Process (Modern Salon), Fall 2016

A BRAND AFFAIR Bringing in a new line Whether replacing a current off ering or adding to your line up the checklist below off ers key topics to cover in conversation with a color manufacturer or distributor before making your decision Talk ABOUT INGREDIENTS Is the color line high in ammonia What is the base of the products The answers to these questions can affect results as well as your bottom line Lets say a color line has a blue base for example Puccio says In this case every time you formulate you have to compensate for that In the long run you end up using more color Additionally with clients becoming increasingly ingredient conscious it is important to know the ins and outs of products Compare TOP PERFORMERS Compare the most brilliant results you get from your current line to the ones offered by a new line Rubin says Ask your potential partner to send in one of their lead artists to do a color demonstration for your salon team he suggests and ensure that performance is equal to or better than the line you have considered replacing Ask IF THERE ARE SEPARATE PERMANENT AND DEMI PERMANENT LINES Sometimes you can use a different developer to make permanent color demi This method is less expensive and doesnt occupy as much space Puccio says Delve INTO DISTRIBUTION Ask who distributes your color Swinney says If you switch to a distributor thats not carrying the amount of product they should and theyre backordered a lot that can be confusing for colorists Inquire ABOUT PRODUCT TURNAROUND Get a feel for how long it could take to receive product once an order is placed It can be frustrating as a salon owner if you cant get product in a timely fashion says Matrix Artistic Director and Global Design Team Member Chrystofer Benson Discuss THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR Make sure its solid because that way there is more cohesiveness to your ordering and a much smoother process of support with training and new products King says Without the right support your salon business wont be as successful Ask IF A BUY BACK PROGRAM EXISTS If you will be replacing one line with another inventory can be a concern Sometimes distributors offer a buy out program where theyll purchase the product youll be replacing Puccio says Look AT THE SIZE OF THE LINE Some lines have more than 500 SKUs and sometimes shades have only a slight difference Puccio says These considerations could be important when evaluating the investment and space a line may require Set Goals TO OBTAIN EDUCATION This is mutually benefi cial according to Puccio as distributors want to sell more color and salons want development opportunities Discuss a sales goal with your color distributor and propose that if your team meets it earn a class she says This keeps colorists engaged and distributors are typically happy to oblige Plan A PRODUCT LAUNCH What kind of product training is offered to get staff up to speed If youre going to bring in something new you want the whole team to use it Benson says Its important that the staff buys into it otherwise theyll go back to what they know 1 3 5 7 9 2 4 6 8 10 46 modernsalon com PROCESS