Warren Buffett is in the headlines this week stepping down at the age of 94 😲. It got me thinking about one of his most famous quotes and how it hits home for us in the salon world.
‘Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.’
– Warren Buffett
When times are financially tight, it’s easy to feel the pressure to drop your prices, run constant offers or try to compete with the cheaper salon down the road.
But this reminder from one of the world’s most successful men is a powerful one. It’s not just about your price. It’s about the value your salon clients get in return.
Salon marketing food for thought
Are you showing the value behind your prices clearly enough…in your consultations, your service menu, your salon social and the way you chat to your clients?
Because clients aren’t just paying for a hair service or beauty treatment. They’re paying for the experience, the care, the expert advice, the feel-good factor, the results.
So, this week, why not find one small way to make that value more visible. Maybe it’s:
✨ A line you add to your salon price list.
✨ A behind-the-scenes post showing your product knowledge.
✨ Or a quick team reminder about how they explain service benefits to clients.
And speaking of value… let’s talk promotions.
Don’t sell your yourself short…
Few marketing tactics divide opinion quite like discounts and promotions!
Used well: Salon discounts and special offers can give your bookings a brilliant boost.
Used badly: They can chip away at your profits and your brand.
So, if you’re considering a little promo action, here’s a quick refresher to help you decide if, when and how to use them in your hair or beauty biz.
Promotion & discount pros:
✅ Quick and easy to roll out
✅ Fill appointment gaps fast
✅ Build client loyalty
✅ Introduce new services or products
✅ Easy to track results
✅ Lift slow days in salon
✅ Help new team members build a column
But… here’s where they can backfire:
❌ Cut into salon profits long-term
❌ Undermine your brand image
❌ Train clients to wait for deals
❌ Attract coupon-clippers
❌ Lower trust in your brand value
❌ Damage true loyalty
❌ Reduce your average bill
My marketing tip
Before running any salon promotion, ask yourself:
Is this filling a short-term gap or supporting a long-term goal?
The best promos do both. They get new clients through your door now AND set the stage for rebookings, upgrades and loyalty.
Remember Warren Buffett’s advice: Don’t just cut your prices. Prove you’re worth it.
My blog here takes a deep dive into the marketing detail of when to use which salon offers for attracting new clients and filling those gaps. PLUS the details and Ts & Cs you need to think about, with templates.