Category: Business

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.

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09:50:45 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Start a Mobile Hairdressing Business

30 January 2020

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Mobile hairdressing has existed as a business for decades but, as with all industries, it has seen many changes. What does the hairdressing business and specifically the mobile hairdressing business look like today? What are the factors to be considered when setting up a business in 2020 and do mobile hairdressers need insurance?

Setting Prices

When starting any new business, it is important to clarify what services you will be offering and at what price. Do some research on other mobile hairdressing businesses in the area and make sure that your prices are in the same range. Consider the experience that you have and any areas of expertise. For example, a hairdresser who has been in the business for 20 years is likely to be able to charge a higher price than someone who is newly qualified. Consider all your outgoings too, including the products that you will be using and fuel, when setting prices. You can also get a good indication on fees from our blog How Much Does A Barber Earn.

Time Starved Clients

We hear it over and over again, and most of us experience it too. The demands on our time are increasing and as such we often feel like our personal time is being squeezed. With this in mind, any mobile hairdresser who wants to be busy needs to consider offering appointments on days and times to suit the clients. This might mean evening, weekend or lunchtime appointments to fit in with commitments of work or children.

It is also important to manage your own time, and this means ensuring that you allow enough time for each appointment and for travelling in between them. Don’t be tempted to book too many clients in and cause yourself stress. Make sure that you are well prepared with petrol, food and clients phone numbers in case you do get stuck.

Marketing Materials

When setting up a new business it is essential to make yourself known. One of our recent blogs How To Market Your Hairdressing Business To Attract New Clients provides some good tips on that. There are also several low-cost ways of achieving this.

Website

Have a basic website which includes your contact information, details of how to book as well as the services you offer with prices so that potential clients can find the information that they need easily.

Facebook

A Facebook page is also a great way of promoting your business within the local area. There are local Facebook groups within most areas which give you the opportunity to post about the services you offer or any promotions that you have and attract new clients.

Online Directories

There are several directories available online for people to find businesses and services within their local area. Identify the best ones in your area and make sure that your business is listed. Make sure that you keep your contact details up to date so that potential new clients can get in touch easily!

Leaflets

Having a supply of leaflets is a great way of getting your business known. You can leave a supply with other local businesses to help establish yourself within the community. They should be simple, professional and provide basic information such as business name, contact information and an overview of the services that you offer.

Business Cards

These can be as well as or instead of leaflets as a way of getting your information out into the community. Don’t forget that business cards are smaller and therefore more restrictive on the amount of information that you can include on them. Find whatever works best for you and your business.

Insurance

Insurance is important for all businesses and so having Hairdressing Insurance in place is essential to protect yourself from the risks that exist. For example, if you accidentally spill hair dye on a client’s carpet then a client can make a claim against you. In this case, Public Liability Insurance will protect you by covering the associated legal and damage costs. You might also want to consider insurance to cover your equipment and products in case they are stolen or damaged whilst you are working.

Customer Database

Getting hold of new clients is one thing; but keeping hold of them is quite another. Repeat clients are more valuable than new clients, who can cost more in terms of effort to attract them. So, it is well worth doing what you can to ensure that you keep hold of clients once you have them. This can be achieved through providing a great service and good customer care, by offering to book their next appointment before you leave and by keeping in contact. Once a client has booked their details can be added to a database (an excel spreadsheet will suffice). Be sure to get permission to hold their personal data though and follow the GDPR guidelines. Once you have a database then you can send out emails or newsletters on a regular basis advising of any new products or services that you offer, any promotions that you are running and prompt clients to book an appointment. If you time the distribution of this newsletter right, then you can reach customers at a time when they are most receptive (evenings and lunchtimes work best for those working 9am-5pm for example).

The provisions that any hairdressing business will need to make will very much depend on the demands that the clients make, whether it is value for money, customer service or flexible appointments, the focus of any business should always be on meeting the needs of their customer base.

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09:50:29 GMT • 14 January 2025

Do Mobile Hairdressers Need Insurance?

10 January 2020

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Insurance is there to protect us when we encounter unexpected experiences with unwelcome costs. In the event of a client making a claim against a hairdresser, the costs involved can get high very quickly. So, for a small business such as a barber it is even more important to have the right hairdressing insurance in place.

Why does a mobile hairdresser need Insurance?

As a mobile hairdresser you may not have a salon to manage, but there are still plenty of risks of injury or damage that need to be considered. With an insurance policy in place you can avoid high damage and legal costs which can quickly escalate, having a huge financial impact on your business.

For example, if you spill hair dye on a client’s rug or someone trips over your kit, a claim may be made against you. In this instance you will need to be sure to have insurance in place to cover such claims.

What Insurance Cover does a mobile hairdresser need?

There are a few different areas of cover that can be included in your insurance policy which are important for a mobile hairdresser to have before they start visiting client’s homes to cut hair:

Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability Insurance is an essential policy to have in place and offers protection against a range of situations where you may be considered to be responsible. So, for example, should you slip when holding scissors, nicking your clients neck, then public liability insurance will protect you providing cover for legal costs.

Third Party Property Damage Cover

A policy for Third Party Damage will cover the costs of repairing or replacing property owned by a third party but damaged by you whilst providing hairdressing services. So, for example, straighteners that you are using during an appointment at a client’s house causes damage to furniture then repair or replacement of that furniture would be covered with a policy such as this.

Products Liability

If a claim is made against you or your business because of damage or injury caused as a result of a treatment that you have provided, then Product Liability Insurance can protect you in this instance.

Equipment and Stock Cover

This policy will cover your equipment and stock should it get damaged or stolen. So, if your tools and products are stolen whilst attending an appointment then the costs of recovering and replacing the equipment and stock will be covered.

– Equipment Hire

If you work as a mobile hairdresser, then equipment can be covered whilst you are at and travelling between appointments. Should you need to claim on this policy, you will be able to temporarily hire the equipment you need so that you can continue working whilst the claim is being settled. ·

Employers Liability

This is a legal requirement if you employ any staff, so if this applies to your business then Employers Liability will be an essential policy for you to take out. This will cover your business if your employee claims that they have fallen ill or been injured whilst working. It is an important aspect of cover to have as the risk of injury whilst using scissors or hair dye is significant.

Personal Accident Cover

This policy covers you if you are injured whilst working. Although not a legal requirement, it is a sensible policy to have in place given the risks through working with scissors, straighteners and chemicals in hair dyes. This policy provides you with a weekly benefit if you are unable to work and earn money.

So, it is important to make sure that you have the right cover to protect you and your business in case a claim is made against you. Policies can be tailored to provide the cover that is required as a legal minimum and then consider your specific business needs.

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09:49:54 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Market Your Hairdressing Business to Attract New Clients?

10 January 2020

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Clients are essential for any hairdressing business and whilst providing good customer service, a warm and welcoming atmosphere and competitive prices are key to keep clients, how do you get new clients in the first place?

Here are some tips for marketing your hairdressing business to attract new clients.

Marketing your hairdressing business

Create a Website

Make sure that your website represents your hairdressing business in the way that you want it to, ensuring the branding (i.e. look and feel) is consistent with how you want your business to be presented. Use your website to capture details of potential customers by asking visitors to sign up to receive a regular newsletter which will give them information about products and services and maybe some hair care tips. You then have a database of potential clients who you can contact and incentivise to book an appointment.

Start Blogging

Any extra information that you can give clients will look positive for your hairdressing business and additional website content focused around key search terms will drive more traffic to your website and hopefully attract new clients. Feature blogs on your website which will be relevant to your customers such as hair care tips, how to choose the perfect hairstyle and beauty advice.

Utilise Social Media

One of the most effective methods of communicating within the local community is using social media. Make sure that you have a Facebook page which incorporates your business’ branding. Keep this up to date with relevant information, news and offers. Share details of promotions or new products and services on this page and then within local community groups. Use Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat to showcase hairstyles and engage consumers.

Get your business on Online Directories

There are a number of online directories which enable people to search for plumbers, builders, childcare even hairdressers. Make sure that your salon or hairdressing business are listed on these directories and ensure that the information is kept up to date with contact details, opening hours and any offers that you have available with a link to your website and booking details.

Launch a Refer A Friend scheme

Word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing methods for most businesses. People are more likely to trust recommendations from their friends. So, ensure that all your clients receive a good service and haircut from you so that they leave with a positive experience which they are hopefully going to talk about. You could provide an incentive for clients who spread the word with a reward of a discount on their next appointment or free hair styling product if they make a recommendation to a friend who then books an appointment. If your client says that they are happy with the service at the end of their visit, then don’t be afraid to ask them to recommend you!

Marketing Materials

There are potentially lots of marketing materials that you could spend money on. But essentially, leaflets are a great way to promote your salon and all the services that you can offer. There are plenty of opportunities to share leaflets in the local community, you could talk to local businesses and ask them to display your leaflets and in return, you could do the same for them. Local newspapers will distribute leaflets for you with the paper at a small cost.

Get involved with local Events

Supporting local events can be a great way to promote your business. For example, could you provide a raffle prize at the local school offering a free haircut? This may then get a potential new client through the door, who will hopefully rebook but if they enjoy their experience then they might recommend you to their friends.

Getting that first appointment

Introductory offer

Many salons will offer an introductory discount for the first appointment that you book. Repeat clients are worth more than new ones, so it could be a good way of attracting a client into your salon and then hopefully get a repeat booking when they experience excellent service and a great new haircut!

Open days

You could hold an open day to link with a local event or just as a celebration. For example, you could have a Christmas event with the opportunity to include past, present and potential clients. You could serve mince pies and mulled wine and provide people with a chance to see the salon. If you have beauty treatments within the salon, you could always offer a little taster as part of the event with the hope of securing future bookings.

Repeat appointments

You have booked a client in for their first appointment, but how do you make sure that they book their next haircut with you? A Loyalty programme is a great way to lock customers in to booking repeat service with you and is relatively easy and low cost to introduce. Many schemes will provide a card or online version to record each appointment and then reward the customer with a discount off their 6^th haircut or a free head massage or similar incentive to keep booking with you.

So, if marketing your hairdressing business feels like a daunting task then try some of these tips to attract new clients into your salon. Be sure to provide these clients with a great service and haircut to ensure that they come back to you again and again.

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09:50:06 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Become a Personal Trainer

30 October 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

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If you love the gym life and want to support people in their own personal training then becoming a personal trainer might be the ideal role for you. But what should you consider when looking to start a career in personal training?

What should you expect?

A Personal Trainer will work closely with their clients to develop and implement a programme of training exercises to help them to achieve a specific target.

This might be weight loss, toning or training for an event such as a marathon. You will be expected to lead a healthy lifestyle yourself enabling you to promote such a lifestyle to your clients.

You will oversee clients as they carry out their programme, you might supervise and lead individual or group exercise sessions and

What skills do you need?

As with all roles that involve working with people, there are some key personal skills that you will need as a personal trainer. These include:

– Patience and Understanding: These are essential skills when working with people

– Flexibility: You might need to be able to adapt a training programme based on your client’s circumstances such as injury or time pressures.

– Positive attitude: You will need to always present yourself in a positive manner. This will help to get the best response from the client that you are working with.

– Independence: Whether you are employed as a Personal Trainer at a gym or are working on a self-employed basis, you will have to be able to work alone in developing programmes and then on a one to one basis with your clients.

– Physical Fitness: You will be required to have a good level of physical fitness to help in promoting this to your client and to be able to work with clients on back to back training programmes throughout the day.

What qualifications and training do you need?

So, do you need a degree to be a personal trainer? The simple answer is no, however working towards a recognised qualification will not only equip you with the skills and training that you need but also provide you with experience and a great selling point when it comes to finding clients. There are lots of colleges that offer training courses.

A Level 2 Fitness Instructor course is a great entry point and stepping-stone for the Level 3 Personal Trainer Course. Contact your local college to see what courses they have available.

Investment

There are a range of training courses available at a range of prices, starting from just a few hundred pounds. There are some other costs to consider when becoming a personal trainer from business set up and marketing to equipment and clothing costs, so you will look professional.

You should also consider taking out specialist public liability insurance for personal trainers. Most gyms and fitness clubs insist on proof of insurance before you start working on the gym floor, therefore, it is important to ensure that you are protected against claims from members of the public or your clients.

Hours

Many of your sessions are likely to be one to one sessions, often with working professionals. As such your hours will be determined by your client’s availability. This might mean working evening and weekends. The hours can be quite long but you can fit these around any other commitments if you need to.

Becoming a personal trainer is a really rewarding role as you support clients in achieving their goals. There are opportunities to become a more specialised sports coach and ultimately become a gym manager if it is a career with progression opportunities that you are looking for. Consider the points above to understand what is involved in becoming a personal trainer.

About Protectivity

As well as Personal Trainer insurance and Gym Insurance we offer insurance to other leisure section entities such as Sports Clubs. Get your quote today by visiting our Sports Club Insurance page.

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09:49:39 GMT • 14 January 2025

What to Remember When Becoming a Dog Groomer

24 October 2019

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

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Setting up a dog grooming business might be a long-term ambition of yours but there are some important things to keep in mind when starting a new business venture in dog grooming.

About Us

We’re one of the leading providers of insurance for pet care professionals and offering a variety of tailored products such as Dog Grooming Insurance.

Suitability

There are several parts of the job to consider when assessing if it is the right job for you. You need to consider that you will be working on your feet all day and so need to be sure that you are comfortable doing this.

You will also need a certain amount of confidence as you might need to deal with difficult or anxious dogs. Previous experience of handling dogs would be a distinct advantage, even if it is only as a dog owner.

Also consider that you are likely to be working alone most of the time, although you will of course have company in the form of your canine friends!

Qualifications

You don’t need any qualifications to become a dog groomer, however dog owners are always likely to look more favourably on you to provide a great service for their beloved pet if you are able to state that you have qualifications and of course, experience.

Get in touch with your local college who will be able to give you more information about qualifications that you can study for. Gaining a certificate in dog grooming can only be positive when you are trying to recruit new clients.

Locations

You can operate your business from a salon which has the benefit of space and a fixed site where you might get walk in enquiries. However, you also need to consider the overheads that you will need to pay to run the venue.

Costs include rent, electricity, water, gas, insurance, maintenance etc. Some dog groomers run their business from a room in their house. This has the advantage of providing a fixed premise without hefty overhead bills. But this isn’t always possible as you may not have this space available.

The alternative is that you can provide a mobile service offering dog grooming in a clients home. This has the benefit of significantly reducing the impact of the cost of overheads and enables you to provide treatments in an environment where the dog feels comfortable. You need to consider that you will need to be able to transport your equipment between clients.

Experience

The more experience you have, the better the service that you can provide for your client and their pet. Practice on your own dog or on a friend’s to gain experience in dealing with dogs of different breeds and sizes. Then, when you do a wonderful job ask your friends and family to recommend your services!

Insurance

Public Liability insurance is a minimum requirement when you run your own business and this will cover you for injury or damage to third parties or their property, which may be important if your grooming business travels to client’s houses.

Care, Custody and Control cover will offer protection against the accidental injury, illness or loss of an animal under your care. You should also take out a policy covering any specialist equipment that you use as part of your dog grooming business.

Equipment

There are some key items that you will need to purchase to be able to provide a dog grooming service. You need to ensure that all equipment is cleaned and sterilised between treatments. The key items to include in your kit list are:

1. Table – for grooming the dogs on. When making this investment, be sure to find something that suits your needs. Consider that it needs to be big enough for the dogs that you will be treating. It also needs to be the right height for you to be able to stand at to groom the dogs and easy to clean between pets. If you will be providing a mobile dog grooming service, then you need to ensure that the table you get is portable.

2. Clippers – these should be an essential part of your toolkit. It is worth making an investment to get the right clippers ensuring that they are comfortable to hold as well as being easy to maintain and clean.

3. Dryer – Essential for providing the perfect finishing touch, make sure that the dryer you choose is practical and appropriate for the task. For example, a tiny dryer with little output won’t be very useful for a large dog.

4. Brushes and combs – You should have these in a variety of sizes and for a range of hair types as you are likely to be handling many different dog breeds.

5. Nail clippers – these are another essential tool for keeping those nails trimmed and should be practical and easy to use and maintain.

6. Products – Such as shampoo and conditioner are essential. Make sure that you have a range of products available, taking into consideration that some of the dogs that you treat might have sensitive skin.

Pricing

Put a price structure in place considering the range of treatments and size of animal. You might want to offer a pricing structure based on small, medium and large dogs and could offer packages so that clients can treat their pets to a wash and nail clipping for a standard price.

Additional treatments such as teeth descaling and ear cleaning could be offered at an additional price.

So, keep these considerations in mind when setting up your dog grooming business to ensure that you have everything in place that you need.

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09:48:45 GMT • 14 January 2025

What is the Average Salary for a Personal Trainer?

24 October 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

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The amount that a Personal Trainer will earn depend on a few factors including how many hours you work, your level of qualification and experience, location and any specialist disciplines. Typically, you can expect to earn from £20 to £100 per hour for an elite Personal Trainer.

There are two ways of working as a Personal Trainer. Either you can become an employee of a gym which gives you the financial security of knowing that you have a regular income coming in, or you can become a freelance Personal Trainer which although might have a greater potential to earn, means that you need to source and retain clients yourself.

If you are employed within a gym then you could expect your starting salary to be around £16k. However, if you are self employed then your potential to earn is greater, anywhere from £20k – £40k. The average salary of a Personal Trainer is dependent on a number of factors.

Hours of work

If you work as a Personal Trainer at a gym, then your hours are likely to be set in your contract.

When freelancing, the hours that you work very much depend on what works for you and your clients. You might find that your key hours of work might be evenings and weekends if your clients are working 9am-5.30pm, 5 days a week. You might then be able to accommodate other clients throughout the day.

Level of qualification

There are colleges nationwide offering courses to become a Personal Trainer with different levels of qualification.

A Level 2 qualification is easier and faster to achieve and will enable you to become a Fitness Instructor. A Level 3 qualification gets you to a Personal Trainer level and enables to charge more per hour.

You can then work towards further qualifications in specialisms such as sports nutrition to boost your knowledge and your earnings.

Experience

As with most skills, the more experience that you have, the better the service that you can offer and therefore the more that you can charge.

Try and build up a portfolio of experience across a range of different skills and disciplines and ask clients to provide testimonials.

Location

You might find that if you are a Personal Trainer in a city (London for example) that you are able to charge a higher hourly rate than those in other parts of the country.

Before setting your hourly rate, you should do your research and see what other Personal Trainers in the area charge so that you are in line with them. It is also worth considering that other costs in a city might be higher such as your overhead costs, rent etc.

Specialist disciplines

If you can get a qualification in a specialist discipline, then you can position yourself as an expert in this field and therefore charge a premium.

For example, if you are qualified in weight loss management or sports nutrition then clients who are looking for this as an additional service to their personal training programme are likely to pay an additional cost also. Speak to your local college to find out what courses they can offer to complement the service that you provide to your clients.

Celebrities

If you work with celebrities and become a name within the fitness industry, then you can look to boost your earnings further still. Promotion through social media networks such as Facebook and Instagram can attract more clients willing to pay a premium for a celebrity Personal Trainer!

So, do some research about potential earnings and the average salary you could make when considering these factors and set your own pricing structure taking these key areas into account.

Your potential to earn is often dependent on how much you are willing to invest in the role as a Personal Trainer in terms of time and qualifications gained.

As well as Personal Trainer Insurance we offer insurance to other leisure section entities such as Sports Clubs. To get your quote today you can visit our Sports Club Insurance page.

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09:49:22 GMT • 14 January 2025

Common Insurance Claims Against Hairdressers

23 October 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

During your training to become a hairdresser you will learn a wide range of skills and techniques which will enable you to safely provide treatments for your clients. However sometimes things can go wrong resulting in distress for both you and your client.

Claims against hairdressers can range from accidents in the salon, to blistering of the skin due to an allergic reaction or even loss of hair! Here are some of the most common insurance claims that are made against Hairdressers insurance.

Burns

Unfortunately, injuries can be caused quite easily and an example of one of the ways that this can happen is that a client might get burnt by straighteners.

Straighteners can reach a temperature of 185 degrees Celsius within about 6 seconds and so every care needs to be taken around safety to avoid a client or colleague getting burnt.

Cuts and grazes

With the use of scissors in a hairdressers, comes the obvious risk of a client getting cut or grazed in the case of razors. All it takes is a hairdresser to not handle the scissors safely and an accident becomes a very real possibility.

Allergic reactions

Our skin is very fragile and so hairdressers should always ensure that the proper patch tests are carried out before a treatment is applied to a client’s skin or scalp.

These patch tests take place in a discreet area of your client’s body 48 hours before the treatment itself to see if a client’s skin will react. If it doesn’t then the treatment can be applied.

If the patch test hasn’t been done and a skin reaction does occur, then the hairdresser is likely to have invalidated their insurance policy and they won’t be covered.

Damage to hair

If the right care is not taken, then it is very easy for a hairdresser to cause damage to a client’s hair. Often this damage can take months or years for the hair to recover.

Damage can be caused through:

· Over processing: For example using too many products on the hair in a short space of time

· Improper use of Relaxers: Relaxer products can be used on thicker hair, for example on afro hair before it is straightened. Over-use of these products or leaving them on a client’s hair for too long can cause lasting damage.

· Straightening: Straighteners are very hot and sustained exposure to this heat can cause damage to hair

Extensions

Extensions can cause damage if they are not fitted properly or if they are not properly maintained. Claims can occur if a hairdresser has fitted the extensions too closely together or hasn’t used the right product. A hairdresser is also required to provide a client with the right instructions on how to look after their extensions.

If this advice is not given, or the wrong advice is provided then problems can occur. In extreme cases, extensions which are not cared for can become matted together causing them to be very painful and needing careful removal.

Accidents in the salon

Accidents can take place within the salon due to slippery floors or trips over boxes which have not been put away. If a client has a trip or fall while attending their appointment, then they can make a claim against the hairdresser.

Faulty equipment

An accident might happen due to equipment that is faulty. All electrical equipment should be checked and tested regularly to ensure that it is working properly to avoid such accidents. Failure to do this might invalidate your insurance cover.

Claims against hairdressers can be avoided as much as possible through adequate training and by ensuring the safety procedures are followed. However, should a claim be made, you as a hairdresser can ensure that you protected with the right insurance policy in place.

Protectivity is a specialist provider of barber insurance and Hairdressing Insurance . We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK, offering a range of tailored insurance products to protect our customers against unforeseen events.

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09:47:57 GMT • 14 January 2025

8 Ways for Personal Trainers to Reconnect with Past Clients

23 October 2019

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

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The sports industry and specifically personal trainers is a competitive one. Keeping hold of the clients you already have is clearly a top priority but, what can you do to reconnect with those clients who have used your services in the past?

1. Understand why they left

A questionnaire for all clients who leave can be a great way to understand if there are any improvements that need to be made.

For example, it might be that a client left because you couldn’t offer them the hours that suit them. If, at a point in the future, you can provide this time slot you can use that to restart a conversation.

2. Offer them the next goal

Often clients will work with you to reach a target and achieve a specific goal. This means that the risk is that they will leave once this target has been reached.

So, offer your clients the opportunity to aim for a new goal and therefore continue using your services. For example, if their target was to reach a specific weight, work with them to improve their fitness or train for a specific event for example.

3. Database

It is advisable to keep a database of clients and potential clients. For all clients, past and present and for new enquiries, ask permission to add them to your database. You can then send them details of future sessions, programmes and offers.

It is very important that you obtain permission to do this and store clients data responsibly and in line with GDPR guidance.

4. Marketing

Having a good marketing campaign will enable you to have the tools in place to reach out to potential and lapsed clients. Ensure that you have an impactful and informative website.

Make use of social media such as Facebook and Instagram to remind clients that have lapsed of the services that you provide and they will keep you top of mind. At the heart of your marketing campaign should be the service that you can offer clients ensuring that you communicate how you can and will meet their needs.

5. Newsletters

Regular newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with clients past, present and future. Programs such as mail chimp are free and easy to use making keeping in touch with your clients that bit easier.

6. Training days/bootcamps

Why not hold a training day or bootcamp session and invite potential and lapsed clients. This not only enables you to showcase what it is that you do, but also gives you the opportunity to remind those past clients of the great service that you provide!

7. Focus on client retention

It is less costly to work to hold onto a client than it is to go and find new clients. Keep this in mind and consider having a budget available for small gestures which will help existing clients to remember you and keep them loyal to you.

Some trainers have a loyalty scheme in place, offering clients a discount when they book a certain number of sessions in advance. For example – receive a 50% discount on your 6th session.

8. Offers and packages

This is becoming an effective way for trainers to sell their services and for clients to feel like they are getting value for money. By detailing a package to obtain a specific goal eg. Marathon training package you can include details of a certain number of training sessions as well as diet and nutrition advice all for a set price.

Packages like this can be a great way of reconnecting with past clients and get them using your services once again.

Do I Need to Renew my Training?

Yes, you will need to renew your training every 3 years to ensure that you keep your skills up to date and in order to validate your insurance. Your training provider will be able to give you more details.

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Protectivity has years of experience insuring personal trainers just like you. Our cover includes personal trainer public liability insurance, personal injury, equipment cover, and employer’s insurance if you run a business that employs other people. With our affordable, flexible policies, you can take your business to the next level with confidence that you aren’t at risk of long-term financial stress.

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09:48:13 GMT • 14 January 2025

What to Consider When Selling at a Christmas Market

9 October 2019

•

11 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Get craft fair insurance from Protectivity

Craft fairs are always popular around the festive season, as people search for unique and homemade presents. They’re a great place for your customers to pick up a gift for someone special but also enjoy a memorable day out, indulging in the festive atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas.

Setting up a Christmas market stall can be a fun and potentially profitable exercise for your business. Whether you’re selling jewellery, homeware, food, or anything else, we’ve put together the general steps to set up a stall and how to make it a success.

If you’re planning to sell your products at a Christmas market, here are a range of things you’ll need to consider.

Products

If you’re wondering what sells well at a Christmas craft market, make sure you put some time into planning your stall and considering which products will work best. Think about what items are most likely to be given as gifts, whether you’re analysing trends for the current year or considering more traditional products.

A few ideas for what you can sell at a Christmas market include:

Hand-painted or custom-printed clothing and accessories

Baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pies

Gourmet chocolates, cheeses, or speciality sauces

Art and craft supplies like beads, fabrics, or paints

Old books, records, and memorabilia with a Christmas theme

Soaps, candles, and skincare products

Handcrafted ornaments, wreaths, candles, and festive decorations

Potted poinsettias, Christmas cacti, or miniature Christmas trees

Research the Christmas market you plan to attend to understand its target audience, size, and other relevant details. In any case, you might want to avoid too many Christmas-themed items, as these are often less appealing to customers than products that can be used all year round. You also don’t want to be left with unsold stock that can’t be marketed for another year.

Budgeting and finances

Make sure you review your finances. Look at the cost of hiring your stall at the fair and then consider your outgoings. There are a range of fees and costs you may not have realised would be involved.

Unless you already have them, you’re likely to want to buy festive props and decor to help make your stall as eye-catching as possible. It’s easy to get carried away at this time of year, so set a budget for decorations and make sure you stick to it. If you can reuse items from previous years, this will be much more cost-effective.

Price your products competitively but also profitably. Be prepared to offer discounts or deals for the festive season. Accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options. The more customer preferences you can cater for, the better.

Planning and preparation

Ask local authorities or the event organisers whether you’ll need permits or licenses. If you need a power supply at your stall for any Christmas lights, make sure you contact the organisers of the event in plenty of time to arrange this. Other necessary supplies you’ll need to gather include:

Tables, tents or canopies for shelter (especially if the market is outdoors)

Display racks or shelves

Signage with your stall’s name and prices

Lights, especially if it’s an evening market

Cash register or point-of-sale system

Bags and packaging for your products

Decorations

Safety

Think about how to ensure that your stall is safe for customers, creating or sourcing signs and barriers if needed. Your stall layout will need to allow for clear, wide aisles and walkways that are free from obstructions, helping to prevent accidents and overcrowding. Use secure and sturdy display fixtures to avoid items falling and causing injuries. If you’re using any electrical equipment, such as lights or heaters, double-check before the event that they’re in good working order and have been safety tested.

Have a basic first aid kit on hand in case of minor injuries. It can be reassuring to customers to know that help is readily available if needed. Be prepared for changing weather conditions; if it’s an outdoor fair, have shelter available for customers in case of rain or intense sun.

Security

Plan how to keep your products secure to prevent theft. This can include arranging them so that they’re within your line of sight as much as possible, making it harder for potential thieves to grab items unnoticed. Display cases, shelves and locking cabinets may also be worth using for smaller, valuable items, which you can bring out when needed. Avoid overcrowding your display, which can make it easier for someone to pocket something. Lock away cash and your personal belongings in a secure cash box or bag.

If your craft fair stall is outdoors, consider using a sturdy tent with zip-up walls. This provides an extra layer of security. Use zip ties or locks on the tent zippers when you’re not at the stall, to prevent unauthorised access. If you’re in a tent, use sandbags or weights to secure it and prevent someone from lifting it. If possible, work with a partner or have a friend or family member help you staff the stall, for an extra pair of eyes.

If the craft fair allows it, consider installing a small, inconspicuous security camera near your stall. The presence of this alone can deter theft. Keep a detailed inventory record of the products you bring to the fair, which can help you identify missing items quickly.

Decorating and arranging your stall

Find out if the market you’ll be selling at has a set theme. If not, you can create your own. It might be that you focus on colour schemes, such as red and gold, or you might offer a range of products around the theme of Christmas trees. Once you have a theme in place, it will help to guide you in the equipment and materials you buy and improve the overall appearance of your stall.

Displaying your products effectively at a Christmas market stall is essential to attract and engage potential customers. A well-organised, visually appealing display can make your products more enticing. Arrange them so that they’re easily visible and accessible to customers. Use tables, risers, or shelving to elevate your products at different heights. This makes your display more dynamic and visually interesting.

Organise your products into categories or themes. Grouping similar items together makes it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for. Designate one or more focal points in your display. Place your most eye-catching or high-margin items in these spots.

If possible, choose a location within the market that has good foot traffic, such as corners and areas near the entrance.

Customer experience

Consider some extra details to enhance the overall experience for your stall visitors. This will add to the atmosphere, get potential customers into the festive spirit and help your business to stand out. Provide samples or tastings if you’re selling food or beverages. Even if your offering isn’t food-based, you might want to offer free festive biscuits or minced pies at your stall as a way of encouraging people to stop and browse your products.

Think about who’s attending the event before deciding what’s appropriate. For example, you might find that parents at a school Christmas Fair are not impressed if you’re handing out sweets to all of the children.

Be friendly and approachable to customers. Do your research so that you have full knowledge of your products, ingredients and materials, even if you haven’t made them yourself, and are able to answer any and all customer questions.

Pre-event marketing

Promote your participation in the Christmas market through social media. Create eye-catching posts and updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to announce the event, involving your followers in the build-up. This helps them feel invested in your seasonal activities and encourages them to spread the word.

Use Christmas-themed graphics, images of your products, and relevant hashtags to increase visibility. You could also run paid ads on social media to target specific demographics and local customers. Send out email newsletters to your customers, with exclusive offers they can make use of if they attend the Christmas market. This helps them to feel appreciated and gives them an appealing incentive for coming along.

Connect with the organisers of the event to see if they can help promote your stall through their official marketing channels. Share any marketing materials they provide, such as banners or event logos. If your Christmas market has an online presence or is listed on websites like Eventbrite or local event directories, make sure your stall is featured with high-quality images and descriptions.

List your Christmas market stall in local business directories, online event listings, and community calendars. Include it in your Google My Business listing if you have one so that potential customers can find your stall on Google Maps. You could also collaborate with other sellers at the market to cross-promote each other’s stalls. This can expand your reach and draw in a wider audience, as well as sharing the experience with others and growing your community.

Create blog posts on your website about the event, sharing stories about your products, your journey as a business, and the uniqueness of your stall. You can also send press releases to local newspapers and magazines about your appearance at the event. Human-interest stories about your products or your journey can be newsworthy.

Distribute flyers or business cards with information about your Christmas market stall at local businesses and events. Attend other local fairs, craft shows, or community events beforehand to generate interest and create a buzz. Joining local Facebook groups and community forums is another effective way to promote your stall. Many people look for recommendations and event information in these spaces.

Post-event marketing

There are a number of ways you can maintain the momentum from the fair after the event has ended. Encourage customers to share their purchases from the day on social media and tag your business. Ask for customer testimonials, sharing positive reviews from satisfied buyers on your website and social media channels. You could include business cards in product packaging, containing QR codes that lead straight through to your review page.

Send thank you emails to customers who made purchases or visited your stall. Express your gratitude for their support and offer a special discount as a token of appreciation. Encourage them to sign up for your email newsletter for updates on new products, promotions, and future events.

Share photos and highlights from the event on your social media channels, encouraging customers to tag themselves in photos and share their experiences at your stall. Use surveys or social media polls to gather customers’ opinions about their experience and products. You can also repost any media coverage or mentions of your stall at the Christmas market on your website and social media.

Write a blog post about your experience at the Christmas market, sharing stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes insights. Continue to share festive-themed content, DIY ideas, or related blog posts to keep your brand and customers in the seasonal spirit.

Get Crafters Insurance with Protectivity

When you’re bringing Christmas cheer to your craft business, you don’t want anything to spoil the most wonderful time of the year. However, it’s good to be prepared for anything that can impact your brand and finances, which is why you need the right craft insurance.

Protectivity’s Crafters Insurance offers protection for creative businesses. Choose Public Liability Insurance to cover you in the event that a client or member of the public experiences injury or accidental damage. Employers’ Liability covers you for compensating any employees if they’re injured while working, while Products Liability is for claims arising from third-party goods. You can opt for Equipment and Stock Cover, to cover you up to the value of £250 if your stock is lost, damaged or stolen. We also have Craft Fair Insurance specifically designed for short-term and one-off events.

Find out more and get a free quote to meet the needs of your business.

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