Exchange services for free

Hi- I seem to be having some issues regarding exchanging of services within. As of right now in my spa/salon, we exchange services for free as long as the tech doing the service is ok with it.
There has been some problems with this. I would really appreciate any ideas / guidelines that have worked, or are presently working for other owners. Also, what about immediate family members getting a service from the tech doing their service, as well??
There must be a simple rules to go by.


The question you ask is not an easy one. It is beneficial to offer service exchanges to your employees for several reasons: It helps your staff members to become more familiar with other services in the salon and spa so they will be able to share their positive experiences with their clients or refer their clients for the services with others. This helps to build sales and can keep your service providers busy during down time. Here are some of the ways I have experienced the exchange of services: I should note that all ways include the following caveats: 1: The staff member pays for all products used in the service, and 2: If a paying guest desires the appointment time the staff member must give up the appointment time.
Option # 1: Give employees a discounted price for their service, and they should pay a normal gratuity for the full price of the service. This way if one person desires a service but the other person does not want to do an exchange they will still be paid commission and a tip for the service. Cost of service should cover all costs for example: Employee Commission +Hourly rate if applicable +product costs. Gratuity goes straight to the service provider.
Option # 2: Employees who are interested in an exchange sign up on a list for the services they want and when, This is posted in a common area if a match can be done then it is done. This way there is no pressure for people who do not want to participate.

For family, offer a Family discount. This is a fixed % discount. Establish the % based on what is reasonable to keep you profitable and cover all of your fixed costs. Most will do 25 % to 40%.

Hope this gives you a few options

Marie Bernat
COO Spavelous
www.spavelous.com