As salon owners and beauty professionals, we’re seeing a dramatic shift in how clients value their time.
This growing trend toward “fast beauty” isn’t just a passing fad. It’s an opportunity to diversify your service menu while meeting the evolving needs of your clients. That’s why we’re sharing the best salon booking system hack this year.
Watch the short…
…and play the full episode 26 of Marketing 100 with salon industry experts John and Kayle as they dive into how express services can boost your salon’s revenue while giving your clients the gift of time.
Continue reading below for our guide on creating profitable express services.
The Growing Demand for Fast Beauty Services
The beauty industry has seen a significant surge in demand for quick-service options since the pandemic. From express facials to quick color appointments and dry bar services, clients are actively seeking time-saving alternatives to traditional salon visits.
I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve had who skip a blow dry because they don’t have the extra 30 to 45 minutes. That time is so valuable to them that they’d rather walk out wet.
How Express Services Increase Salon Profits
Think about why barbershops are so profitable. It’s all about turnover. With shorter service times, barbers can serve 16+ clients daily, maintaining steady income and high demand.
The same principle can work for your salon, but here’s the key: express services shouldn’t mean discount services.
Express Service Pricing Guide for Salons
Here’s an insight that many salon owners miss: express services should still command 75% or more of your full-service price.
Why? Because you’re not just providing a service. You’re giving clients something even more valuable: time.
Key Pricing Principles:
- Express services should maintain high margins
- The time saved is a value-add, not a discount
- Price should reflect the expertise, not just the time spent
- Use these services as gap fillers, not replacements for full services
Before implementing express services, you’ll need to develop salon service pricing strategies that maintain profitability while delivering value.
Attract New Clients with Express Services
Express services serve a dual purpose: they’re not just about accommodating busy clients, but they can also be a powerful client acquisition tool.
For newer stylists or growing salons, these quick-service options provide a low-commitment entry point for first-time clients.
When someone can try your salon’s services with a smaller time investment, they’re more likely to take that initial step through your door.
What’s more, these brief encounters create opportunities for relationship building.
This is an opportunity to showcase the incredible personality that your stylists have and to start building that professional relationship with their clients
Even in a shorter appointment, skilled stylists can demonstrate their expertise and begin fostering the trust that leads to long-term client relationships.
Express services provide an excellent opportunity to attract first-time salon clients who might be hesitant to commit to longer appointments.
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Increase Client Visits with Express Salon Services
One often overlooked benefit of express services is their impact on visit frequency. When clients have a quick-service option, they’re more likely to book touch-ups and maintenance appointments between their full services.
This increased visit frequency creates additional opportunities for product recommendations and retail sales, ultimately boosting your overall revenue per client.
Match Express Services to Your Salon Brand
Before jumping into express services, consider your salon’s positioning and location. Ask yourself:
Brand Identity Questions:
- Does quick service align with your brand values?
- Is your salon positioned as a tranquil escape or a efficient service provider?
- How will express services impact your overall brand perception?
Location Considerations:
- Are you in a business district with lunch-break clients?
- Do you serve primarily busy professionals?
- What are the peak rush hours in your area?
For salons in business districts, express services can be particularly valuable. When you’re surrounded by career professionals who need services during their lunch break, the ability to provide efficient, high-quality services becomes a significant competitive advantage.
Maintain Service Quality with Express Appointments
Quick doesn’t mean lower quality. The service should still be excellent, but the time it takes should ideally demand a higher margin than even a full version of that service.
Express Service Implementation Steps
Start by designing your express service menu with clear options that align with your clients’ needs and your salon’s capabilities.
- Create targeted packages for busy professionals
- Guarantee specific time frames (e.g., “back to work in 45 minutes”)
- Bundle complementary services for maximum value
- Consider your brand positioning and client base
Salon Booking Software for Express Services
For salons using the Mangomint booking platform, the service customization feature offers a smart way to integrate express options into your online booking.
This feature allows clients to personalize their services during booking by selecting different duration options that can either increase or decrease appointment time.
When booking a core service, clients can choose the express version right from the booking interface. The system clearly explains what the express option includes, setting proper expectations from the start.
Interestingly, depending on how you structure your services, the express version could even command a premium price, turning it into an effective upsell opportunity.
Key benefits of online express booking:
- Lets clients customize their time commitment
- Clearly communicates service options
- Streamlines the booking process
- Creates opportunities for strategic pricing
- Manages expectations before the appointment
Express Service Packages and Add-ons
Think of express services as an opportunity to introduce additional value. For example:
- Combine quick color with leave-in treatments
- Add express brow or lip waxing
- Include product recommendations for at-home maintenance
Express Service Checklist for Salon Owners
Before implementing express services, consider:
- Your brand positioning
- Target client demographics
- Existing service menu
- Staff capabilities and training needs
- Pricing strategy
Conclusion
In a world where time is increasingly precious, offering express services isn’t just about doing things faster. It’s about creating more value for your clients while maximizing your salon’s profitability.
P.S. For more proven salon marketing tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
