It can be difficult to know if and when to offer discounts at your salon. While the tactic can attract new business, cheapening the experience is always something to be leery of. So when should you, and when shouldn’t you? Today we’ll look at a few scenarios to help you decide whether discounts are right for your salon.
Scenario 1: You serve a highly upscale market.
Wrong way: Offering a discount of any kind to this group is surprisingly dangerous. To your wealthy customers, the salon’s premium experience — and premium price — might be something to be proud of, not negotiated. Offering discounts can even cause some of them to flee for more pricey pastures.
Right way: Your salon already offers a premium experience at a premium price. Instead of a sale or a discount, why not offer bonus features, like a complimentary treatment if a customer fills a chair after a late cancellation. It’s a savvy way to say thank you, and you’re still charging full price for your work.
Scenario 2: You’re offering a 10% off discount.
Wrong way: You spring the savings on her at the last minute by saying “Normally, this cut is $100, but today it’s only $90.” This is an unnecessary time to spring a discount on a customer. You’re already well on your way to closing the sale, and offering a discount that late in the game cuts into your credibility and makes you appear a little pushy.
Right way: You’re up front with your customer on the initial phone call and say “Just so you know, we’re offering a 10% discount on all products until the end of the week.” Your customer will appreciate this inside info, and she may even pop in to snag a favorite item or three even if she doesn’t have an appointment until later on.
Scenario 3: A discount makes sense, but your staff is worried that their tips and commissions will be affected.
Wrong way: Much of your stylists’ livelihood is dictated by the prices you set. If you offer discounts without considering the repercussions, you’re forgetting your most important investment. And to mix metaphors for a second, if you mess with someone’s money, you get the horns.
Right way: Try gift cards. They’ll generate overwhelming gratitude from your customers. Plus, now that they’re playing with house money, chances are they’ll splurge on stuff they wouldn’t have gotten if they paid for it themselves. If they love it, they might even make it part of their routine going forward. And to top it all off, your stylists won’t be affected. Customers are happy, your staff is happy. Your wallet is a little less happy in the short term, but the long term payoffs can be enormous.
The subject of discounts is a polarizing topic. It’s not as black and white as a simple yes or no answer. Take our advice into account, but keep researching the topic, study your client base, and talk to your staff. If you do that, you’ll find the right answer for your salon.
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We offer $10 off if you precook your next 2 appointments. The service must be $40 or more so that eliminates blowouts.. Clients love it and it comes out to only $5 per appointment . And stylists are booking up so much faster! We also offer 20% off referrals to the new client and the client that referred the new client. Adding this discount has increased our referrals! You have to be careful not to give away the farm and this is our most successful programs so far..
Great discounting strategy Michele! It sounds like you guys have found a great way to position your salon’s brands and incorporate enticing discounts!
Hi Cristina,
Thank you for your question. Here’s an article that should help you: https://salonrunner.force.com/support/s/article/Applying-a-Discount. If you have any issues or further questions, feel free to reach out to our support team at (877) 346 7679.