Five Features You Did Not Know About

 

Our software is very simple to navigate. Once you have got the hang of how it operates, it becomes easy to use and hassle-free. However, not all of our customers know about some small features that can make their lives even easier. Here are five features of Salon Tracker that you may not know about:

Bed Transfer

When you assign a customer to a bed, sometimes other beds can become free before the one you have assigned them to. Our transfer feature allows you to transfer customers from one bed to another before they have started. Simply press the ‘transfer’ button on the bed they are currently on and then press the bed you would like to move them to. This will move them across to the vacant bed and reduce waiting time.

Waiting List

In busy periods, or when customers request specific beds that aren’t available, our waiting list feature is especially useful. Underneath each bed, there are slots that you can put customers on to assign them to a specific bed once it becomes available. Simply press the slot and put the customer on as normal. This will increase the overall waiting time for the bed as that customer is now first in line for when it becomes available. Once the bed becomes available, simply press on the customer in the waiting slot and press ‘confirm’. This will move them up from the waiting slot to put them on the bed. We can also add more waiting slots in for busier salons.

Custom Dress Down

When it comes to customers using a bed, they will need some time to get changed and put their tanning lotions on before the bed starts. Salon Tracker has a default dress down and cool down period of 3 minutes either side of the bed’s minutes to allow for this. However, some customers may need more time for many reasons. Our custom dress down feature allows customers to request a certain amount of minutes to allow them the right amount of time. This can be changed in their customer account on Salon Tracker. Simply go into their customer account and go to the ‘tanning’ section. There you will see the drop down button for custom minutes. Once changed, press ‘save’ and this will be automatically applied every time this customer uses the beds.

Stock Warning Level

One of our selling points is our stock management feature, but did you know you can add a low stock warning level? In the ‘stock info’ tab of a product, once you have ticked ‘monitor stock levels’ you can add in a low stock warning level by using the drop down arrows. Once the correct number is added, press ‘save’. Once this product reaches the warning level set, it will prompt you to restock it next time someone tries to purchase it. This is a useful feature to make sure you never run out of stock.

Company Holiday

Going to be closed for a period of time? If you set a company holiday on Salon Tracker, this means that no customers will be able to book anything during this time, saving you the hassle of having to put holidays on each bookable item. This can be done in Salon Tracker by going to the admin section, settings, holidays, edit and add holiday, you can then add the dates you will be closed for. This is popular with our clients over the festive period.

We hope you have learnt something new about Salon Tracker, and we these features make running your salon a little easier!

 

Salon Tracker x

Getting Organised in the New Year: A Guide for Salons

As we step into the new year, it’s time for salons to refresh, reorganise, and set the stage for a successful year ahead. A well-organised salon enhances both operations and the client experience, ensuring returning and new customers alike are delighted. Plus, with January sales events on the horizon, there’s no better time to shine.

Here’s how to start the year on the right foot and make the most of January’s opportunities.

1. January Sales Events: A Revenue Boost

Post-Holiday Clearance

After the holiday rush, you may have leftover stock such as seasonal tanning lotions, gift sets, or holiday-themed beauty products. Use January to clear out inventory with enticing deals:

• Bundle Discounts: Combine leftover items into discounted packages.
• “Buy One, Get One Free” Deals: Perfect for encouraging larger purchases while clearing inventory.
• Loyalty Perks: Offer exclusive clearance sales to your most loyal clients to thank them for their continued support.

 

New Year Flash Sales

Kickstart the year with limited-time promotions that encourage urgency:

• Discounted Services: Offer a flat discount on tanning packages or popular beauty treatments for a limited time.
• Membership Deals: Reduce prices for prepaid service packages to lock in repeat customers.
• Social Media Exclusives: Promote flash sales through Instagram and Facebook stories with countdowns to create excitement.

These sales events not only generate revenue but also bring new clients through the door and re-engage existing ones.

 

2. Streamline Scheduling

A chaotic schedule leads to unhappy clients and stressed staff.

• Use Software: Invest in Salon Tracker to allow online bookings and send automated reminders to clients.
• Promote Off-Peak Hours: Use January sales to attract clients to slower times of the day with reduced prices or special add-ons.

 

3. Declutter and Refresh Your Space

Start the year with a clean and inviting salon:

• Tidy Workstations: Store tools and supplies neatly, keeping essentials close at hand.
• Organise Inventory: Label and sort your stockroom so products are easy to locate.
• Redecorate for the Season: Replace holiday decor with fresh, neutral elements like plants or soft lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere.
•  

4. Optimise Your Inventory Management

January is a great time to take control of your stock.

• Audit Your Inventory: Identify fast-moving items and those that underperformed.
• Set Up Automated Reordering: Avoid overstocking or shortages by using Salon Tracker to track sales trends and prompt reordering of stock.
• Test New Products: Use insights from last year to add trending items like rapid-developing tanning solutions or clean beauty products.

 

5. Enhance Client Experience

• New Year Goals Packages: Offer services aimed at helping clients achieve their “new year, new me” resolutions, such as healthy tanning plans or revitalising skincare treatments.
• Feedback Opportunities: Collect insights from clients about what they loved or areas for improvement through quick surveys or suggestion boxes.

 

6. Focus on Marketing

Seasonal Campaigns

Capitalise on the “new year” energy with themed promotions:

• “Glow Up in 2025” Campaign: Promote tanning and beauty services designed to help clients start the year confidently.

 

Social Media Promotions

Boost your visibility:

• Share testimonials, before-and-after transformations, and client stories on Instagram or TikTok.
• Run January-specific contests, like giveaways for gift cards or free treatments.

 

7. Invest in Your Team

Your team is the heart of your salon. Start the year strong by empowering them:

• Training on New Trends: Ensure staff are equipped to offer trending treatments or use updated equipment.
• Team Goal Setting: Host a meeting to set group and individual targets for the year.
• Recognition Programs: Motivate your team with rewards for meeting sales or service benchmarks.

 

8. Review and Refresh Your Services

• Introduce New Offerings: Based on last year’s feedback, offer trending services for your customers to enjoy!
• Adjust Pricing: Ensure your prices reflect the value provided and align with your market.
• Bundle Deals: Create service packages that encourage clients to try a variety of offerings.

 

9. Celebrate Success

Acknowledge milestones, both big and small. Whether it’s hitting a sales goal during a flash sale or receiving glowing client feedback, celebrating success motivates your team and builds momentum for the rest of the year.

 

Conclusion

The new year is an opportunity to revamp your tanning and beauty salon for maximum success. With a focus on January sales events, efficient organisation, and enhanced client experiences, you’ll create a thriving business that’s ready to shine all year long. Let’s make this year your salon’s best yet!

 

That's all for now!

 

Salon Tracker x

Thank You for an Amazing Year!

2024 has been Salon Tracker’s best year yet! We are so grateful for the amazing year we have had and what we have managed to achieve.

 

We have hundreds of new salons that have joined us this year from countries all over the world. We hope to continue this growth into next year!

 

This year we have also released our latest version of Salon Tracker, updating it to a new .NET framework.

 

We have also grown our team, taking on new staff who have been working very hard to learn how Salon Tracker operates and the skills required to excel in their new roles.

 

We want to say a massive thank you to all our customers, new and old. We are so grateful for your loyalty and we look forward to continuing to work with you in 2025!

Your kind words do not go unnoticed and we will be forever thankful.

 

We also want to say a massive thank you to the Salon Tracker team.

 To the development team, for continuing to bring new features to Salon Tracker, constantly trying to improve our customers’ experiences.

To the support team, for always being happy to assist our customers, with no issue being too big or too small.

Finally, to our sales team, who are bringing in new customers from all over the world.

 

We have some exciting new features coming in 2025! So keep your eyes peeled…

 

We will be closed from 24^th December to the 2^nd January. We look forward to 2025 and to see what it has in store for Salon Tracker.

 

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Salon Tracker x

Christmas Look Book 2024: Top Trends for the Festive Season

The holiday season is here, and a Christmas Look Book can be your salon’s secret weapon for inspiring clients and boosting bookings. Here are some trends that can help you shine this season!

 

1. Glow All Season

For tanning salons, showcasing different tanning options such as spray tans, gradual lotions, and bronzing treatments is a great way to give clients a natural, sun-kissed look, perfect for holiday parties or winter getaways.

 

2. Feature Seasonal Salon Offers

Use the Look Book to promote holiday service packages, gift cards, and festive product bundles. Holiday packages that combine hair, makeup, and nails make perfect gifts or ready-made makeovers for holiday events. Showcase loyalty perks like discounts or points for the New Year to encourage repeat visits.

 

3. Inspire Winter Self-Care

Highlight seasonal treatments for winter dryness like hydrating masks, conditioning treatments, or scalp care. Suggest take-home products for clients to pamper themselves and keep their hair holiday-ready. Offering creams and including seasonal skincare tips, like moisturising routines to maintain an even tan is also great to offer clients during these colder months.

 

4. Showcase Holiday Hair Trends

Clients love fresh ideas for holiday styles! Feature seasonal colour trends like warm caramel highlights or icy blondes, along with festive hairstyles like glam curls, braids, and elegant updos. Add photos with hair accessories—like sparkling pins and jewelled headbands—to give clients festive style inspiration.

 

5. Promote Holiday Makeup Looks

Offer makeup looks that sparkle. Highlight classic red lips, smoky eyes with metallic shimmer, and bold glitter looks. Include mini-tutorials or tips to inspire clients to book a makeup session or try a new festive style.

 

We hope these tips gave you some ideas for what you can offer in your salon during the festive season!

 

Salon Tracker x

How To Prolong Your Tan

Want to maximise your tan to the fullest and keep your colour for as long as possible? This blog will tell you all about the tips and tricks we recommend to achieve your deepest and longest-lasting bronze ever.

Prep

The first step to achieving your desired tan is your prep. Making sure your skin is moisturised and exfoliated is proven to deliver a darker and longer-lasting tan. Dry skin can slow down your tan developing as it reflects light rather than absorbing it.

 

Accelerator

The second step is to make sure you are using a tanning accelerator cream. There are hundreds of different tanning creams on the market, but you need to make sure you are purchasing them from a trusted supplier so that you know they are safe for sunbeds. We recommend Bliss to our clients as they provide high quality creams at affordable prices. They are a trusted supplier and all their tanning creams are safe to use on the sunbeds.

Here is a link to their website: Bliss Direct Welcome to our World of Tanning

 

Minute Routine

The third step is to make sure you are using your minutes wisely. It is proven to have a darker and longer-lasting effect if you go on the sunbeds more often but for smaller amounts of minutes. For example, you will achieve a better tan from going on the sunbeds 3 times a week for 9 minutes each time rather than going on twice for 15 minutes each time.

 

Alternating Sunbed Types

The fourth step is to alternate the sunbed types you use. Using a laydown constantly leave you with white patches in places such as your armpits. Going on standups every now and again will help to give you a more even tan, leaving you without those white patches.

 

Shower Routine

The fifth step is to make sure you have a good shower routine. It is recommended that if you leave a couple of hours after your sunbed session before showering, you can achieve a darker tan that lasts longer. It is also recommended that your shower temperature should be lukewarm, as hot water can be known to strip your body of its natural oils.

 

If you follow all of these steps above, you should achieve your desired tan that lasts.

Salon Tracker x

Tanning Salon Starter Pack

Looking to open a new sunbed shop? Need some advice on where to start? Look no further. This blog will provide you with the four essentials you will need prior to opening so that you are prepared and ready to go.

Sunbeds

Arguably the most important step to opening a sunbed shop is the sunbeds. Not sure where to purchase your sunbeds from? We have three trustworthy suppliers that we recommend to our clients:

Cyrano: Cyrano - The UK home for sunbeds, lamps and tanning lotions

Tan Empire: Tan Empire brand new fully reconditioned sunbeds.Tanning Cosmetics

Sun and Health: Buy Lease & Hire Sunbeds, Infrared Saunas in UK – Sun and Health International Ltd

These suppliers sell a range of different sunbeds; differing in brands, types and technologies. They also cater for various different budgets, so no matter how high or low your budget is, there will be the sunbeds for you. If you have any questions, all these suppliers would be happy to help and give you more information. Their contact details are listed on their websites.

Timer Managers/ Token Systems

Once you have acquired your sunbeds, the next step is to decide how you are going to power them. Sunbeds can either be powered through a token system or a timer manager system.

Token systems are a cheaper alternative to timer managers. They are controlled by giving the customers tokens to power the beds. These tokens are slotted into the token box and each token is worth 3 minutes. This means customers can only go up in threes with their minutes e.g. 3,6,9,12,15 etc.

Timer managers can be controlled through the main box manually, or through Salon Tracker automatically. They are usually more expensive than token systems but their features justify the price. If you are on our Professional package, we offer T-Max and Sigma integration. This means if you have a timer manager powered by either of these brands, we can connect this to your Salon Tracker, so that when a customer is placed on the sunbed, (once the dress-down time is up) the sunbed will turn on automatically. Timer managers also allow for customers to go on the sunbed for any minutes, not just going up in threes like token systems.

If you are interested in purchasing a timer manager or token system, we have three trustworthy suppliers that we recommend to our clients:

Cyrano: Cyrano - The UK home for sunbeds, lamps and tanning lotions

Tan Empire: Tan Empire brand new fully reconditioned sunbeds.Tanning Cosmetics

Sun and Health: Buy Lease & Hire Sunbeds, Infrared Saunas in UK – Sun and Health International Ltd

If you have any questions, all these suppliers would be happy to help and give you more information. Their contact details are listed on their websites.

 

Sunbed Creams

Another element to consider before opening is if you are planning on selling any retail products. Most of our clients sell sunbed creams and sachets, to help accelerate their customers’ tans. Struggling to find a sunbed cream supplier? We recommend Bliss. Bliss is a trusted tanning cream supplier and sells thousands of creams ranging from budget to luxury. They also cater for different skin types, intensity and even tattoos.

Bliss sell these creams in bottle and sachet form. This means customers can purchase a sachet to try out a cream before committing to a bottle. We recommend selling both of these to give your customers more flexibility when deciding how much to spend on a cream.

Bliss Direct Welcome to our World of Tanning - UV Lotions & More | Bliss, Freephone 0800 801 760

If you have any questions, Bliss would be happy to help and give you more information. Their contact details are listed on their website.

Sunbed Cubicles and Shutters

If you're really wanting your salon to stand out from the crowd, one thing you could invest in is some modern shutters and cubicles. Sunbed Cubicles and Shutters  design and build bespoke cubicles to give your salon that 'wow' factor. With 23 years experience they're the UK leaders in this field and as well as being able to design these cubicles, they also have a wealth of knowledge on the tanning industry. To find out more get in touch with Andy on 0799066068 or the other Andy on 07462219505!

Salon Tracker

Last but not definitely not least, you will need Salon Tracker! We consider our software as a necessity to old and new salons. Most of our customers cannot imagine running their salons without us, as we make their day-to-day lives that bit easier. Our system caters for every type of salon, but we specialise in tanning. We have unique features such as minute tracking, T-Max and Sigma integration, stock management and staff permissions. These features make us stand out from the rest, and simplify the way you run your salon. 

We offer three packages:

Standard - £30/month +VAT

Professional- £60/month +VAT

Enterprise- £90/month +VAT

We also offer a free demonstration and two-week free trial of our software!

For more information about our software or to get booked in, either give us a call on 0113 350 8230 or drop us an email at info@salontracker.co.uk and one of our team would be happy to help!

Salon Tracker x

 

Christmas Marketing with Salon Tracker

Creating a Christmas marketing campaign for your salon can help attract new clients, retain existing ones, and boost sales during the festive season. This blog will discuss some of the ways you can utilise the Christmas period to increase sales in your salon!

Exclusive Holiday Products

Creating special holiday bundles with your retail products will get your customers in the festive mood and help sell your products that may not be as often sold. You could offer pre-made or customisable boxes for gifting to friends as a Christmas gift or as a treat for themselves!

Introducing holiday-themed services, like Christmas nails creates a festive atmosphere and gives customers a reason to indulge in the Christmas spirit.

Another great way to bring in some more business is to offer Christmas gift vouchers in the store... after it is the season for giving!! Offering gift vouchers is a great way to spread the word about your business through your loyal customers and is the perfect gift for Christmas!

Partner with Local Businesses

Partnering with local boutiques, cafes, or gyms to offer cross-promotions for the holiday season is great to help other businesses in your area and spread the word to people who may not have previously heard about you. For example an offer you could do is "Bring your receipt from [Local Café] and get 10% off your booking with us!"

Pre-Booking Incentives

Offering discounts to customers who pre-book appointments for the New Year is a great way to help fill your calendar for the slower months ahead and gives your customers a reason to return after the holiday rush.

Double the points in your loyalty program for clients who book and receive services during the holiday season. This will encourage customers to come in more and make the most of your offer!

 

Christmas-Themed Events

Another great way to invite your customers into your salon is by hosting Christmas events. For example you could partner with a local charity to host a holiday giving event. Offer discounts or free add-ons for clients who bring in items for donation, like toys, clothes, or food for local shelters.

You could even host an in-salon event where clients can enjoy mini beauty treatments, consultations, or makeup tutorials to help them get ready for the holiday season.

A Christmas giveaway where you share an offer every day for the 12 days of Christmas could also be a great way to ensure your customers are always coming back for more! Whether it be a discount each day or a free product with any purchase/ booking this will keep your customers guessing and excited to find out.

Social Media

Last but not least… Probably the most obvious way to spread the word these days has to be Social Media!

You can use Social Media to your advantage by sharing your plans of what's to come over the Christmas period. Promoting all of the above mentioned offers and events is a great way to let people know what is happening in your salon and share with their friends to help you gain more business!

We hope this blog has given you some useful tips on how to make these colder winter times a bit more jolly.

Let the countdown begin! 

Salon Tracker x