A natural part of this job is spa research and mystery audits. Call it a work perk! But what I find is often lacking when I receive a treatment, is that I almost never receive a skin prescription. Why does this make me sad? Well firstly, its because I meet so many spa directors and owners that lament the lack of retail sales. Then secondly, it’s because I’m actually yearning for a skin diagnosis and some good solid advice from a professional. After all, I have just had a therapists undivided attention on my face or body for at least an hour, maybe even more - observing my skin under a light, feeling its texture, seeing the way it responds to various products. The least I expect is a little bit of guidance. What type of skin do I have? Am I prematurely ageing? How do I best take care of my skin? Are there any particular products that are highly recommended?
Now while I may have ticked all product boxes on my consultation form, it does not mean that I am closed to considering a new brand or a particular product in that brand. I might even be ready for a complete skincare overhaul! You never will know if you don’t tell me what I need.
Guests and clients are looking for solutions and aestheticians and therapists are perfectly poised, given their expertise to give it. In fact, if they don’t, that same client may be buying their skincare from the local chemist.
One simple solution to this, is designing an easy to use prescription that therapists give to each client. They simply tick all of the products used in the spa ritual, down to the essential oil used in the space, and then asterix or underline 1 to 3 hero products they believe would work wonders for their client. It takes all of one minute or less!
It’s a good idea for your prescription form to feature each product, along with how to use it - am, pm or weekly. The other thing to note when designing your form is to add the price discreetly alongside so that it serves as a price list. Many guests are too embarrassed to ask for a price, so this helps them do the maths in case they wish to purchase.
And finally, even if your client does not purchase product today, they may return tomorrow, or at the very least they have received the full circle of professional advice and guidance that we all expect when visiting a day spa or beauty salon.
If you need a prescription designed do let us know as we would love to help, or take a cue from the example in the photo.
