enough for the $200 minimum. Or if she needed any that I have and don't want, that I would trade for something she has or she could pay me the cost. No biggie.

01-20-2005, 07:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
TanningEmporium Join Date: Jul 15 2003 Location: 213 Skyland Shp Ctr Posts: 2,613 Rep Power: 22	Actually MJ is right. The definition is how you are gonna look at it. A friend is someone you spend alot of time with. I am friend with a comp and she actually helped me when picking and choosing my beds. Our beds are from the same company, but she is on the ritzy side of town, we are about 10 miles from each other, but we send each other business all the time. I send people on her side of town business and for the mystic booth that she has, and she sends people to me. We visit each others salons and call for advice when needed. We have been to the same shows and pretty share thoughts when possible. I think if you can have a professional friendship with a busniess in the same industry you can help each other out. But you do have to choose to be that way and you must be very professional about it. I dont bad mouth and I dont believe she does me. I am proud of her and her salon is beautiful, it is more upscale than mine, but it really does matter based on your clientele. My clients love my salon as her clients love hers. And it is all really a matter of convinence for our clients. We do carry some of the same products, but she can carry the higher priced lotions because of the clientele that she has, that is the difference the 10 miles makes.

01-21-2005, 09:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
OTM DALLAS Join Date: Jan 13 2004 Posts: 106 Rep Power: 21	Eclipse, the question is not what is different about you, but what makes sense. I only carry 2 lines and am able to switch people over as well, but I'm just saying it's easier to sell that customer on something that they already are familiar with. Lotions for the most part are all the same some a little better than others, I just was brain storming the other night after I left my competitors and it just made sense. Friendly competition is good; comparing programs and numbers with the guy across the street is not, with all of the lotion companies giving training now a days you might as well make it easy, customers can only buy what they see.

01-21-2005, 10:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
MATT A I'm Banned Join Date: Sep 6 2004 Posts: 13,921 Rep Power: 0	You can share trouble clients, people that write bad checks (if you don't have telcheck), people to advertise with. I am friends with one person. But he's too far to be comp maybe border line. I would not share too much and keep your guard up. Because at the end of day you both know you want to increase volume. _________________ [ This Message was edited by: GENIUS on 2005-01-21 22:20 ]

01-21-2005, 10:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
OTM DALLAS Join Date: Jan 13 2004 Posts: 106 Rep Power: 21	My gaurd is always up, and yes I agree. I just think this lotion thing helps all of us. I'll have to check in this week-end gotta get out of here.

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