As a lash artist, you're already providing an amazing service to your clients—enhancing their natural beauty with gorgeous lash extensions. But have you ever considered expanding your offerings by adding retail products to your lash studio? From lash cleansers to nourishing serums, retailing can be a great way to diversify your income and provide extra value to your clients.
However, like any business decision, selling retail in your lash studio comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of selling lash retail products, so you can make an informed decision for your business.
Why Consider Selling Retail Products in Your Lash Studio?
In the beauty industry, many professionals are turning to retail as a supplementary revenue stream. Whether you’re a beginner lash artist or a seasoned pro, retail sales can complement your existing services and offer your clients even more value. Think about it: when clients leave your lash studio, wouldn’t it be great if they could take home products that help maintain their lashes and enhance the overall look?
While selling retail products may seem like an obvious opportunity, there are several important factors to consider. Let’s break down the pros and cons of adding retail to your lash business.
Pros of Selling Retail in Your Lash Studio
1. Increased Revenue
One of the most obvious benefits of selling retail products is the potential to boost your revenue. Whether it's a lash cleanser, a nourishing serum, or even lash extension kits, these products are often essential for clients who want to maintain the longevity and health of their lashes between appointments.
2. Enhance the Client Experience
Offering retail products shows your clients that you care about the quality of their lashes beyond the chair. By recommending high-quality products like Aki Lashes’ lash cleansers or aftercare serums, you are providing a more complete service, ensuring they have the tools to take care of their lashes at home.
3. Build Brand Loyalty
Selling retail products can help you build a stronger relationship with your clients. By offering exclusive or high-quality products, you are not only meeting their needs but also giving them a reason to return to your studio instead of buying from other sources. Over time, these product offerings can help build a loyal client base.
4. Promote Your Expertise
As a professional lash artist, you have the skills and knowledge to recommend the best products for maintaining lash health. By retailing the right products, you’re able to position yourself as an expert in the field. Clients will trust your recommendations, and over time, this expertise will set you apart from the competition.
5. Convenience for Clients
Clients often look for convenience, and offering retail products in your studio means they don’t have to go searching for the right products elsewhere. This adds an extra layer of convenience and makes it easy for clients to continue their lash care routine without any hassle.
Cons of Selling Retail in Your Lash Studio
1. Upfront Investment
Stocking retail products requires an initial investment. While this may pay off in the long run, the upfront cost of purchasing inventory can be a barrier, especially for newer businesses. You’ll need to invest in purchasing a selection of products, setting up display shelves, and maintaining stock levels.
2. Inventory Management
Managing retail inventory can be time-consuming. From keeping track of stock to ordering replacements, it’s an additional responsibility on top of your lash application duties. If you’re not organized, it can lead to overstocking or running out of popular items, both of which can impact your sales.
3. Retail Markup Complications
Pricing retail products requires careful consideration. You don’t want to price too high, but you also need to ensure you’re covering the cost of the product and making a profit. Additionally, the beauty industry can be competitive, and if you're not pricing strategically, it may be hard to make a substantial profit margin.
4. Potential for Low Sales
While many lash clients will appreciate having products available in your studio, not every client will be interested in purchasing retail items. Some clients may already have their go-to products or may not feel the need to purchase items from you. It’s important to keep in mind that retailing may not generate consistent sales, especially if you don’t choose the right products or market them effectively.
5. Time and Energy
Selling retail in your lash studio requires ongoing time and energy to promote products, update displays, and recommend products to clients during their appointments. If you don’t have the capacity to focus on retail, it may divert attention from your core services.
Best Products to Sell in Your Lash Business
If you decide that selling retail products is the right move for your lash business, it’s important to choose items that will benefit both your clients and your bottom line. Here are some of the best products to sell in your lash studio:
1. Lash Cleansers
A gentle, non-oily lash cleanser is a must-have for any lash client. These products help remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the lashes, ensuring the extensions stay clean and last longer. Aki Lashes’ Lash Cleanser is an excellent choice for this, as it’s formulated to safely clean lashes without compromising the adhesive bond.
2. Lash Serums
Many clients are looking to improve the health and strength of their natural lashes, so selling a quality lash growth serumcan be a great way to boost retail sales. Look for serums that are safe to use with extensions and offer results.
3. Lash Brushes & Combs
Selling lash brushes or combs can help clients maintain the shape and direction of their lashes, keeping them looking neat between appointments. These affordable items are always a good addition to your retail lineup.
4. Lash Adhesives & Application Tools
If you’re offering a professional service, it makes sense to sell the products that you use yourself. Aki Lashes’ premium adhesives and tweezer sets are a great way for clients to replicate the high-quality work you do in their own homes.
5. Lash Aftercare Kits
An aftercare kit that includes a lash cleanser, brush, and other essential products will make a great addition to your retail offerings. Clients appreciate the convenience of having a complete set of products to maintain their lashes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Retail in Your Lash Studio
- Overstocking: Keep your inventory levels manageable and don’t overspend on products that may not sell quickly. Offer a curated selection of the best products for your clients.
- Not Educating Clients: Always educate your clients on how to use the products you sell. Whether it’s during the appointment or through an informational brochure, proper education helps improve product sales and ensures the products are used correctly.
- Neglecting Display: Create a visually appealing display for your products. A neat, attractive retail display can drive impulse buys and highlight the quality of your offerings.
Conclusion: Is Selling Retail Right for Your Lash Business?
Adding retail to your lash studio can be a great way to diversify your revenue stream and enhance the client experience. It offers the opportunity to promote products you believe in, help your clients take care of their lashes, and ultimately strengthen your brand. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as inventory management and upfront costs.
If you're looking for high-quality lash retail products that can help you elevate your lash business, Aki Lashes offers a range of products, from lash cleansers to tweezers, that can make your retail offerings stand out.
Ready to boost your business? Shop now at Aki Lashes for top-quality products that will keep your clients coming back and help grow your lash business. Or, if you're interested in learning more about lash artistry, check out our training courses to sharpen your skills today!