26th July 2026
It’s a tricky question to ask, but what does your supplier do for you? The answer is, it’s very dependent on your spend and your stature in our industry.
This is a controversial fact. Let’s start with the hierarchy, the global brands that battle with each other on a constant basis are throwing money and promotional activities at ‘names’ as it’s deemed important to have them on the books, especially for advertorial purposes. It’s always interesting to se how big names (celeb stylists) move from one brand to another, especially after extolling the virtues of the products they get paid to promote, until another company comes along and offers more financial rewards, more exposure, and off they go to tell a different product story.
And then there are ‘the events’ those huge shows that cost an arm and a leg, created to showcase what these brands have to offer, and if you are one of their clients that spend enough, you will be there being wowed by the sheer extravaganza. If you are one of ‘the names’ you might well get asked to deliver a model presentation or a workshop, how fantastic that is.
But then there are the mainstay clients who don’t necessarily have a name and don’t spend a fortune, these customers are the bread and butter of the big companies, and what do they get? VERY LITTLE.
Once upon a time these salons. would get regular visits from sales people, in salon education from education specialists, invites to localised events, help with their backbar stock, special promotional activities that helped to shift retail off the shelves, marketing materials that could be used to promote products in salon and much more.
The hierarchy still get their special treatment, but it seems like the vast majority of salon get less and less. Less frequent visits from anyone, with orders now being requested via WhatsApp (seriously) …. education being pushed to be online focussed, promotional activities reduced to an absolute minimum as funds for this type of activity has now shifted to the high street.
Thank goodness then that the next generation of product companies who are out there supporting salons are actively delivering on all the things that used to be the norm from the bigger organisations. I see (and hear) that sales representatives are calling regularly….. oh the joys of a structured journey plan. Educators are visiting salons delivering face to face technical info and practical workshops. Special offers that make retailing a successful and profitable part of the business are part and parcel of a monthly visit, making salon owners feel that they are not fighting a losing battle. These organisations offer shows and competitions that feel relevant to everyone, not just ‘the elite’.
And yes, of course all manufacturers like to have their ‘celebrity salons’ but it’s so refreshing to see that they don’t necessarily have to be big corporate salon groups or spend huge amounts of money to become the face of a brand. There is a real, grass roots vibe that is so uplifting to salon owners, no wonder the behemoths are looking elsewhere for their profits, they are losing out daily to brands that are committed to salon growth.
What does your brand do for you? Here’s hoping they deliver what salons need, that is; people, pricing, performance, and a professional approach to helping you increase your profit whilst keeping your team excited and motivated.
Want to know which brands I believe are supporting your business? Drop a DM
#ProForPro #SalonSupport #SalonProfessional
