In today's episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how to choose the right equipment for your beauty business. She outlines 20 essential considerations to ensure that your investment meets client demand and enhances your services. From understanding the reasons behind your purchase to conducting thorough research on suppliers, equipment standards, and market saturation, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for beauty professionals looking to make informed decisions that will ultimately drive their business to success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Before purchasing equipment, ensure there is genuine demand from clients rather than buying based on personal desire. Conduct surveys or take pre-deposits to gauge interest. Investigate the equipment's standards, such as ISO accreditation and patents. Look for recommendations from industry peers and verify the supplier's reputation and history. Assess the level of support provided by the supplier, including customer service and training options. Consider the costs associated with training and whether it includes ongoing support for new team members. Analyze the return on investment by understanding treatment costs, pricing strategies, and potential resale value. Explore funding options or grants available for purchasing equipment. Ensure the equipment has been tried and tested, ideally through demonstrations at trade shows. Look for genuine before-and-after results to confirm its effectiveness before making a purchase. BEST MOMENTS "First of all, why do you want that piece of equipment? Is it just that you want that piece of equipment, or is it that you've got demand from your clients for it?" "Look for recommendations as well. Do you know anyone else who's had that piece of equipment? Look at the results that they've got from it." "What kind of support are you gonna get with this system? Is it gonna be you just buy it, you're left to your own devices?" "Look at the resale value as well. If you decide in two years' time that you want to sell that piece of equipment, what's the resale value likely to look at?" "It is so tempting just to jump in to buy a piece of equipment, but it's a relationship that you're building with that supplier." HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2. She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/ SPONSOR https://www.phorest.com/

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