Converting Brands with Candy Rain Salons
Switching brands in the nail industry can feel like a daunting task, especially when you've built your business around a product you've trusted for years. Recently we had the pleasure of hosting a live stream with Meghan, the owner of Candy Rain Salons who had taken the plunge to convert to a hypoallergenic brand after experiencing allergic reactions from her clients.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the insights Meghan shared with us about her experience, offering valuable advice for anyone considering a brand switch. From conducting research to communicating with clients, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Meghan Decided to Switch Brands
Q: What research did you do when deciding to switch brands?
Meghan’s Answer:
Meghan initially noticed a rise in allergic reactions among her clients, which led her to consider alternative brands. She took the time to research brands carefully, focusing on factors such as durability, packaging, and cost per ml. Meghan also looked into whether products needed additional steps, like base coats or primers, which could affect the application process.
Key Takeaways for You:
- Find The Right Fit: Look at how durable the product is, if it meets your salon’s needs (e.g., base coats, primers), and whether the pricing works in the long run.
- Consider Practicalities: Think about product size, packaging aesthetics, and operational needs in your salon.
- Explore Personality: Does the brand identity and beliefs align with the image of your salon and brand (e.g. Is it vegan? Are they inclusive?...)
- Social Media: Use tools such as TikTok and Instagram to find out information from brands and directly from consumers who have reviewed products !
Communicating the Change to Clients
Q: How did you approach your clients when changing brands?
Meghan’s Answer:
Meghan believes in honesty and transparency with her clients. When making the switch, she was upfront about why she was changing brands—mainly to ensure the safety of her clients due to allergic reactions. By explaining the importance of the change, she reassured clients that their health was her top priority.
Key Takeaways for You:
- Be Honest and Transparent: Clients appreciate honesty. When switching brands, openly explain the reasons behind it—especially if it’s for their safety.
- Build Trust: Transparency builds trust. Clients are more likely to appreciate the change if they understand your motivations.
Check out HONA's blog - Embracing Change: A guide to telling your clients you're switching gel systems
The Importance of Education
Q: Would you recommend the conversion course to people switching brands?
Meghan’s Answer:
Meghan highly recommends taking a conversion course. She found that it helped her and her team refine their application techniques and improve retention rates. The course provided new tips that made a significant difference in service quality, which they hadn’t known before.
Key Takeaways for You:
- Take a Conversion Course: A conversion course helps you learn the correct application techniques and can boost your client retention.
- Stay Open to Learning: Even seasoned professionals can learn new tips that improve their skills.
Explore HONA Education
Mixing Brands: Is It Possible?
Q: What’s the best way to test whether a new brand works with your current products?
Meghan’s Answer:
During her transition, Meghan experimented with mixing products from different brands. She wiped off the inhibition layer of her old brand’s colours to use them with the new one. However, after narrowing down her options to a few brands, she decided to soak off the old products to ensure more consistent results.
Key Takeaways for You:
- Mixing Can Work Short-Term: Mixing brands is fine during the transition, but for the best results, it’s ideal to fully switch to one brand.
- Trial Runs Are Important: Conduct trials with clients to assess how the new brand performs and see how it compares with your old products.
- Go All In Once You Decide: Once you've chosen a new brand, it's best to fully commit to it. This ensures consistency in application and results.
- Phase Out Old Products: Gradually use up any old stock while replacing it with your new brand, allowing for a smoother transition.
At HONA we offer trial kits for both our PureFoundation & PureBuild which are a great first step when exploring conversion.
Meghan’s Top Tips for Nail Techs Considering Brand Conversion
- Do your research to understand the brand’s durability, pricing, and packaging.
- Talk to other nail techs and get feedback from industry peers.
- Be transparent with clients about why you’re switching and the benefits it brings.
- Take a conversion course to learn new techniques.
- Always patch test clients who have had reactions to other brands in the past.
- Be patient with the transition; it takes time to adapt.
Looking Back on the Switch
Q: How do you feel about the brand switch now, after everything is settled?
Meghan’s Answer:
Meghan expressed relief and confidence in her decision. She noted that both her team and clients are happy with the results, and the salon is performing better than ever. The initial stress of the switch has paid off with long-term benefits.
Key Takeaways for You:
- Trust the Process: While the transition may be stressful, the long-term rewards are worth it.
- Confidence Grows Over Time: Once you and your clients adapt, you’ll feel more confident in your decision.
Conclusion: Is Converting Brands Worth It?
Switching brands can be a big decision, but it’s often necessary for the safety and satisfaction of your clients. Meghan’s journey shows that with the right research, transparent communication, and patience, brand conversion can lead to better results for both your clients and your business.