If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of selling products to your clients, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table... money that could literally pay your salon's weekly rent. We know - you’re an artist, not a salesperson, but think of it this way: You’re actually doing your clients a service when you send them home with the products they need to preserve their hair color, keep frizz at bay, tame unruly curls or add volume to limp, lifeless locks. They’ll thank you later when they notice that the sulfate-free shampoo you recommended kept their color from fading or that they were able to recreate the look you gave them in the salon because they bought the styling products and tools you recommended. And, at the end of the day, your clients trust you to keep their beauty game strong. It’s also been proven that sending your guests home with the products they need increases client retention and ensures client loyalty. (@cultstudionj) Here are 7 tips for selling more retail: Expand Your Retail Selection Sometimes it can be hard to tell what products are going to be popular. Take the guesswork out by selling what you know is in high-demand across the board. Utilize social media tools like Instagram Stories to take a poll of which brands and products (or accessories!) they'd like to see on your shelves. Not only will you know what they want, straight from the source, but they will also feel so excited and special to be involved in your brand and business decisions. (@journee_stylingsalon) Take Advantage of Seasonality 🌞 Summer is just around the corner - that means people will be outside exposing themselves to the sun! Sunscreen and other protective skin products are key retail items right now. And for hair care? Help them preserve their color! Ask your clients with color-treated hair what they’re doing to keep their color from fading. This gives you an opportunity to recommend a sulfate-free shampoo or a styling product that offers UV protection. If she’s a high-lift blonde, recommend a shampoo with a violet base to keep her color from becoming brassy. (@stephaniecameronhair) Build a Virtual Showroom If COVID taught us one thing, it's that making essentials available online is key. This doesn't have to be done all by yourself, though! Reach out or research your favorite brands and find out if you can sell their products online through an affiliate marketing program. You still make a profit from bringing them sales - but the best part is that you don’t have to worry about having it in your own inventory! Brands like SkinAuthority make this process super simple, so get after it! Educate Your Clients Your clients trust you, and they trust that you know more about the products you’re recommending than they do! Educating them is key - and you will feel much more at ease doing so if you are using (and loving!) the products on them yourself. Be sure to explain the functions and benefits of each product you use during your service so they know exactly what they have the option to take home with them. (