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Better Business
December 1, 2007 By: American Salon Staff American Salon
SIGNATURE SERVICE
The ESPRESSO YOURSELF COFFEE TANNING FACIAL at Miami's RikRak Salon is a real pick-me-up for the face that leaves skin with a sun-kissed glow. The treatment includes exfoliation with espresso coffee bean grounds; extractions; a mask containing espresso coffee, finely ground espresso beans and a sugarcane solution; and a complimentary cappuccino. RikRak's co-owner Raquel Watters admits that while the treatment is very popular, it may not appeal to everyone. "You have to be a coffee lover to enjoy it, which I am—that's why I came up with the idea," she says. —L.A.
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CHOOSING A CREDIT CARD VENDOR
Using credit card services wisely in your salon can be a challenge, according to Marc Mataya of ClienTrak Software, who says to consider the following points when evaluating a merchant account processor:
1. Avoid showing a prospective agent your current sales figures. Instead, have them give you a fixed rate above interchange rates, and an authorization fee amount. (Interchange rates are the base rates that all card processors must pay equally.)
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2. Ask for their surcharge rates for nonqualified transactions. Nonqualified transactions cost about 1 to 1.5 percent more than qualified transactions because of added risk. If you have a high volume of sales transactions every month, look for a low authorization fee (around 15 cents per transaction).
3. Don't lease card-processing equipment. You'll pay for it in the end. How much more? Just multiply your lease payment times the length of your lease to see the true cost of the machine or software.
4. Choose a vendor with a flat cancellation fee. Make sure your contract states a specific amount, usually a maximum of $300, for canceling within three years, which covers the company's cost of setting up your account.
5. Consider "integrated" card processing systems where payments are handled through your salon management software. It can save you thousands per year in additional surcharges and wasted receptionist time by eliminating terminal entry mistakes.
For more information, call Mataya at 888/313-1308.
Our Town
Nashville, TN, known as Nashvegas to the locals, is the home of country music and the Grand Ole Opry. Nicole Palmieri found four salons that keep musicians and locals alike looking ready to take the stage.
1. Trumps Salon
From young children to country stars such as Martina McBride, Trumps Salon knows how to satisfy any clients' hair needs. With education and in-salon training from Kérastase and Schwarzkopf, stylists are constantly working to keep up with changing trends and stay modern. The salon, which has been open for 21 years and features neutral-colored walls and a 10-foot water wall, offers everything from cuts, color and hair extensions to microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and massages. The salon also has a boutique where clients can buy hair accessories, jewelry and candles. "People sometimes come in just to shop, and then they become familiar with the salon," says owner Earl Cox.
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In stock: Kérastase, Schwarzkopf, Barex Italiana
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American Salon 757 Third Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10017 212-895-8200
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