Hello, you fabulous business owners! It’s Tabatha Coffey, taking over Vagaro’s blog to talk about a common pitfall that can unknowingly hinder both you and your clients’ growth & success. It's time to shift our focus from managing our customers' finances and deciding what we think they can afford to do what we do best: providing outstanding services. In this article, we'll explore why you should stop being your customers' accountant and instead embrace your role as service provider extraordinaire. Software like Vagaro will help you get there by allowing you to break free from limitations and unlock the true potential of your business.
Embrace Your Expertise
As a beauty professional or entrepreneur, you've worked hard to develop skills and knowledge in your field. Your expertise is what sets you apart, so own it! Your clients come to you for a reason—they trust you to deliver the best results. So, why—oh, why—are you worrying about what you think they can afford? It's time to stop playing the guessing game with your clients' wallets and start doing what you do best, which is providing fantastic services. By using Vagaro’s online booking and marketplace capabilities, it’s easier than ever to do just that. Let your beautiful services speak for themselves! The Vagaro Marketplace allows potential and existing clients to see all that you have to offer and provides easy online booking to streamline your business.
Educate, Don't Assume
While it's important to be mindful of your clients' budgets, making assumptions about what they can or can't afford can lead to missed opportunities. Instead of playing the role of accountant, be a guiding light for your customers in the realm you rule. Educate them about the various services you offer and the benefits they can have for them. Discover what their possible pain points are by using something like Vagaro’s Forms feature so you can then accurately provide ways to help them solve those challenges. When you clearly present the value of each service and how it can best serve your clients’ needs, your clients can make informed decisions without feeling pressured. Who knows? They might indulge in a premium service they initially thought was out of reach, especially when payment options like Vagaro Pay Later are on the table. Use your time together to share your expertise and vision with clients instead of worrying about what they can afford.
Charge Your Worth
I hear you saying, "But what about those who truly can't afford it?" There will be some people where budget constraints will be a concern. However, this isn't your issue to take on. If you've made the common mistake of focusing only on the price of your services, then all you're selling is the price. This could lead to selling yourself and your business short. Perhaps you’re also undercharging for your services, which leads to burnout and resentment.
Remember that your time and effort are valuable. Set fair and competitive prices that reflect the quality of your work and expertise.
If you use Vagaro, you can even choose to offer things like Daily Deals or holiday discounts, which are great ways to give yourself an edge on the competition without needing to sacrifice your time, effort, or income. When you price your services appropriately, you'll attract clients who value what you do and are willing to pay for it.
Offer Flexible Payment Options
The way you can best serve clients is to consider offering flexible payment options. This could include package deals, payment plans, loyalty programs, or buy-now-pay-later options, like Vagaro Pay Later. These options can ease financial burdens for your clients without compromising the quality of your services.
Remember, you're not just providing a service; you're creating an experience, a memory, a transformation.
Empower Your Clients
As I wrap up, I want to remind you of the importance of breaking free from feeling like you have to be the decision-maker for how your clients spend their money or what they can & can't afford. That is not part of the service you provide—and I bet if someone assumed how & where you should spend your money, you wouldn't be happy! So, stop doing that to your clients and focus on being the best service provider you can be. You’ll not only uplift your business but also empower your clients to make decisions that are right for them. Trust in your skills and lean on Vagaro to help you do more of what you know & love—and your clients will trust you too!
Keep eyes on the Vagaro Pro blog for my future takeovers & truth-telling! —T.C.
