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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We see this in the movies all the time. Mind control. It seemed so futuristic at one time, but in reality…it’s here. Whether it be fake news or subliminal messages via commercials we watch or ads we read. We are all subjected to mind control, following in lieu of leading.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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Why is it important to remember this when choosing products?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I am not a brand recognition person. I choose the brands I represent based on their efficiency, their safety and what I know they can ultimately do for you, as Nail Technicians and your clients.
I’ve had plenty of opportunity to carry the brands that most people know of. I’ve pondered, I’ve investigated and in the end, when I made a list of what it is “I” look for in a brand, these brands were not the right fit for my Business.
The brands I choose are an extension of me![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In this same context, I’ve researched brands which could be considered a “replacement” for the brands I carry….however, why would I want to trade $$$ for $$$$? It just doesn’t make sense.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1534802218178{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2868″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]When searching for a brand to use in your Foot Care room, there are many factors to consider. Before you do though, it’s important to realize…
- The skin on our feet is very different than the rest of our bodies
- We are exposed to much more in our Foot Care room then we were 50 years ago
- Our access to education is far more vast
- Our client’s access to information is far more vast
- There are many more options available
When choosing brands, there is much to consider
- Do you want fluff n buff or do you want results? Or maybe you want both
- Do you want scents
- Do you have easy access to what you need
- Is Education available
- Is it cost effective
- Does it have retail opportunity
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Other things to consider when choosing your brands
- Does the brand allow you the opportunity to expand?
- Is there an easy return or replacement policy?
- Do you have easy access to MSDS information?
- Do you have easy access to Marketing materials?
- Is the ordering process easy?
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With so much talk about brands and who uses what….people are forgetting so many factors in making decisions as to what brands to carry.
Some of this may sound familiar because I know I’ve shared it in previous blogs. However, what has come to mind in scrolling through SM and seeing some of the questions is no one is asking about the ease of dealing with the Companies that carry whatever brand it is.
I once again go back to my days in the Salon. I remember the process of choosing a new hair color brand. My choices were narrowed down to 3. At the time AlphaParf was our first choice.
I remember contacting the Company (somewhere in Miami) and NEVER receiving a call back. The brand we ended up ordering in was more expensive than the other 2. However, I got an immediate response from the Company and they offered extensive Education.
I let my Stylist have a say however, in the end what I chose was an extension of who I was. I wanted a quality product with easy access to products which offered continuous Education to make sure my Stylist were always on top of their game. Price was a consideration, but not a game breaker.
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Myself and the stylist knew what we wanted out of the brand
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If I were still in my Salon, I would follow the same tactics. In fact,I follow the exact same tactics in choosing the brands I do for my Distribution. I’ve been burned a couple of times….we learn. However, I learn what I should ask which I didn’t before.
If I were in the Salon choosing a brand, these would be my questions…
- Is it effective (because working smarter not harder is my MO)
- Is it easily available
- What is the price point
- What type of education do you offer – when, where, cost?
- Can it be bought in the big box stores
- Is it available on line, to my clients, below my cost (do your own research)
- Do they sell to the end user
- How can my orders be placed
- What is your shipping time
- What is your return or replacement policy
- How do you handle backorders
- Do you have retail items for follow through
Or, how about something as easy as being able to have human contact.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My email address was purchased through a Company called Wix. I used this Company to build my first website when I owned my Salon. I haven’t had my Salon since 2009 but continued to pay a yearly fee to keep my same email address.
I recently realized the cost and how I can transfer my email account to my primary domain company.
3 weeks I’ve been trying to do this. The Company Wix has absolutely no way of speaking with a human. When I fondly found a phone # I was relieved. This took several days. When I called the number, it routed me to the web address for “trouble shooting”.
I’m flabbergasted. I’m pissed and frustrated. I’m paying $150.00 per year for something I can get for free. I have absolutely no way of cancelling it.
How can a Business run that way?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My own personal lesson is “research”. Everything and anything you’re doing including the product brands you decide to take on.
Know your questions going in and think way ahead to the future. The what if’s. Because, it doesn’t matter what you do, the future will always come, things will always change and we never ever know what that change may be.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Centre For Beauty takes pride in the research we do before we take on a brand. We do this for you. However, I suggest you don’t even take my word for it. You have a question???? ask! You skeptical????? ask! You unsure????? ask! Don’t ever settle[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2087″ title=”CJ Murray, President”][/vc_column][/vc_row]