HOW TO SELL RETAIL TO YOUR CLIENTS | HAIRSTYLIST TIPS

Sharing how I "sell" retail products to my clients. I hope this helps you guys and gives you a new perspective when it comes to talking about products with your guests! If you like these videos, please "like," share and subscribe! It means a lot to me :)
ON ME
Sweater: go.magik.ly/ml...
Lips: go.magik.ly/ml...
_______________________________
FOLLOW ME
Personal Instagram: / sam_vay
Hair Instagram: / styledbysamvay
Snapchat: sam_vay
_______________________________
CAMERA:
Canon SL2 (tutorials)
Canon g7x (vlogs)
EDITING SOFTWARE:
Final Cut Pro X
_______________________________
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Sam and I'm a professional hairstylist from Pennsylvania. Here on my channel I post a variety of videos related to beauty and my life in general. I love teaching and inspiring others, whether that's through a hair tutorial or an advice video.
_______________________________
FOR BUSINESS INQUIRIES
EMAIL:
[e-mail]
_______________________________
This video is NOT sponsored. However, some links may be affiliate links. (That means there's no extra cost to you, I just receive a small commission off of those purchases. It's what helps me continue posting free content for you!) Thank you so much for the support! It's so appreciated! :)

[@BananaTime45]

I’m in sales, and these are all excellent tips. You’re a natural saleswoman!

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you!

[@SteezyDollIsabel]

That sweater looks so good on you😍 that color brings out your skin tone

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you!

[@alexacapri2760]

LOVE the idea of including the products into the budget. I always ask about my clients budget during the consultation for larger services, and I typically talk about the importance of quality products during the consultation as well.. but have never thought to include product pricing into that conversation right off the bat & kind of tell them what to expect to pay for the products they’re needing that day. Thank you so much girl!

[@Raina.arikian]

I’m starting cosmetology school Nov. 18 and this topic has been worrying me but I’m so glad you made a video talking about it!

[@sydneyl9732]

I’m not a hairdresser, I’m a high school student not interested in doing hair at all but I still clicked on this video, you make all of your videos so entertaining no matter what

[@styledbysamvay]

Lol awww that makes me so happy! Thank you so much :)

[@alywatson97]

Am I a hair stylist or colorist? No. But will I still watch this because I love Sam? Yes

[@styledbysamvay]

Hahahaaha thank you! ;)

[@zaplove1857]

Yes. i love people who are honest. that makes me trust the person and I will keep on buying from them. I remember I used to buy from a makeup brand and the worker would tell me if I didn't need a product.

[@styledbysamvay]

Exactly! That's how you know they're being authentic!

[@jaztheog2680]

You just saved my life! I’m in school for esthetics and this was highly needed

[@cortneyfrench8808]

I typically only buy something if it is used on my hair and I love it. That's how I got hooked on Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Moisture. It makes my hair feel AMAZING

[@styledbysamvay]

That's our most sold shampoo for sure! Everyone loves it lol :)

[@MissJNadine]

Great Video! I never sell product, I always recommend and I always recommend stuff that I have used and love. I tell them why I love it and how it has helped my hair.

[@rockamarsal3842]

I Really dont like When I go to skin treatments and they dimiss everything I say, and then by the end they try to sell me a bunch of skin serums, creams etc that dont even work for my skin, Because I already tried them etc. I only buy when I feel like the person really listened to my issues and gives good recommendations during the treatment and not throw a bunch of stuff in my face when Im ready to pay and leave 😅

[@styledbysamvay]

Exactly!!

[@BestFriendInYourThread]

Thank you for this! My school has not really taught much on this subject thus far so I appreciate your tips. I'm at 600 hours and they've only grazed the subject. Maybe they will cover it at a later date because we get new students every month so we just cover the chapters that graduating students need to cover first. We also don't sell any products at my school during clinic so it's just not something we get experience with. I have worked in sales related positions before but it's a whole new field to me so I like hearing how/when you approach them about products. Thanks!

[@styledbysamvay]

I'm glad you found it helpful! My school didn't go into too much detail on it either, and they took a more sales person approach, which never felt comfortable to me.

[@BestFriendInYourThread]

@@styledbysamvay yeah I can't do the whole slimy pushy car salesman vibe I hear ya

[@rjdelgado777]

I went to a Paul Mitchell school and I can agree some of the products aren’t my favorite only because it’s just not for my hair. Thanks for the video! I just got my license and have always had a harder time recommending products for clients; this video helped me so much! Thanks girl!

[@styledbysamvay]

I also feel like they have SO MANY products and so many lines within the line. It gets overwhelming and so much of it feels unnecessary. I like to keep it more simple and to the point! Glad you found the video helpful! :)

[@JessicaMartinez-oz6py]

Omg could you do a video on products for different hair types?? 😍😍 Long hair, dry hair, hair with color etc. & include some Paul Mitchell products too because I don’t know much about them 🤔 I love & appreciate your videos btw 😁💖

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you! I have that on my list! :)

[@jasminecampos4008]

I work for delta airlines customer service receptionist. I just love watching you! Even though I don’t do hair dresser or cosmetology I love you 💕especially your dating life or everyday blogs always so interesting I was in a 5 year relationship. You are right with time you heal. Especially you are working on your goals💕

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you so much!

[@03mcee]

Omg I love that sweater color on you! 😍

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you!

[@yanhu1795]

Girl,you are amazing. Very useful sales method.

[@kaleighcleveland7897]

I love you more with every video ❤️ you have been such a help to me and helped convince me to finally go to beauty school, and I’m so happy that I made the leap finally. PS I love your sweater ❤️

[@styledbysamvay]

Yay!! So happy to hear that! Thank you :)

[@GlameresGems]

It's the aesthetics for me!! Thank you so much for this helpful information 💕

[@MollySkupine]

Suave shampoo and conditioner 😂😂 omg my mother in law was using that shit and I had to sit down and have a serious talk with her. 😭😂

[@Unique007]

Sam is a Goddess. Heart of fans Soul of the world Magic Life and most importantly she will always be remembered till ages and ages.

[@ashleym7777]

Can you do a video about what hair products certain hair types should use?

[@marieconvers5736]

The school im at pushes for selling retail or add on services so much and it makes me uncomfortable because front desk will add on services my client doesnt need or after I fully explain what it is they dont want it which then makes it hard on me to sound trustworthy and like im not just pushing retail or add on services for the hell of it. I really do care abt my clients and want them to be happy with what I recommend to them. I educate them on the products I use on them and get them interested. Where im at we sell a brand called Hair Phix and I can sell the fuck out of it even tho its some of our most expensive products because I tell my clients things other students in the past didnt tell them about the same product they had been looking at for ages! Its crazy how being genuine and just talking sells product! My biggest tip is dont over complicate it. Youre gonna get so many people telling you no before you hear a “Yes i need that”

[@styledbysamvay]

Absolutely! When I was in school, we had certain quotas we needed to hit before graduation. I hated doing nails, but paraffin dips counted as a nail quota. So I would tell allllll of my hair clients "so I absolutely hate doing nails, but this service counts towards my nail credits. It's only an extra $5 and it'll make your hands feel like a baby's butt!" No one ever said no and I was able to complete all of my nail quotas without ever having to do a manicure or pedicure lmao! Honesty always speaks best to people.

[@rebeccaquiroz3694]

❤️ thanks for teaching me so much as a newer stylist I appreciate your content a lot! ❤️

[@dedemandy-]

This was good! Thanks How to begin selling hair products? Where to find vendors?

[@abbys.9434]

When I was in cosmetology school (2008-2009) yes, I’m old 😂 I went to an Aveda institute. After the service. We were required to walk with the clients through the retail side with a shopping basket in hand, recommend 3 to 5 products (that I either knew nothing about or hadn’t used myself) and then place the basket on the counter as they’re paying and they can decide if they want to buy anything. At 18 years old, it made me sooooo uncomfortable.

[@BrookesLife07]

Abby Schlueter I went in 2016 not Aveda, but cosmetology school. And they kinda did the same for us -not required- but HEAVILY influenced us to sell retail and people who sold the most retail (made the school the most money) got rewarded it was a really weird concept to me. Plus we had a hugeeee product line so same, I never knew even half of it and was told to recommend stuff. Some things never change 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@styledbysamvay]

Hey!!! We're about the same age, so who you callin' old!!! ;) Hahaha. My school was the same though! We were taught that 3 is the magic number and we always had to bring three products to the front desk when our guests were checking out. That just doesn't work for most people! Especially when you barely know anything about the products.

[@abbys.9434]

Sam Vay I wish I would’ve had this video about 10 years ago! So helpful.

[@Floskyhairdesign]

i love your explanation❤

[@Matt_LaLuz]

Always preaching the truth 🙌🏽

[@Johanna77777-z]

4:56 with the wrong client, that may backfire if you don't accept that person's non interest in your line of work. I once felt like I was getting a lecture when I said "I don't style my hair, I let it air dry and some days I won't even brush it, because hair is not my focus. I just have it growing on my head and it looks kind of ok". She went all "BUT YOU NEED TO STYLE YOUR HAIR" and whatever she was on about. I was not about to add half an hour to my mornings just because this time I chose not to cut my hair myself. I did not go back there.

[@Johanna77777-z]

btw, this comment is not for Sam, but for anyone coming here for advice about how to sell things to customers etc. =)

[@styledbysamvay]

You're absolutely right about that. Some stylists can come off kind of pushy, but it's all in the approach. Honestly, I couldn't care less if you style your hair every day or not. But it is important for me to know, realistically, what you do on a regular basis. Take my mom for example -- she has really short hair and always shows her stylist (now me) these inspo photos of haircuts, but the person in the photo has a totally different texture than her, different density, and usually has it styled with a lot of product in it. But my mom's hair is naturally wavy and she NEVER styles it and hates putting product in it. She just likes to wash and go -- which is totally fine, but I need to know that so I can make her aware that her hair WILL NOT look like the photo if she doesn't style it, so instead, we can find something else that will work better for her. The more communication there is between stylist and client, the happier everyone will be!

[@mikayland505]

More vidoes like this please, for example how to talk to people during a service

[@styledbysamvay]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqjQZ6GlfZZkmdE

[@alywatson97]

One time a lady doing my hair tried to sell me this “amazing” hair product that was to help control moisture when she knew that I have really dry hair. And she didn’t mention anything about it until it was during the transaction (I was paying)

[@MaryJane-tq5gm]

You have a lot of good advice to give, you could be a motivational speaker. Also would love to see more advice videos on other topics too (:

[@ilovejustin3194]

Ur videos are addicting and so interesting!!

[@Catbug11]

Do you have a video of products you recommend/ your fave products? If not, can you please make one?!

[@GodStillTalks]

Bella!!! Im not really interested in hair but im just here cause your smart and entertaining lol 😬😊

[@styledbysamvay]

Hahahaa aww thank you! I appreciate that :)

[@Marina_G.]

another video ! 🙌🏻love the color of the sweater with that lip color !!

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you!

[@lesleyripley5780]

Great video thanks girl!

[@karleyrose7754]

I need tips. I’m considering a tech highschool for cosmetology and I’m excited. I’m really interested in hairdressing and makeup but I’m scared I’m going to be so bad at it.

[@styledbysamvay]

You'll never know if you don't try!

[@alywatson97]

Hey Sam what is the beat drugstore shampoo and conditioner if you have to use drugstore? I have very think dry hair if that helps. I can’t afford salon brand so I thought you would know the best. (I know drugstore isn’t as good as salon)

[@jennabonnah1512]

I work at a retail store that sells professional hair products and we have people who come in constantly who mention how “it’s cheaper on amazon” or just take pictures and leave. Amazon is a business killer haha

[@styledbysamvay]

It really is.... but I buy a lot of stuff on there, so I can't even complain too much lol

[@mysteryramirez]

I LOVE this sweater! 💛

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you! Me too!! I think I want to get it in every color lol

[@ConoceUnAngel]

Me encanto :) I love it 🥰

[@abbys.9434]

By the way, your makeup looks gorgeous, especially with your sweater!

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you! :)

[@bunnyjanie]

Great video !

[@Taypir1245]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@littleunboxings]

Hi Sam hope you read this! I am currently in Canada (I'm from the Philippines) and I'd like to purchase hair products not available in my country while I'm here. I was wondering if you have any drugstore product recommendations or if you already have a drugstore haul video I could watch? My hair has color and is coarse and dry. Thank you!

[@styledbysamvay]

Hi! Try Shea Moisture. I haven't used their products in a very long time, so I can't recommend anything in particular, but they're a pretty good drugstore brand! I'd look for anything that says it's meant for color treated hair and adds moisture.

[@littleunboxings]

Yay thank you so much for the recommendation!! I appreciate it! 🥰

[@mizzlibra007ma]

Omg i went to Paul Mitchell Delaware

[@lucyfaulkner837]

I am a dancer who also loves having long and healthy hair. Everyday I have to do a neat pulled back bun with lots of gel and hairspray which makes my hair super damaged and dry. I try to protect my hair as much as I can by using salon product style gel and hairspray, deep conditioning regularly and I get regular trims but lately my ends get super damaged supper quickly. Please give me some advice on how to protect my hair (btw my hair is 3/4 the way down my back and I love having it long but the ends get dry so quickly so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@BrookesLife07]

Lucy Faulkner in order for you hair to have moister, it has to have protein. Try a protein treatment. Without protein the hair cannot stay moisturized. Do not do a lot of protein treatments tho- too much protein is bad for the hair and can make it rough and straw-like. I went to cosmetology school- I hope this helps!!❤️

[@styledbysamvay]

Are you washing your hair every day? With all that gel and product, it's probably hard not to wash it often, but TRY to only wash it when you absolutely HAVE to - no more than 2-3 times a week if possible. Also try using a leave-in conditioner for your ends. All that gel and hairspray can really dry the hair out, so having a protective barrier should help!

[@dianelagonzalez4144]

I love to see your video.

[@lisafanucchi5939]

I’m a hairstylist and all the products I use come from my salon studio. I never ever push products. The ones I carry I believe in. I have educated my clients if they don’t buy from a professional I can’t guarantee the item. I even GAVE my client and expensive product for Christmas (she is in every 5 weeks and spends a lot on her cut and color) and is very loyal. She loves the product and told me she bought one for her daughter. From who!? Certainly not me 🤦🏼‍♀️ it’s so frustrating! I even talk about how it is part of my income and if you like me support me lol-still a no. I can’t figure it out!

[@QueenofBeautyandSpa]

I think perhaps giving it away free came across like the product isn’t as valuable as you say , would you give away diamonds for free ? , free implies you need to try it first , whereas invest in the product if you want results … but maybe client simply likes your stylist skills and that’s all , nothing personal, diversify .. sell to others , too much pressure on one client , if they see others buying from you she might eventually try … it doesn’t matter what the seller thinks of the product it’s only what value the client sees

[@lisafanucchi5939]

@@QueenofBeautyandSpa Most by from Ulta and use what I recommend. So pretty much done selling products. Waste of time and money!

[@theshockeffectNBC]

So what do you do when the customer says "why do i need to buy this here? i can get it elsewhere."

[@styledbysamvay]

Honestly, those people are just rude as hell lol. But you can explain to them that when they buy products elsewhere, there isn't a guarantee that the product is legit. It could be watered down, expired, stored in extreme temperatures, or just straight up be a different product inside. Plus, by purchasing it in the salon, they're helping to support a local business that actually cares about them. Amazon doesn't know shit about their hair.... nor does it listen to all their problems like we do ;)

[@jessicacremonaa]

Love your vids😍

[@styledbysamvay]

Thank you! :)

[@corriszucs4066]

I got my hair done once by the owner of a salon and after the service she started to get pushy about product sales; I told her I bought my stuff from Chatters (Canada) because I got a discount and she gave me this intense look and said you should support your stylist!!! WTF? I was so pissed, like didn't I just pay you to do my hair?? That was so off putting.

[@chanelleashfield7105]

Speaking of products, I’d love to know your take on hair growth vitamins. Are they all a gimmick? 🤯

[@styledbysamvay]

Well, our bodies can only absorb so much of certain vitamins. Water soluble ones (like biotin - the most common "hair growth" vitamin) our bodies will just pee the excess out. So I feel like, if anything, taking a little bit of biotin can help, because it is good for your hair, skin and nails, but those pills that have huge doses of it are just a waste of money. The best thing for hair growth is drinking more water, exercising, using a tea tree shampoo, and getting regular trims!

[@bambams87]

I'd love to know how you feel about companies like Function of Beauty, Prose, etc where you customize your shampoo and conditioner!

[@styledbysamvay]

I honestly don't know too much about them, but I like the idea of that! Especially for people who don't have a go-to hairdresser that they trust. It sounds like a nice alternative.

[@peachypeppa]

Lol I'm a stay at home mom and I'm still watching this video

[@doriseliasmakeupartistllc]

Thanks for the advice! Now, girl, keep up with your sales in retail. You are responsible for paying sales tax on those items if you freelance or you will have to do sponsored videos! ;)

[@missmadelinerenee]

What’s your lip color?! 😍

[@styledbysamvay]

Check the description ;)

[@carebear1621]

Why do you need to sell these

[@srmd86]

I purchase my products at Ulta, never had an issue with the products there. Much cheaper too.

[@styledbysamvay]

Yeah but if your stylist is recommending something to you, it's a little rude to buy it elsewhere. Ulta is a huge corporation. Purchasing in the salon is helping to support a local business and it's supporting your stylist who works hard for you, cares about your hair, and always listens to you when you feel like venting during your appointments. Just something to consider.

[@Cockroachlover4ever]

srmd86 Not to mention the stylist makes time for you, when they could be making time for more supportive clients

[@ccap3211]

I hardly ever buy products from my hair dresser. Well I’ve bought hair accessories and essential oils and other beauty products but not hair products. And she’s never once tried to sell me something. And she has a whole boutique. It’s already crazy expensive to get your hair done so buying product on top of that each time adds up to a lot of money. Too much for me. Costs me 75 plus tip just for a cut. I don’t have color treated or particularly dry or damaged hair so it kind of seems like a waste of money to buy hair products. And you can definitely buy sulfate free shampoos at CVS or bogo at Ulta. I don’t really like that you are “taking the choice away” from the client by making them feel obligated and like they don’t have a choice but to buy the products by setting them aside and making them feel too uncomfortable to speak up and say no. Like why do you need to ask their budget? Just tell them the price of the service you’re providing. Otherwise it makes it seem like you’re squeezing out every possible dollar from them that you can.

[@xoxLoryn]

We (hairstylists, nail techs, lash techs, etc.) need to know your "hair/nail/lash" budget because - a) We need to know if your desired look is achievable with the budget you have for that service day and if it is not within budget we can go over options with you to find something else or something similar, b) Asking for your budget upfront eliminates possibly having sticker shock at the register, it opens the conversation up about pricing and what the client can and can not do. Just because you can buy sulfate-free shampoo at CVS doesn't mean it is good for your hair or that it is the real or non-expired product. Ulta is able to sell those products cheaper because they are able to take a big loss in profit from it. If you buy products from your stylist then you are helping them continue their education. Most product lines offer a point system, so the more product that stylists/salon orders then the more points they get and those points can be used to attend classes. The profit (which is very little) that the stylist makes from retail is usually put into a savings fund for classes not offered by the point system.

[@ccap3211]

xoxLoryn asking a client what their budget doesn’t bother me as much as pretending a $150 balayage cost $200 but includes products. Idk that just seems shady. I’m not sure what you mean by point system? Like at chain salons they get points for selling products? I have no idea, my stylist owns her own place and she sells Oway and Kevin Murphy products. I don’t think they have any kind of point system.

[@styledbysamvay]

It's meant to be the exact opposite of shady. Many people are uncomfortable talking about money and prices, so I like to be upfront and open so that we're 100% on the same page from start to finish. And they DO have a choice. It just puts the whole thing into a different perspective. It makes the entire experience one package deal. Hey, look, if you don't get color done and your hair is healthy, that's fine! Like I said, I only recommend products if it's necessary and what they genuinely need! In your case, I wouldn't suggest anything unless you asked me for a recommendation. However, if someone comes in and wants to be blonde, they HAVE to be using the right products at home in order to maintain that color and keep their hair healthy. Period. I actually get a smaller percentage from retail sales than I do from service sales... so if I wanted to be shady and money hungry, I would just take their entire $200 towards the service, because that would put more money in my pocket.

[@styledbysamvay]

And to clarify the point system: when salons place orders for their supplies (color, shampoo, hairspray, etc.) some companies offer points. So for every dollar spent on the products the salon buys, they get X amount of points. Those points can then be traded in for education, more products, etc. (things that ultimately will benefit the clients).

[@ccap3211]

Sam Vay thanks for the clarification! I guess that does make sense that maybe it’s more important for blondes to have nicer products. And I do get what you’re saying and why you do it the way you do it just same off as a little pushy. I don’t necessarily think you’re money hungry though!

[@beautyfxbysharon]

Damn I wish you were closer Luv this video and i would be a loyal client You have an open invitation to visit Ontario Canada Cheers :)