Have you completed all the legalities and ticked all essential boxes? Congratulations, now for the fun stuff… treatment focus and doing what you’re good at! Choosing a product brand that’s right for your business is a big decision. Here’s how to make strategic choices that set you up for success.
What should I look for when choosing a brand for my beauty business?
1. Select a Reputable Skincare Brand
Choosing a brand that has a good reputation and is known by your customers will give confidence in your clientele and can help boost your revenue in retail. It is always a bonus if clients can google and read honest reviews in their own time, this will do the sales pitch for you.
Why Reputation Matters
Opting for brands with visible reviews like SBC Skincare, which has thousands of reviews from real purchases made by QVC and website shoppers. Your business can utilise this data to drive sales and boost your income, completely free of charge! All you must do is guide your clients to the right place and expose them to the information – knowledge is power, and recommendations are always an easy way to sell product to clients.
2. Evaluate Initial Investment Costs
Most professional brands require initial set up cost for opening an account and becoming a stockist. Prices can range dramatically depending on the product range and if retail stock is included. This usually includes some level of training in the product and treatment delivery which can be extra cost if travel/accommodation is required.
Understanding Buy-in Costs
Typical setup costs range from £3,000 to £8,000. However, brands like SBC Pro offer more flexible options, with no upfront cost or minimum order requirements. SBC offers a unique partnership with professionals who want to become part of the family and offer treatments and/or retail to customers.
After submitting your professional accreditation, you can work closely with the team to choose the right start up package for your independent business needs. There are NO initial costs or limitations on what you buy or wish to sell, meaning that you can start small and build your collection alongside your business growth. There are also NO requirements to attend training in person, all product knowledge and training is online for you to access at your own convenience so that you can learn at a pace that suits you.
3. Product effectiveness
The most important thing about your treatments is that the experience is enjoyable, and your clients are getting a good result on skin - without the risk of breakouts and skin eruptions… (when treating new clients, you want them to enjoy the skin post treatment and not dread a reaction).
It can be tricky to manage the interaction of skin being exposed to products and you can never be sure if someone will react or not, for peace of mind you can choose a range of product that contains a good balance of active ingredients. For instance, some products require a patch test which gives an indication of how active the ingredients may be and how high is the risk of a reaction.
Choose Skin-Friendly Formulas
SBC Skincare pride themselves on creating harmonious blends of skin loving ingredients which promise to nurture and hydrate the skin without affecting the barrier function, therefore reactions and skin purging are a very rare occurrence. We infuse all our formulas with natural plant extracts, and nourishing humectants and the recommended level of actives to ensure we deliver great results and achieve a healthy-looking complexion.
4. Assess Product Range Needs for Multiple Treatments
Multiple treatments can mean you will need to stock multiple brands of product. Depending on what services you offer to clients you may need to hold products for each treatment, e.g. waxing will need pre post skincare, facials require a large selection of product choice, hand and foot treatments will need a specific range and advanced skincare uses machines which may require a special formula to work alongside it.
Minimise Product Overload
SBC formulas offer a versatile choice of treatment delivery unlike many other brands. Products such as the treatment gels can be utilised in multiple treatments which reduces to amount of stock held and maintains product freshness and efficacy as they can be used across a variety of skin treatments. For mobile therapists, keeping smaller treatment-specific kits can also make transport easier and reduce setup time, helping you stay organised and efficient.
5. Consistency Boosts Professionalism and Client Loyalty
Using the same brand throughout your treatments not only looks professional but also consistent and your clients will become familiar with the products you select, this can help to boost retail sales and your income!
Create a Consistent Brand Experience
When clients recognise and trust the products you use, they’re more likely to purchase them for at-home care. This familiarity also reinforces your expertise, as clients see you as a knowledgeable advocate for their skincare needs.
By curating a thoughtful treatment menu and selecting a high-quality, versatile product brand, you’ll lay a strong foundation for client satisfaction and business growth. Happy planning, and here’s to building a thriving beauty business!
If you're still in the early stages of setting up your own Beauty Business - read Phase 1 and Phase 2 of our guides...