We continue our series on retailing.
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Successful Retailing - Are You Ready for Real Results?

Through the practice of using systematic methods, effective results in retailing can be achieved. The real question is, "Are you tired enough of your present retail sales to really want more success?" Changing your mindset can be quick, possibly amusing, and relatively simple - but you’ve got to want it!

First of all, let's put the past behind us and forget about what your retail sale amounts were. What goals you would like to achieve at this very moment and for the future? We must first begin thinking with the end result in mind. For example, let's say your goal is to increase retail sales by $5,000. The next question would be, "How do you plan on realizing and achieving this goal?" Start by first altering the way you think - what opportunities are you missing or foregoing with each client? How much more successful would you be if you actually evaluated your work environment, services rendered, and clients in respects to retail sales? Begin to notice that all the services we perform on a daily basis directly effect the amount of money we are capable of making.

After identifying what we want to achieve and what actions we are not taking, we can now start looking at ways to move toward our goals. Here are some common, yet overlooked suggestions for increasing your retail sales systematically.

• Remember you are the expert and your opinion really does matter to your clients!
• Recommend products to your clients several times during your session.
• Walk them to the retail area and put in their hands the products you used.
• Tell them you value their business and want the best for their well-being.
• Give them recommendation cards and re-book them before they leave.

Last month we asked you to participate in a survey that included your most successful ideas for a profitable holiday season. Thanks to many contributors with years of holiday season experience, we have great ideas for you to consider in 2007.

You told us that your most popular gifts are those under the $25 price point - stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, and affordable items for younger women. Small gifts you retail successfully include items like nail polish, oils, small size lotions, files, scrubs, candles, lip balm and jewelry.

And while many of you report that you are quite comfortable "selling" to your clients, here is an idea that might make it easier for the rest of you! Remember, when you are showing your clients gift ideas, you are actually doing them a favor by helping them solve a problem! One artist wrote: "I always ask about teacher gifts, daycare providers and neighbors for stocking stuffers or for custom 'spa' baskets." Start by asking them who is left on their list. And don't wait too long - many women begin shopping right after Halloween. We've already put together our recommendations in the Holiday Specials section of the Entity store.

Once they are thinking about their gift need, dazzle them with an eye-catching display. Many of you wrote that you set up festive displays, or items right at your station. "All you have to do is show off the item, explain the benefits and be excited about it," wrote one member. Be enthusiastic about the gift ideas you've selected. Mark the prices clearly so they can quickly find ideas in their price range. To make your gifts more unique, buy inexpensive colorful ribbon to dress up their sale, or put together a basket with a theme such as foot care, nail care, or holiday nails.

While lower priced gift ideas are the most popular, our Nanovive Kit or gift certificates for your services make an exceptional gift for the special person on their list (including themselves!). And don't forget to acknowledge your best clients! We made it simple for you with our new Holiday Card, or consider doing what one contributor wrote: giving a little gift pack with our Cuticle Oil and Shiner, tied up with a pretty ribbon.

Almost half of you don't offer any special services during the holiday, so perhaps this is an income opportunity to consider this year. Some of you provide peppermint scented treatments. Our Nanovive treatment is also a perfect holiday pampering. And consider holiday nail art as a way to add to your ticket price. Charge for designs by the nail - clients will often pay extra to add dazzle for their holiday party. Give your service a seasonal name, like a set of "Holiday sparkle nails" using our Pink & Lavender glitter powders.

Next month we share more of your great ideas! Please participate in our new survey soon.

Take Part II of our holiday survey
We are excited to share more of your ideas next month. Please take a few minutes to complete our new survey soon.

Make your Holiday Season sparkle with Entity Beauty’s new Glitter Powders!

Entity Beauty recently introduced two glitter sculpting powders. The colors are a glistening soft pink glitter and shimmering lavender glitter. As with all Entity Sculpting Powders, the Glitter Powders are formulated to work optimally with Entity’s Signature and Success Sculpting Liquids. Our Pink and Lavender Glitter Powders feature a custom blend of small and large glitters to create a truly unique translucent sculptured nail. Use them to make your holiday season sparkle and elevate your art! These glitter powders can enhance the entire nail plate or create a dazzling smile line and extension edge. Encase and protect your glitter enhancements with a thin layer of Entity’s Clear Sculpting Powder for a glassy, smooth finish! The transparency of this clear powder will create depth and the ability to see the intricate details of your glitter designs! Your clients will love it!

Pink and Lavender Glitter Sculpting Powders come in a boxed set that includes two 9 g. jars. Purchase today!