I didn’t know where else to post this, so hopefully this is an ok spot.
Has anyone considered that the massive downturn in the economy is going to severely impact this industry? Discretionary spending will continue to drop, and what is paying for hair removal other than discretionary spending? I feel this is very bad news with regard to improvements in hair removal technology, even into the long term.
Perhaps you are correct, however, history strongly suggests that in economically hard times, spending on things like cosmetics and appearance actually goes UP. How far does this go? In the concentration camps in Nazi Germany, women often cut themselves and used blood in place of cosmetics.
Why does this happen? Historically speaking, a clue might be had from a curious fact. When The Pilgrams were dieing of starvation the winter before the first ThanksGiving, none of the single women died.
Make your own conclusions.
Certainly, spending on cosmetics may stay the same or, perhaps, even increase…but that is small peanuts compared to laser hair removal. Doesn’t Laser hair removal fall more under the category of cosmetic procedures?
Tbanner, I agree. I noticed that the prices for LHR have not come down. However, to valid Mr. Walker’s statement, it is very difficult to get an LHR appointment in the place I frequent because they are so busy with clients. And if you need to reschedule an appointment, you have to wait weeks unless you go during off peak hours, and even then it is not guaranteed, which most of us who work can’t do. Try and figure?
The cosmetic counters at Macy’s and Nordstrom’s are the most profitable center in the store and are responsible for keeping the doors open. People want to look good no matter whether it be a recession or a boom.
My business has been steady and growing ever since gas prices rose last year. Go figure? If unemployment is 7.2% that means about 93% of the population is still working. Vanity is the last to falter, I do believe.
I have always said that if I had enough trained people, and a good location, I could book the peak hours solid, and we all could work 3 to 6 hours a day and make more money than we do now.
By peak hours, you mean 9-5pm, or hours later in the evening (after the typical work day)?
An electrologist I knew lamented how often people ask her if they can come in after their workday (folks who had to travel a distance or needed more work than their lunch hour allowed) and she was unable to do so due to family obligations.
Hi Vickie:
If people need it done badly enough they will continue to
see the electrologist, maybe not as often, but still do so.
If they want it bad enough they will sacrifice in other areas
of spending, clip coupons or whatever.
As far as scheduling goes, my electrologist works some
evenings and some saturdays. From what I can see her business
partner does the same.
I usually go Friday right after work, but she has treated me
on a couple of saturdays. I usually book 2 hours at a time.
As far as peak times go, there are a bunch of people who want 9am to 11am (Monday is very popular for this set), A second wave wants to do 3pm - 5pm and still others who want 7pm - 9pm
Typically, the beginning of the day person is one who either doesn’t work 9 to 5, or has the day off. The 3 to 5 person wants to get something done before the 5 o’clock world begins. The 7pm - 9pm wants to come in after dinner.
When I started out, I thought that the noon to 2pm slot would be the favored one, because that is the last chance to get things done before the kids start coming home from school. I was mistaken.