The hammer has landed its first destructive strike onto the wall that has clearly seen better days. A veil of dust has started to conquer the entire space, and chunks of drywall and peels of paint are falling on the ground. Despite the need to spruce things up a bit, knowing that your business is going to be on hold for a while has planted the seed of doubt. Will your clientele be there anxiously waiting for you to reopen? Will they have found another service provider? The issue is similar to moving to a new space – transferring all your equipment to a new location is way easier than relocating your clients. At least with remodeling, your clients will find you at the same address but in a new and improved space. Use that to your advantage, and renovate your day spa without losing customers.
Location is everything
Staying at the exact same spot is a significant advantage. Even if you must close for a while, the fact that your customers will find you right where they have left you means a lot. Your customers have developed a habit of visiting you, and it’s something to rely on. Therefore, just make sure you announce your intentions well in advance, so there are no surprises. Create an air of excitement around the idea of renovating. Try to build some suspense regarding what everything will look like. Your customers will have something to look forward to, and you will give them another reason to visit you. They will want to come back and see what you have done.
While this will help you retain your clients, remember that they have been coming to you because they are satisfied with your services. Therefore, during works, it’s essential to protect all the equipment. Renting a storage unit is the most practical solution. Because storing your inventory the best possible way is a must, make sure you find a suitable unit.
Never underestimate the power of love
Day spa services involve connecting with people. Your clients have been visiting you because they feel pleasant and have formed positive associations with your place and staff. While it’s hard to shake the habit of going to a specific location, it’s even harder to break the connections people make with those they commonly interact with. So, if you have been doing everything right, you can easily renovate your day spa without losing customers.
However, don’t forget to reward their loyalty. For example, you can create vouchers you will give away during the few weeks before renovation. You will ensure your customers come back once you start working again. Alternatively, you can announce some discounts during the first several weeks upon the reopening.
Give your customers reasons to stay with you
The renovation is a chance to introduce something new. Your business already depends on your customers, so why not involve them in the process of introducing the changes. Ask for their opinions and listen to what they have to say. For example, you can hand out a questionnaire to discover what they would like to change, what they haven’t been delighted with, what new things they would like to see. Perhaps, they will provide you with some exciting ideas. However, remember to be practical. Not all ideas will be realistic, and, also, mind your renovation budget.
Your customers will want to stick with you if you have managed to provide consistently excellent services. One way to ensure that is to create a file for each of your clients. That file can contain all the services they have opted for and any additional data you may find helpful to improve your customer experience. And don’t worry, the era of piles of folders has passed, and spas can benefit tremendously from modern technologies. You can store all that on a tiny laptop computer. But even if you couldn’t, remember that storage unit you have rented to keep your inventory safe during the remodeling? Well, that is the unit you can continue using for your business even after you have finished renovating. So, once you’re back in business, if you still need space to keep the clutter away from your sparkly new day spa, you have it.
Exploit the untamed power of social media
We hope you already have an account on all the social media platforms. Use them to the fullest and engage with your customers. Keep them posted about everything. Also, remember that suspense we have mentioned earlier? Social media are the way to build it. Post some sneak-a-peak photos of your new spa. Don’t let your clientele forget about you. Also, keep them notified about everything that is going on. Talk about new services, the reopening date, etc. Moreover, try to find ways to interact with them. Polls on Instagram are a good idea. Or ask them some questions and discuss them in the comment section.
Celebrate the reopening
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, grand opening parties are not an option, unfortunately. However, that is not to say that you have no other options. This is a chance to be creative. A gift bag for all who book an appointment during the first month is always a good idea. It will show them they are important to you.
Let’s summarize how you can renovate your day spa without losing customers
Interaction with your customers is essential. It’s one of the main ingredients in your efforts to retain them. Therefore, make sure you keep the notified and included.
- Announce the renovation. Your clients will expect it and may organize their visit accordingly.
- Reward loyalty. A reward system is always wise to introduce in your business strategy. But providing an incentive for your customers to come back after you have been closed for a bit is crucial.
- Ask your customers what they want and think. Input from those your business relies on is always crucial. Thus, listen to what your clients have to say.
- Give your clients a reason to come back. It’s always necessary that your customers want to come back. So, ensure excellent services, introduce novelties, etc.
- Keep your customer posted about everything. Regular notifications on your social media, website, even in the local newspapers is a must. Staying in touch with your customer base is vital for the success of your business.
- Have a celebration for the reopening. Even the smallest token of appreciation will go a long way. Your customers will love a gift bag, voucher, or discount.
It’s natural to feel anxious about closing your business, even for the shortest period of time. However, there are ways to renovate your day spa without losing customers. It will require some time and effort, but the rewards you will reap will pay off, and you will be seeing the effects for a long time.
