Hair salon offers Skype consultations

Realizing that both existing and potential clients might appreciate a chat about a haircut before visiting their stylist, Plan B Salon in Cambridge, Massachusetts launched a new service offering 15-minute video consultations. Prior to their appointment, customers can get an idea of what their options are or how receptive the stylist is to their requests, without wasting time on a journey to the salon. It also lets clients to weigh various possibilities before going in for a cut. The consultations are set up over Skype. Customers request a date and time using a form on Plan B’s website, which asks for their Skype call-back name/number. The salon offers appointments all day on Mondays—a smart way to fill up those quieter days—but will book consultations on other days of the week if time is available. The service is free, and clients are charged from USD 50 for a cut, style and finish. Costing only time, web-video consultations are a relatively easy way for hairdressers to add value to their customers’ experience. If you’re in the beauty business or any other service industry—this is something you could start offering next week. (Related: Clothes shopping for men, no store visits required — Pics of real haircuts help consumers find a salon.) Spotted by: Susan Johnston