Pricing your products and services for maximum profit

If you’re running a small business or are a sole trader in the UK, you already know that setting the right price for your products or services can be a bit of a juggling act. Get it wrong, and you could be leaving money on the table or driving customers away. Get it right, and you could see your profits soar.

Pricing isn’t just about sticking a number on a product; it’s a strategic decision that can make or break your business. For small businesses and sole traders, the challenges are unique. You might be competing against larger companies with deeper pockets, or you might be navigating the tricky waters of understanding your market and customer base with limited resources.

But don’t worry! This blog is here to help. Our aim is to provide you with practical tips and insights on how to price your products effectively to maximise profit. We’ll cover everything from understanding the true cost of your goods, to different pricing strategies, and even how to adjust prices without losing your loyal customers. Let’s dive in and start turning those pricing puzzles into profits!

 

Understanding the basics of pricing your products

Pricing can feel like a bit of a mystery, but it’s crucial for your business’s success. Let’s break it down into bite-sized pieces.

Defining Cost and Value

What’s the Difference?

Cost

This is all the money you spend to make your product or provide your service. Think of it as the sum of all expenses, including raw materials, labour, overheads, and even the cup of coffee you needed to get through the day.

Value

This is what your customers think your product or service is worth. It’s the perceived benefit they get from it, which can often be much higher than the actual cost.

Understanding the difference between these two is key. Cost is what you invest; value is what you hope to get back in return from your customers.

Calculating the cost of your products or services

To calculate your costs accurately, you need to consider several factors:

Direct Costs
These are costs directly tied to the production of your goods or services. For example, materials, direct labour, and production supplies.

Indirect Costs
These include overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and administrative expenses.

Fixed Costs
These are costs that do not change with the level of production, like rent and salaries.

Variable Costs
These fluctuate with production volume, like materials and direct labour.

Steps to Calculate Cost

List All Costs
Make a comprehensive list of all your direct and indirect costs.

Add Fixed and Variable Costs
Sum these costs to get a total cost figure.

Divide by Units
If you’re producing a product, divide the total cost by the number of units produced to get a per-unit cost. For example, if your total costs for a month are £10,000 and you produce 1,000 units, your cost per unit is £10.

 

Market research for pricing your products

Understanding your market

Market research might sound like you need a pro, but it’s just about knowing your market inside out. This means figuring out who your customers are, what they need, and how they behave.

Are they young tech enthusiasts or busy parents looking for time hacks? What problems do they have that your product can solve? Use surveys, social media, and even face-to-face chats to get a clear picture. Knowing your market helps you tailor your products and marketing strategies to meet their needs, making your business more relevant and appealing.

Competitor Analysis

It’s all about keeping an eye on what others in your field are doing. Who are your main competitors? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What pricing strategies do they use, and how do they market their products? Tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can help you break down this information.

By understanding your competitors, you can identify gaps in the market, avoid their mistakes, and find ways to stand out. Remember, staying informed about your competition isn’t just about copying them—it’s about finding your unique edge.

 

Pricing Models

Cost-Plus Pricing

Pros

Simplicity – easy to calculate and implement.

Ensures Profit – guarantees that all costs are covered and a profit margin is included.

Transparency – customers can see how prices are derived, which can build trust.

Cons

Ignores market demand – doesn’t consider customer willingness to pay or market conditions.

Lacks competitive edge – if competitors use more sophisticated pricing models, you might lose out.

Inflexible – hard to adjust prices quickly in response to market changes.

Determine Desired Profit Margin

Sum up all direct and indirect costs associated with producing your product or service.

Decide on the percentage of profit you want to add on top of your costs.

Add your profit margin to the total cost to get the selling price. For example, if your product costs £10 to make and you want a 50% profit margin, the selling price would be £10 + (£10 * 0.50) = £15.

Value-Based Pricing

Value-based pricing is an approach where prices are set primarily based on the perceived value to the customer rather than on cost or competitor prices. This method allows businesses to capture more of the value they create, leading to higher profit margins.

Benefits include better alignment with customer needs, fostering customer loyalty, and differentiating from competitors.

To determine the value of products or services, businesses should engage with their customers through surveys and interviews, analyse competitors, understand the specific problems their products solve, and quantify the tangible and intangible benefits. By focusing on the unique value delivered, businesses can justify higher prices and improve their overall market position.

Dynamic Pricing

Dynamic pricing involves adjusting prices based on market demand, competition, and other external factors. Common examples include:

Airlines: Ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, time to departure, and seat availability.

Ride-sharing services: Prices increase during peak times or in high-demand areas.

E-commerce: Online retailers like Amazon adjust prices frequently based on competition and buying trends.

How to Implement Dynamic Pricing in Your Business

Use software and algorithms that monitor market conditions and automatically adjust prices.

Define the conditions under which prices will change, such as time of day, inventory levels, or competitor actions.

Continuously monitor the effectiveness of your pricing strategy and make adjustments as needed to optimise revenue.

 

Psychological pricing techniques

Price perception

Price perception is all about how customers view and interpret the prices of your products or services. It’s a crucial aspect of psychological pricing. For instance, pricing an item at £9.99 instead of £10 can make it seem significantly cheaper, even though the difference is just a penny.

This is because customers tend to focus on the first digit of a price and perceive the product as being in a lower price range. Another tactic is using tiered pricing to create a sense of value. Offering a “premium” version at a higher price can make the “standard” version seem like a better deal, even if the premium version has more features or benefits.

Discounts and promotions

Discounts and promotions can be powerful tools when used strategically. Offering a limited-time discount can create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to buy now rather than later. However, it’s important to use discounts sparingly to avoid eroding your product’s perceived value. Frequent discounts can lead customers to expect lower prices and wait for sales rather than buying at full price, which can hurt your profit margins.

Consider the psychological impact of the discount format. For example, “Buy One, Get One Free” can be more appealing than a straightforward 50% off, even though the monetary value is the same. Effective use of discounts can boost sales without significantly impacting long-term profitability if done correctly.

 

Pricing for products vs. services

When it comes to pricing services, there are unique considerations to keep in mind. Services are often intangible and personalised, which means you need to factor in the time, expertise, and effort required to deliver them. Consider the value of your time, the complexity of the service, and the level of customisation involved.

Market rates and client expectations play a significant role. Since services can be harder to compare directly with competitors, it’s crucial to communicate the unique value and benefits you offer to justify your pricing.

On the other hand, pricing products involves different considerations. The cost of production, including materials, labour, and overhead, is a primary factor. You also need to account for inventory management and potential discounts for bulk purchases. Market demand, competition, and perceived value are critical in setting a competitive yet profitable price.

For products, pricing can often be more straightforward as customers can easily compare similar items across different sellers, making it essential to highlight any unique features or benefits your product offers to stand out.

 

Monitoring and adjusting prices

Tracking Performance of your pricing strategy is crucial to ensure it aligns with your business goals. Regularly monitor sales data, profit margins, and customer feedback to gauge how well your pricing is working.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track include sales volume, revenue, average transaction value, and customer acquisition and retention rates. Analysing these metrics helps you understand if your prices are driving sales and profitability or if adjustments are needed.

Adjusting Prices should be done thoughtfully and strategically. Consider changes in costs, market demand, and competitor pricing when deciding to adjust your prices. If your costs increase or market conditions shift, it might be time to raise prices.

Conversely, if sales are lagging, a price reduction or promotional discount could boost demand. When making price changes, communicate clearly and transparently with your customers, highlighting the reasons for the change and the value they continue to receive. This helps maintain trust and loyalty even when prices go up.

 

Additional Resources

Pricing Calculators

Omni Calculator: This free online tool helps you easily calculate cost-plus pricing.

Shopify Profit Margin Calculator: A simple tool to calculate profit margins and set competitive prices.

Market Research Tools

SurveyMonkey: Conduct surveys to understand your customer preferences and willingness to pay.

Google Trends: Analyse market trends and see how certain products or services are performing in the market.

Competitor Analysis Tools

SimilarWeb: Provides insights into competitor website traffic and marketing strategies.

SEMrush: Offers tools for competitor research, including traffic analytics and keyword research.

 

Get Small Business insurance with Protectivity

Effective pricing for profit is crucial for small businesses, as it ensures financial stability by covering all costs, including insurance, and allows for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the market.

Contributing to this having appropriate insurance can provide financial protection against the risks that might occur during your business activities, allowing you to operate with confidence, without the worry of unforeseen expenditure.

Protectivity’s small business insurance has been specifically created to support you in the event that claims are brought against your business. Public liability is automatically included and protects you if you’re sued by a third party; for example, for an injury or property damage suffered by a client or member of the public. There’s also Employers’ Liability for anyone with a team, ensuring that you’re protected against claims from workers who become injured or ill.

Find out more and get an instant quote suited to your needs.

Get Small Business Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

How to Start a Mobile Coffee Business

Mobile coffee businesses have surged in popularity across the UK, capitalising on the nation’s love affair with coffee. According to data in 2023, in-store coffee purchases fell by 6% but mobile sales are on the rise*. There is increasing demand for quality beverages served at bustling urban centres, events, and local markets, focused on convenience.

Success stories include seasoned baristas who sought entrepreneurial opportunities and coffee enthusiasts who turned their passion into a startup. So, whatever your background, if you have a passion for coffee, you can start your own startup story.

In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of starting a mobile coffee business, from navigating legal requirements to creating a winning marketing strategy, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to embark on their caffeine-fuelled journey.

 

Understanding the Mobile Coffee Business

Bicycle coffee truck

A mobile coffee business involves serving high-quality coffee and related beverages from a portable setup, allowing operators to reach customers at various locations, such as busy streets, events, and festivals.

Unlike traditional coffee shops, mobile setups offer the significant advantage of lower startup and operational costs, greater flexibility in choosing and changing locations, and the ability to directly engage with a diverse customer base.

There are several types of mobile coffee businesses to consider, including coffee carts, which are compact and highly maneuverable; coffee vans, which offer more space for equipment and supplies; and coffee bikes, which provide an eco-friendly and novel approach to serving coffee. Each type has its own benefits, catering to different business models and customer needs.

 

Market Research and Business Plan

 

Market Research

Conducting thorough market research is crucial for the success of a mobile coffee business, as it helps you understand the demand, competition, and potential customer base in your chosen area. Identifying your target audience, such as commuters, office workers, or event attendees, allows you to tailor your offerings and marketing efforts effectively.

 

Know your USP!

A unique selling point (USP), such as specialty coffee blends, eco-friendly practices, or gourmet pastries, can set your business apart from competitors.

 

Business Planning

This planning phase ensures that you have a well-defined roadmap for launching and growing your mobile coffee business. Drafting a comprehensive business plan is essential and should include:

  1. Clear business goals
  2. A detailed financial plan outlining startup costs and projected earnings
  3. A robust marketing strategy that leverages social media, local partnerships, and event participation to build brand awareness and attract customers.

 

Legal Requirements and Licencing

Lady writing menu at mobile coffee truck

Let’s look at the significant licences you will need to operate legally, including how to apply for the licence and the approximate cost and timeframe to apply.

 

Street Trading Licence

Required for selling goods in public spaces. This licence is typically issued by the local council and allows you to legally operate in designated areas.

Apply through your local council’s website or office. You’ll need to provide details about your business, the type of products you’ll sell, and where you intend to trade.

Costs vary by location and can range from £100 to £1,000 annually. Processing times can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

 

Food Business Registration

Registering as a food business is mandatory for any business preparing, cooking, storing, handling, distributing, supplying, or selling food.

You can register with your local environmental health department, which can often be done online, providing information about your business operations and premises. This is generally free of charge, but registration should be completed at least 28 days before you start trading.

 

Waste Disposal and Recycling Permits

Ensure that you manage waste responsibly, including proper disposal and recycling of coffee grounds, cups, and other waste materials.

Contact your local council to understand the specific requirements and apply for the necessary permits or waste collection services. Costs depend on the volume and type of waste. Fees may be incurred for special waste collection services, and processing times vary by council.

 

Health and Safety Regulations

Adhering to health and safety regulations should be a high priority for a mobile coffee business. Customers will want to see excellent ratings, which will in turn help to increase your credibility and reputation and develop loyalty.

 

Food Hygiene

Key regulations to comply with include maintaining high standards of food hygiene, which involves proper storage, handling, and preparation of coffee and related products to prevent contamination.

 

Equipment Safety

Equipment safety is also critical; regular maintenance and checks are necessary to ensure that all machinery operates correctly and safely.

 

Staff Training

Comprehensive staff training in both food safety practices and emergency procedures is essential to uphold these standards consistently.

 

Regular inspections by local health authorities not only enforce compliance but also provide opportunities to address potential issues proactively, ensuring that the business maintains a reputation for quality and safety.

 

Insurance for Your Mobile Coffee Business

Securing the right insurance is crucial for protecting your mobile coffee business against potential risks and liabilities. Key types of insurance required include:

 

Public Liability

Public liability insurance which covers legal costs and compensation claims from third parties for injuries or property damage caused by your business operations.

 

Product Liability

Product liability insurance is essential for safeguarding against claims related to any harm caused by the products you sell, such as allergic reactions or food poisoning.

 

Employers’ Liability

If you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is mandatory, covering claims from employees who may suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

Having comprehensive coverage ensures that your business can handle unexpected incidents without suffering significant financial setbacks, providing peace of mind and stability as you grow your mobile coffee enterprise.

Read more on why Catering Business need insurance.

 

Equipment and Setup

Barista at coffee truck

We’ve highlighted a checklist of essential equipment you’ll need to get started.

Coffee Machine: A high-quality espresso machine suitable for mobile use.

Coffee Grinder: A reliable grinder for fresh coffee beans.

Water Filtration System: Ensures clean, high-quality water for brewing.

Power Supply: Generator or battery system to run equipment.

Storage Solutions: Cabinets or bins for storing coffee beans, cups, and other supplies.

Refrigeration Unit: For storing milk, cream, and other perishable items.

POS System: A mobile point-of-sale system for processing payments.

Cash Register/Drawer: For handling cash transactions securely.

Serving Utensils: Cups, lids, stirrers, and napkins.

Cleaning Supplies: Brushes, cloths, sanitisers, and waste disposal bins.

Milk Frother: For creating lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.

Hot Water Dispenser: For making teas and other hot beverages.

Signage and Menus: Clearly display your offerings and prices.

Portable Sink: For handwashing and cleaning utensils.

Canopy or Umbrella: Protection from weather conditions.

Temperature Control Solutions: Heaters or coolers, depending on climate needs.

Seating Arrangements: Optional, but helpful if space allows.

 

Marketing Your Mobile Coffee Business

Creating a strong marketing strategy is essential for promoting a mobile coffee business and attracting customers. By focusing on these marketing strategies, you can effectively promote your mobile coffee business and differentiate yourself in a competitive market.

 

Social Media

Establishing a strong social media presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok allow you to showcase your offerings, engage with customers, and build a loyal following.

 

Local Events

Participating in local events and festivals provides excellent opportunities to reach a diverse audience and generate buzz around your business.

 

Local Partners

Forming partnerships with local businesses, such as offices, shops, or community centres, can expand your reach and attract regular customers. Building a loyal customer base requires consistent quality, excellent customer service, and personalised interactions.

 

Branding

Furthermore, branding plays a crucial role in creating a memorable experience for customers, from eye-catching logos and signage to unique packaging and consistent messaging.

 

Is a coffee van profitable?

People at coffee truck

A mobile coffee business can be highly profitable due to lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar coffee shops. The initial investment is generally lower, encompassing expenses for the mobile unit, equipment, licences, and initial stock. Operating costs, such as fuel, maintenance, and ingredients, are also relatively manageable.

Profit margins can be significant, especially with premium pricing for specialty coffee and minimal staffing requirements. A mobile coffee business can yield impressive earnings and profit margins. For instance, with an average cup of specialty coffee priced at £3 and an estimated 100 cups sold per day, daily revenue could reach £300. Considering an average monthly operation of 20 days, monthly revenue could amount to £6,000.

Profit margins can vary but are typically around 60-70% after deducting costs for ingredients, fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. Managing expenses efficiently is key to maximising profitability.

Tips include bulk purchasing ingredients for discounts, optimising routes to minimise fuel costs, and implementing eco-friendly practices to attract environmentally conscious customers. Additionally, diversifying revenue streams by offering catering services for events and corporate functions can further boost earnings.

 

Is a mobile coffee van a good business?

Ultimately the decision is yours but let’s look at the pros and cons of a mobile coffee business to help you measure up whether it’s worth it.

ProsCons
Lower startup costsWeather dependency
Flexibility in choosing locationsLimited space for equipment and supplies
Ability to reach diverse customer baseCompetition for prime locations
Reduced overhead expensesEquipment maintenance on-the-go
Potential for high profitabilityLimited seating options for customers
Mobility allows for testing multiple locationsReliance on foot traffic and events
Opportunity for creative branding and unique experiencesLimited capacity for growth compared to stationary coffee shops

 

 

Typical Customers and Their Preferences

The customer base for a mobile coffee business is diverse and includes various demographics with distinct preferences. Understanding and catering to these diverse preferences are essential for attracting and retaining loyal customers in the competitive mobile coffee market.

 

Commuters

Commuters rushing to work often seek quick and convenient coffee options, preferring grab-and-go beverages that can be enjoyed on the move.

 

Office workers

Office workers appreciate the convenience of a nearby coffee vendor, often opting for specialty blends or gourmet options to kickstart their mornings or fuel their afternoon productivity.

 

Event attendees

Event attendees at festivals, markets, or corporate gatherings crave quality coffee to enhance their experience, with preferences ranging from traditional espresso drinks to trendy specialty brews.

 

Sustainability seekers

Eco-conscious consumers value sustainability and may seek out mobile coffee businesses offering environmentally friendly practices, such as reusable cups and ethically sourced beans.

 

Get Caterers Insurance with Protectivity

As you’ve read, starting a mobile coffee business really requires very little startup costs and give you plenty of flexibility to operate from multiple locations. In terms of financial risk, it is a relatively low risk option, giving you the opportunity to expand as you grow. It’s up to you to take the plunge!

To assist you with the security of your business, Protectivity can provide the essential Catering Insurance you need to avoid any costly losses from claims that might arise. Whilst you focus on sourcing unique coffee and supplying a special service to your customers, you never know when things can go wrong so make sure you’re prepared.

Our catering liability insurance covers public liability, products liability with the option to add Employers Liability, only if it’s necessary, paying for what you need.

Take a closer look and find out more about the catering cover you need today.

 

Get Caterers Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*Mintel.com – UK Coffee Shop Industry Trends and Opportunities

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

Tips for Success at Summer Craft Fairs

There are hundreds of craft fairs taking place across the UK this Summer, providing a perfect platform to showcase your handmade skills and products to customers and learn from other crafty enthusiasts.

If you’re new to the craft fair scene, we’ve put together some tips on how to best prepare yourself and ensure you stand out. Whether you have a specialist craft to sell or you’re a jack of all trades. Here’s some inspiration to get you started for craft fairs, this summer or in the future.

 

What to sell at summer craft fairs?

Craft fair, handmade fan stand

At Summer craft fairs, to really stand out it’s ideal to offer products that align with the season and cater to the interests and needs of attendees looking for summer-themed items.

 

Handmade Jewellery

Create unique pieces of jewellery inspired by summer themes such as beach motifs, sea creatures, or vibrant colours. Consider using materials like shells, beads, or natural gemstones to capture the essence of the season.

 

Beach Accessories

Offer a range of beach accessories such as handmade tote bags, beach towels, sun hats, and sunglasses cases. Consider incorporating fun patterns, bright colours, and durable materials suitable for outdoor use.

 

Summer Apparel

Design and sell lightweight and breezy clothing items perfect for the warmer weather, such as sundresses, tank tops, shorts, and sarongs. Use breathable fabrics like cotton or linen in bright, summery prints.

 

Home Decor

Create summer-inspired home decor items such as decorative pillows, wall hangings, candles, or table runners. Incorporate elements like nautical themes, floral designs, or tropical patterns to evoke a sense of summer warmth and relaxation.

 

Outdoor Decorations

Offer handmade outdoor decorations like wind chimes, garden ornaments, or planters designed to enhance outdoor spaces. Use materials like ceramic, metal, or glass that can withstand outdoor conditions.

 

Natural Skincare Products

Craft and sell natural skincare products tailored for summer skincare needs, such as sunscreen, lip balm, body scrubs, or insect repellent. Use high-quality, skin-friendly ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or essential oils.

 

Handmade Crafts for Kids

Create and sell handmade toys, games, or craft kits designed to keep kids entertained during the summer months. Consider items like handmade dolls, wooden puzzles, or DIY craft sets with a summer theme.

 

Fruit-themed Items

Embrace the bounty of summer fruits by offering fruit-themed items such as handmade fruit bowls, kitchen towels, aprons, or decorative ceramics featuring fruit motifs. These items add a touch of freshness and colour to any home.

 

Outdoor Accessories

Provide practical and stylish outdoor accessories such as picnic blankets, insulated cooler bags, or reusable water bottles decorated with summery patterns or designs.

 

Artwork Inspired by Nature

Create and sell artwork inspired by the beauty of nature in summer, such as landscape paintings, botanical illustrations, or photography prints showcasing scenic summer vistas, flowers, or wildlife.

 

Handmade Candles and Fragrances

Craft and sell handmade candles or reed diffusers in refreshing scents inspired by summer, such as citrus, coconut, or tropical fruits. Use natural ingredients and attractive packaging to appeal to customers.

 

DIY Craft Kits

Offer DIY craft kits that allow customers to create their own summer-themed projects at home. Provide all the necessary materials and instructions for making items like beach-themed jewellery, sun hats, or decorative wall art.

 

How to find the best craft fairs to sell at?

Colourful Craft Fair

Choosing the right craft fairs to sell at depends on various factors such as your target audience, location, budget, and type of crafts you offer. Here are some tips for finding craft fairs that are a good fit for your business:

 

Research Local Events

Look for craft fairs and artisan markets happening in your local area. Check event listings in newspapers, community bulletin boards, and online directories to find opportunities to showcase your crafts.

 

Consider Your Target Audience

Identify the demographic and interests of your target customers. Choose craft fairs that attract attendees who are likely to be interested in your products. For example, if you specialize in handmade baby products, consider participating in family-friendly events or baby expos.

 

Visit Craft Fairs as a Visitor

Attend craft fairs as a visitor to get a sense of the event’s atmosphere, attendee demographics, and the types of vendors and products featured. Pay attention to factors such as foot traffic, booth layout, and overall vibe to help you determine if it’s a good fit for your business.

 

Check Seller Requirements

Review the seller requirements and guidelines for each craft fair you’re considering. Look for events that offer reasonable booth fees, provide adequate space for stalls, and have policies that align with your business needs and values.

 

Assess Past Reviews

Research feedback from past stallholders who have participated in the craft fairs you’re interested in. Look for reviews and testimonials online or reach out to fellow crafters in your network to learn about their experiences. Positive reviews from other vendors can indicate that the event is well-organised and attended by engaged customers.

 

Evaluate Event Promotion

Consider the event’s marketing and promotion efforts to gauge its potential reach and impact. Look for craft fairs that actively promote their sellers through social media, email newsletters, local advertising, and other channels to ensure maximum exposure for your business.

 

Network with Other Stallholders

Build relationships with other crafters and artisans in your community to get recommendations for craft fairs and stay informed about upcoming events. Join online forums, social media groups, or local artisan networks to connect with fellow makers and share information about craft fair opportunities.

 

Start Small and Expand

If you’re new to selling at craft fairs, consider starting with smaller, local events before branching out to larger, more competitive markets. This allows you to gain experience, test different strategies, and build a customer base before tackling bigger opportunities.

 

How to have the best craft stall display?

Jewelry stand

Craft fair display ideas

Before setting up your display, plan the layout of your stall. Consider the flow of traffic, focal points, and areas where customers can easily browse your products.

 

Use Height and Depth

Create visual interest by incorporating elements of height and depth into your display. Use shelves, risers, or display stands to showcase your products at different levels. This helps draw the eye and makes your stall look more dynamic.

 

Consider Colour and Theme

Choose a cohesive colour scheme and theme that reflects the style of your products and appeals to your target audience. Use complementary colours to make your display visually appealing and memorable.

 

Create Visual Balance

Arrange your products in a balanced and harmonious way. Avoid overcrowding your display and leave enough space between items to allow customers to see each product clearly.

 

Highlight Best-Sellers

Place your best-selling or most eye-catching products at the front and centre of your display to attract attention. Use signage or banners to draw attention to these featured items.

 

Tell Your Story

Incorporate storytelling elements into your display to connect with customers on a personal level. Use signage, photos, or props to share the inspiration behind your products, your creative process, or the story of your brand.

 

Use Props and Decor

Enhance your display with props, decorations, or themed elements that complement your products and add visual interest. However, be careful not to overcrowd your display with too many distractions.

 

Provide Samples or Demonstrations

Offer samples or demonstrations of your products to engage customers and encourage them to interact with your stall. This allows customers to experience the quality and craftsmanship of your products firsthand.

 

Ensure Good Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for showcasing your products effectively. Use natural light whenever possible, but also consider adding additional lighting such as spotlights or LED lights to highlight key areas of your display.

 

Keep It Neat and Organised

Maintain a clean and organised display throughout the event. Regularly tidy up your stall, restock products, and adjust displays as needed to keep everything looking fresh and inviting.

 

Be Approachable

Smile, greet customers warmly, and be ready to answer any questions they may have about your products. Creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere will encourage customers to linger at your stall and make a purchase.

 

How to get customers to visit your craft stall?

Craft Fair Summer

Getting customers to visit your craft stall requires a combination of effective marketing, visual appeal, and engaging customer interaction. Here are some strategies to attract visitors to your craft stall:

 

Promote Your Participation

Use social media, email newsletters, and local community channels to announce your participation in the craft fair. Share sneak peeks of your products, highlight special promotions, and create buzz to generate excitement and attract potential customers.

 

Create Eye-Catching Signage

Design clear and attractive signage that prominently displays your business name, logo, and what you have to offer. Use bold colours, large fonts, and engaging visuals to grab the attention of passersby and draw them to your stall.

 

Offer Special Deals or Discounts

Entice customers with special deals, discounts, or promotions exclusive to the craft fair. Consider offering a “buy one, get one free” deal, discounted bundles, or a limited-time discount for customers who visit your stall.

 

Offer Giveaways

Offer samples of your products or provide live demonstrations to engage customers and encourage them to stop by your stall. This allows customers to experience the quality and craftsmanship of your products firsthand, making them more likely to make a purchase.

 

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Make your stall inviting and approachable by smiling, greeting customers warmly, and engaging them in conversation. Create a friendly atmosphere that encourages customers to linger and explore your products.

 

Use Visual Merchandising Techniques

Design an attractive and well-organised display that showcases your products in the best possible light. Use props, decorations, and themed elements to enhance visual appeal and draw attention to your stall.

 

Offer Interactive Activities

Provide interactive activities or experiences that engage customers and encourage them to spend time at your stall. This could include DIY crafting stations, photo booths, or interactive displays related to your products.

 

Collaborate with Other Stallholders

Partner with complementary vendors to cross-promote each other’s stalls and attract a wider audience. Offer joint promotions or create themed displays that encourage customers to visit multiple stalls.

 

Collect Contact Information

Have a sign-up sheet or digital device for collecting email addresses or social media follows. This allows you to stay in touch with customers after the event and inform them about future craft fairs or new products.

 

Encourage Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Provide exceptional customer service and encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your stall to their friends and family. Offer incentives such as referral discounts or freebies for customers who bring new visitors to your stall.

 

Get Craft Fair Insurance with Protectivity

When preparing yourself for a craft fair having the correct crafters insurance should is essential to consider. This way, you can lessen the potential financial impact that could threaten your operation. It is also likely that a craft event will require you to have public liability insurance as minimum to participate.

Protectivity’s Craft Fair Insurance offers Public Liability cover, designed for accidental damage to customers or third parties, and Employers’ Liability, for any staff you may employ. Our Products Liability extension has been created for claims around third-party products, or opt for Equipment and Stock Cover for loss, damage or theft.

Read more and get a personalised quote today. If you need help with anything, our friendly team can answer any queries you may have.

Get Craft Fair Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

How to Promote your Counselling Business

Starting a counselling practice in the UK can be a rewarding endeavour. Whether you’ve recently qualified or have been practising for some time, with growing demand for therapy services it is a great time to be starting or growing your business.

In this guide we’ll cover useful ideas on different ways to target new clients. Playing to your strengths with specialist niche offerings and general marketing tips to utilise the digital tools available.

 

Why start a counselling business?

Growing Demand for Mental Health Services

The need for mental health support is increasing globally, and the UK is no exception. As awareness grows, more people seek counselling services to address their emotional well-being. It’s becoming more widely adopted in workplace practices as well, highlighting the opportunity to provide services where there wasn’t such a demand before.

Fulfilling Work

Helping others navigate life challenges and improve their mental health can be deeply fulfilling.

Witnessing positive transformations in clients’ lives can give you real sense of purpose and as well as developing your expertise in this field.

Autonomy and Independence

Running your own practice allows you to set your schedule, choose your clients, and shape your therapeutic approach. It can give you greater freedom to follow your own values as well as fit in with wider commitments.

Professional Growth and Learning

Private practice encourages continuous learning and professional development. You can specialise in areas that you are passionate about and focus on developing your expertise in a specific area.

Financial Potential

Building a client base takes time, but a successful practice can provide a stable income. As you gain experience and reputation, your earning potential increases.

 

5 Steps to promote your counselling business

1. Have a strong USP

Why is your counselling service different? Clearly define what sets your business apart from others to encourage clients to choose you. Whether it’s a unique approach you take, or a specific target audience, such as corporate counselling, a strong USP helps you stand out.

To identify your unique selling point you can consider the following points that could help you standout:

What specialist skills or techniques do you offer?

Do you have a specific niche (e.g., trauma, couples or corporate counselling)?

Define your features, the core offerings of your service alongside the benefits and how each of these core offerings can help your clients.

Try to address your clients’ problems and focus on solving these problems with your services. Your USP should address their pain points and help provide solutions.

Remember, your USP should resonate with your clients and communicate the unique value you bring. Whether it’s exceptional customer service, a specific approach, or a convenient feature, prioritise what matters most to your clients.

2. Know your target audience

Who are your clients and how do they find out about counselling services? You can identify your ideal clients, what their needs are, preferences, and problems. Then tailor your promotion strategy to meet these points.

It could be that you get referrals from other health and wellbeing organisations, so creating marketing messaging for this demographic could be a better use of your time. Alternatively, you may focus on online, individual therapy which could benefit from promotions on social media and digital channels.

3. Showcase the success of your service

Highlighting success stories and testimonials from satisfied clients can provide real-life experiences and tangible evidence of the positive impact of your counselling services. Showcasing the success of your therapy service is essential for attracting clients and building trust. Here some methods you could adopt:

Collect and Share Client Testimonials.

Request feedback from satisfied clients.

Display testimonials on your website, social media, or marketing materials.

Create anonymous case studies, with client permission, highlighting their progress, positive outcomes, and how your therapy helped them. Describe the client’s initial challenges, the therapeutic process, and the positive changes they experienced.

4. Forge strong relationships

Developing relationships with your clients and other partners is key to success in any business. Firstly, building trust and rapport with your clients through effective communication and empathy is not only beneficial for your clients but also contributes to positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Alongside this your relationships with other partners in the sector could be essential.  For example, referrals, working with other therapists, finding openings in specific centres.

5. Utilise digital channels

It has never been easier to promote your business and services online with a wide range of different digital tools and platforms. Depending on your target audience it could be worth using social media channels, such has Facebook or LinkedIn to tell people about what you offer.

As a basic foundation having a strong website and social media pages allow potential clients to find you more easily and shows you are operating in a credible way.

 

Where to advertise your counselling business?

Online Advertising

Increase your online visibility and reach a wider audience by utilising paid advertising. Either running Google Ads, which target relevant keywords to increase your visibility in online searches.

Alternatively social media ads are an inexpensive way of targeting specific audiences on Facebook and Instagram who are more likely to be looking for a similar service.

Offline Advertising

Invest in targeted advertising through online platforms, local publications, or community bulletin boards to raise awareness about your counselling services.

You could place advertisements in local newspapers or community magazines. Post flyers or business cards on community bulletin boards in local cafes, libraries, or community centres.

Social Media

Leverage social media platforms to engage with your audience, share valuable content, and build a community. Regularly post relevant information, tips, and updates to stay connected with potential clients.

Trade Directories

List your counselling business on relevant online directories such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): If you are a member of BACP, make sure your profile is updated on their directory. There’s also Psychology Today or local therapist directories, which all help to enhance your online presence and make it easier for potential clients to find you.

 

Showcase expertise and credibility

Qualifications & Education

Clearly display your qualifications, certifications, and relevant education on your website. This information establishes your expertise and builds trust with potential clients.

Online Events

Hosting webinars, contribute to podcasts, Q&A sessions, or virtual workshops on mental health topics can showcase your knowledge and engage with a broader audience. This positions you as an expert in your field.

Talks & Workshops

Offer talks and workshops at local community centres, schools, or businesses to share your expertise, educate the public, and attract potential clients. This is also an opportunity to grow your contact list, building a database of interested people who may be interested in the future.

 

How to Grow your therapy business?

Networking Events

Attend local networking events, conferences, and industry gatherings to connect with other professionals, potentially leading to referrals and collaborations.

Partnerships

Build partnerships with local businesses, healthcare providers, or wellness centres. Cross-promoting services can expand your reach and attract clients from complementary fields.

Specialist Practice

Consider specialising in a niche area, such as trauma counselling, family therapy, or addiction counselling. A specialist focus can make you the go-to expert in that particular field.

Client Referrals

Implement a client referral program to encourage satisfied clients to refer friends, family, or colleagues. Word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful and cost-effective way to grow your counselling business.

 

Get Counselling Insurance with Protectivity

As a qualified counsellor it is important that you have an appropriate insurance policy in place. This not only safeguards you from potential costly claims but also provides your clients with peace of mind that you are operating credibly.

At Protectivity our Counselling Insurance policy will provide you with Public Liability cover in the event of a client getting injured or their property damaged. As a counsellor you may also need professional indemnity cover if a client pursues legal charges against you for providing negligent advice. Additionally, if you own business equipment, you can cover it against damage, loss or theft.

Our insurance for counsellors starts from £3.14 a month. Find out more and request a quote online.

 

Get Counselling Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

Finding Clients as a Freelance Make-Up Artist

In the ever-evolving beauty industry, the role of a makeup artist extends far beyond the application of cosmetics. If you’re establishing a brand in this field, balancing your creative talents with good business skills is crucial to make it a success.

If you want to know how to get more clients for your beauty business, there are a range of strategies you can follow. Growing your customer base involves consistent and genuine engagement with your audience, both online and offline, as well as building a strong brand and providing excellent customer service that will enhance your business reputation.

In this guide, we look at how to get more makeup clients, from navigating the intricacies of the industry to valuable insights on skill diversification, as well as effective marketing and client acquisition.

 

Skill diversification

Diversifying your skills is essential for a successful makeup artist business. It not only broadens your professional capabilities but also positions you as a well-rounded expert capable of meeting the diverse needs of the beauty industry.

Here are several other reasons why skill diversification is crucial for a successful makeup artist business.

Versatility and adaptability

Diversifying your skills allows you to cater to a broader range of clients and occasions. Whether it’s bridal makeup, special effects for film or television, or high-fashion editorial work, being versatile makes you more adaptable to different demands within the industry.

Expanded client base

By offering a variety of services, you can attract clients with different needs and preferences. This expands your potential client base and increases the likelihood of securing bookings for various projects.

Competitive edge

In a competitive industry, having a diverse skill set sets you apart from other makeup artists. Clients often seek artists who can bring a unique touch or specialise in specific areas, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

Maximising opportunities

Different projects and opportunities may require different skills. For instance, a film or theatre production may demand special effects makeup, while a bridal client may require expertise in long-lasting and natural-looking makeup. Skill diversification means you can take opportunities that present themselves to you, by being well-equipped for a variety of projects and people.

Professional development

Continuous learning and skill diversification contribute to your professional development. Staying updated on the latest trends and techniques not only enhances your abilities but also demonstrates to clients that you are committed to excellence in your craft.

Increased income potential

Offering a broader range of services can lead to increased income potential. A makeup artist who can handle various projects may find more opportunities for work, leading to a more stable and lucrative business.

Building a strong portfolio

A diverse portfolio showcases your talent and versatility. This can attract a wider audience and make you more appealing to clients looking for a makeup artist with a well-rounded skill set.

Client retention and referrals

Satisfied clients are more likely to return for different services if they know you can meet various makeup needs. Additionally, they may refer you to others, increasing your client base through positive word of mouth.

 

Marketing strategies

Marketing is a highly important area to focus on when researching how to get clients for your makeup business. Effective marketing will help to amplify your visibility and attract clients in a competitive industry. It builds brand recognition, establishes credibility, and engages potential customers through various channels and touchpoints.

Marketing also allows you to showcase your unique style as a makeup artist, establish your brand image, gain positive reviews, and create a compelling online presence. Strategic marketing not only drives client acquisition but also helps to build the foundations for long-term relationships, turning satisfied customers into loyal advocates.

Here are a variety of marketing strategies you can try.

Create an online presence

Build a professional website showcasing your portfolio, services, and contact information. Utilise social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to share your work and engage with potential clients.

Optimise your website for search engines using SEO strategies, to increase its visibility. This includes using relevant keywords, creating valuable content, and obtaining backlinks.

Client testimonials

Request feedback from satisfied clients and feature their testimonials on your website and social media. Positive reviews build trust and credibility.

Collaborate with Influencers

Partner with local influencers or bloggers for make-up collaborations, so that they’ll talk about you to their followers. This can significantly expand your reach and introduce your services to a broader audience.

Networking

Attend local events, bridal fairs, and networking gatherings to connect with potential clients and other professionals in the beauty industry.

 

Client attraction

Here are a few ways you can directly attract clients and get them to choose your offering over competitors:

  • Offer promotions – Provide limited-time promotions or discounts for first-time clients. This can incentivise people to try your services.
  • Referral programmes – Implement a referral programme where existing clients receive incentives for referring new clients. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in the beauty industry.
  • Online booking system – Implement an easy-to-use online booking system. Many clients appreciate the convenience of scheduling appointments online.

 

Finding clients

Here are a variety of ways you can locate people who may be interested in your work and get more clients for your beauty business.

Local partnerships

Collaborate with local salons, spas, or bridal shops. Establishing partnerships can lead to referrals and cross-promotional opportunities.

Freelance platforms

Join freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Thumbtack. Create a compelling profile and actively bid on relevant make-up projects.

Community engagement

Engage with local communities through workshops, charity events, or volunteer work. This not only helps you give back but also increases your visibility.

 

How to get bridal makeup clients

If you want to get specific and attract bridal makeup clients, this is a highly lucrative area to work in. Bridal makeup is also a niche market with unique demands, so the tactics for how to get makeup clients in this field are slightly different. This means it’s essential to employ a targeted approach. By implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines online presence, partnerships, and personalised offerings, you can successfully attract bridal makeup clients and make a lasting impression on their special day.

Here’s how you can effectively reach and resonate with potential bridal clients.

Build an impressive portfolio

Showcase a diverse range of bridal looks in your portfolio, demonstrating your ability to create both traditional and contemporary styles. Include high-quality images that highlight your attention to detail and skill.

Create a bridal-specific website section

Dedicate a section of your website exclusively to bridal makeup. Provide details about your bridal packages, include testimonials from satisfied brides, and showcase before-and-after photos to demonstrate your abilities.

Make use of social media

Leverage platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to share your bridal makeup work. Use relevant hashtags, engage with bridal content, and create visually appealing posts. You could run targeted ads to reach brides-to-be in your local area.

Encouraging satisfied clients to share their experiences through social media is a fantastic way to build your profile and get word-of-mouth recommendations from user-generated content.

Collaborate with wedding vendors

Establish partnerships with local wedding businesses such as bridal shops, photographers, and wedding planners. Networking within the wedding industry can lead to referrals and collaborative opportunities.

Offer bridal packages and promotions

Develop attractive bridal packages that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can offer promotions for brides who book both bridal and bridal party makeup, creating added value for your services.

Engage in bridal shows and fairs

Participate in bridal shows and fairs in your area. This allows you to directly connect with brides, showcase your work, and distribute promotional materials. Be prepared to offer consultations or demonstrations at these events.

Optimise local SEO

Ensure that your website is optimised for local search engine results. This includes using location-specific keywords and claiming your business on Google My Business. Brides often search for local makeup artists, so being easily discoverable is crucial.

Build relationships with wedding planners

Establish relationships with wedding planners who can recommend your services to their clients. Wedding planners often play a pivotal role in helping brides assemble their dream team of vendors.

 

Get make-up artist insurance from Protectivity

Building a business is an exciting challenge on its own and the road isn’t always straightforward, so it’s a good idea to have insurance in place to protect you against unforeseen events. This gives you peace of mind and reassures clients that you are a highly professional business.

Protectivity’s make-up artist insurance offers various cover options. Choose from public liability, products liability, equipment and stock, personal accident and legal expenses. If you employ team members, you can also opt for employers’ liability.

Find out more and get a quote online. If you need any support, our team can answer your questions.

Get Make-Up Artist Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

A Practical Guide to Selling Crafts Online

If you’re wondering how to sell your crafts online, it’s certainly feasible, with a low barrier to entry. You can start whenever you’re ready, with little more than a suitable home workspace and a few supplies. The sooner you start honing your skills, the better, so you can start to establish your place in the market. Of course, further down the line you can create a business plan, define your branding and find out the most effective marketing channels for your audience.

If you’re wondering how to sell arts and crafts online, read our extensive guide for everything you need to know.

 

Decide on a product

Before you even think about how to sell handmade crafts online, you have to come up with a product worth putting out there. You’ll want to create high-quality crafts, which have something unique to offer but are also in demand. You can make anything from handmade jewellery and home decor to digital prints and knitwear.

Before you start designing or constructing anything, consider your skills, interests, and target market. Do your research, read trade publications, consult Google search results, browse seller sites and research hashtags on social media. Once you’ve identified on-trend products and settled on an idea, check out what similar crafts are selling for and get to know what kind of competition is out there. See how much existing products are selling for.

After you’ve found your idea, you’ll naturally be excited to start offering it to the world. It’s important that you take your time with the creation stage when you start, however, rather than rushing something out. Make sure your products are durable and meet the expectations of your target audience.

 

Create your brand

In order to create a strong brand, you’ll need to understand your ideal customers, including their preferences and pain points. Tailor your brand to resonate with this specific demographic. Share the story of your craft business in emails, blogs, the about page of your website (if you have one) and social posts. Explain why you started, what inspires you, and how your crafts are made. Customers often connect more with a brand that has a compelling, emotionally-driven narrative.

Of course, you’ll need to decide what to call it. Choosing a name for your craft business is crucial as it represents your brand identity. Consider combining words that evoke creativity, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. Try alliteration, rhyming, or wordplay to make it catchy, although you don’t want to go too humorous unless it’s on-brand. If you’d rather have an aspirational brand, you can keep the name in line with a more premium feel. It will need to be easy to spell and pronounce, as well as having an available website domain. Keep it relatively short to make it easily memorable. Take your time to brainstorm and seek feedback from friends and family to make sure your chosen name resonates with your vision and target audience.

You’ll also need to design a logo, or hire a professional creative to design one, which reflects your brand style and establishes a visual identity you’re happy with. A well-crafted logo is a powerful tool to leave a lasting impression on your customers. Start by reflecting on your product’s essence and your company values. Use colours, fonts, and imagery that convey creativity, handmade quality, and uniqueness. Simplicity is key, as a clutter-free design is more memorable. Incorporate craft-related elements, such as tools, materials, or your signature product. Sketch ideas, create mood boards and seek inspiration from other craft businesses. Your logo should be versatile, working well on various online platforms and offline materials.

Create branded materials such as business cards, packaging, labels, and thank-you notes. These should carry your logo and branding elements. Choose a colour palette and fonts that align with your brand’s personality. They should be consistent across everything your brand is associated with.

Invest in good product photography. This is crucial for your craft business because it can significantly impact how your products are perceived by potential customers. Use natural light, high-resolution images, and multiple angles to showcase your crafts. The better your photos, the more likely you’ll make sales. Use a clean, uncluttered background that doesn’t distract from the product. A plain backdrop, seamless paper roll, or props that enhance the product can work well. Position the product centrally or off-centre, depending on the composition you prefer.

 

What is the best website to sell crafts?

The question of which platform/s you’ll make your products available on is highly important when deciding how to sell crafts online in the UK. In addition to your own website, there are a range of online marketplaces you can choose from.

Here’s an overview of online platforms for selling crafts:

Etsy: Etsy is still the biggest marketplace for handmade products, with over 88.3 million buyers last year. It also has low seller fees.

Not on the High Street: NOTHS is renowned for handmade crafts, making it a go-to destination for people searching for unique gifts. 

Amazon: There’s vast potential from this retail giant serving millions of customers, with a dedicated platform, Amazon Handmade. 

Ebay: With hundreds of millions of monthly visits, Ebay is user-friendly for listing your products and offers useful selling tools. 

Facebook Marketplace: if you want to know how to sell crafts online for free, this is a the only platform that doesn’t charge. You can sell to people within 100 miles.

Shopify: With a customisable online store featuring thousands of apps to make use of, you can sell as much as you like when you set up your own site on Shopify.

 

How to start selling crafts online

Once you’re ready to sell online, these are some of the key areas to bear in mind:

Pricing: Calculate your costs by working out the total of materials, labour, shipping, and platform fees (once you know where you’ll sell), then adding a reasonable profit margin. You’ll need to strike a balance between offering customers a competitive price and charging your worth. 

Copywriting: Write copy for the different touchpoints your brand will sit on, such as transaction pages, social media, emails and your own website, if you’ll have one at this stage. Decide on the tone of voice you want to use when addressing your customer. Write detailed and appealing product titles, descriptions and articles, highlighting the unique features and benefits of your crafts.

Shipping: Determine your shipping methods and rates. Your items will need to be securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. Offer tracking and delivery confirmation if possible.

Payment processing: Set up secure and convenient payment options for your customers. PayPal, credit cards, and buy-now-pay-later options like Klarna and Clearpay are popular payment methods to consider.

Customer service: Provide excellent customer service. Respond promptly to inquiries, address issues professionally, and maintain a good reputation for your business. This will keep customers coming back and encourage them to recommend you to others.

Legal and tax considerations: You’ll need to comply with local laws and regulations for online businesses, paying attention to your tax obligations. You might need to register your business, get a resale licence, or collect sales tax in certain cases. Consult with a legal or financial professional if necessary, as this could save you money and avoid costly issues.

 

Organising your business operations

Good organisation and clear processes, even if you’re working alone from home and aren’t creating vast amounts of product yet, will help you to run your craft business effectively. If you have these in place from the start, you’ll have the right mindset for continuing to grow and be ready for the challenge. Here are some tips to help you manage your day-to-day operations:

Organise your workspace: Keep your craft supplies and finished products in dedicated areas, making use of different containers and having a methodical filing system for orders, invoices and other paperwork. Label and categorise materials for easy access.

Set up an inventory system: Establish a tracking system to record the quantity and details of each item. You can use straightforward spreadsheets or more sophisticated inventory management software.

Monitor stock levels: Regularly check your inventory levels. Set reordering points for materials to ensure you order more before you run out. This helps prevent backorders and production delays. 

Prioritise fast-moving items: Pay special attention to crafts that sell quickly or seasonally. Keep more of these items in stock to meet customer demand. 

Batch or create in small batches: Consider making crafts in small batches, rather than producing in large quantities. This allows you to adjust your production based on sales trends and reduce the risk of overstocking.

Manage lead times: Be aware of lead times for your materials. Some materials may have longer lead times or require international shipping. Plan your orders accordingly.

Safety stock: Maintain a safety stock level for your most essential materials. This extra buffer helps prevent shortages in case of unexpected high demand or delays in supply.

Use technology: Consider using inventory management software to streamline your processes. These tools can automate reordering, track sales trends, and provide real-time inventory data.

 

How to make money selling crafts online

If you’re wondering whether selling crafts online is profitable, the answer is that it can be if you approach it in the right way. Of course, you need to start with a good product, but even then, there are no guarantees and you have to work hard to promote it. Rather than there being a magic formula for how to make money selling crafts online, it takes a little experimentation, an open mind and a willingness to adapt and try new ways of selling your wares.

Finding success can therefore be a gradual process, as it takes time and effort to build a strong brand and a loyal customer base. Be open to refining your strategies as you gain experience. Here are some of the most important tactics that will help you to increase your online income from selling crafts:

Marketing: Try using social media, email marketing, and paid advertising to promote your crafts. See what works best for you so that you can assess where it’s worth investing your time. Engage with your target audience, share your creative process, and build a community around your brand.

Search engine optimisation (SEO): Use relevant keywords for SEO, so that your customers can find you in Google when searching for terms related to your product.

Feedback and reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Positive testimonials build trust with potential buyers, as people like to see social proof before they commit to buying.

 

Nurture your business for long-term growth

Growing your business is a process that requires patience, adaptability and dedication. There are no guarantees for when it will start being profitable, as this is influenced by elements like market demand, product quality, and effective marketing. Many crafters start as a side hustle and gradually expand as they gain experience and a loyal customer base.

As your craft business grows, maintain a future-focused perspective and keep these tips in mind:

Price your products appropriately: this is crucial for the success of your business and as you grow, you can think about whether to increase your prices.

Harness your data: Analyse your sales data, customer feedback, and website analytics to identify areas for improvement.

Listen to customer feedback: Continuously improve your products and services based on the input of those who matter most.

Diversify your products: Consider expanding your product line to include related items, such as lifestyle products or accessories.

Network and collaborate: Broaden your reach by building relationships with other crafters, artisans, retailers, and potential collaborators.

Commit to ongoing learning: Keep up with industry trends and developments to stay competitive.

 

Get Crafters Insurance with Protectivity

Protecting your wares is made much easier with specialist craft insurance. Whether you’re an online seller or heading out to craft fairs, it makes sense to be as prepared as possible for any kind of incident.

Protectivity’s Crafters Insurance is designed to give protection from customer or third-party claims, with Product Liability Insurance for the event of accidental damage to someone else. You can also opt for Craft Fair Insurance, specifically created for stallholders.

Find out more and get an instant quote tailored to the needs of your business. Get in touch if you have any queries at all.

 

Get Crafters Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

What clients look for when hiring a painter and decorator

If you’re starting or growing a painter or decorator business, a big part of your success comes down to making yourself as appealing as possible to prospective customers. Achieving this means understanding the major motivations that customers have when searching for firms, and responding to them in order to stand out from the crowd.

This guide highlights ten key things that your customers are looking out for when working out how to find a painter and decorator that suits their needs. The list comprises practical skills, business acumen and vital documentation, but all of them are critical to the long-term success and profitability of your business.

 

Experience

Probably the first thing that a customer will look for is information about your experience and qualifications. In particular, they’ll want to know how long you’ve been offering painting and decorating services, what your particular skill sets are, and what stands you out from the competition. They’re most likely to look for your website or social media pages to find this information, as well as any online trader directories that you’re a part of, so make sure your online footprint is updated regularly.

 

Customer reviews

Alongside researching your credentials, most customers will also explore any reviews that other customers have left for you in the past, and your overall star rating. If you’ve had some negative experiences in the past and received some poor ratings, then this can have a major effect on how you shape up compared to similar painters and decorators. It’s therefore more important than ever to get satisfied customers to leave you positive reviews when you’ve completed their work, to boost your rating and make yourself more attractive to prospective clients.

 

Estimate visits in person

Customers want to feel valued and that you’re taking your job seriously, especially if they’re looking at spending thousands of pounds with you. And that’s why a thorough estimate inspection, carried out at the location in person, can make an excellent first impression. By conducting an extensive survey and discussing different parts of the work with the customer, you can establish a common ground over what needs doing, how long it will take and how much it’s likely to cost.

 

Competitive quotes in writing

It goes without saying that you’ll have a better chance of getting more work if you’re able to do it for less than competitors in your local area. At the same time, it’s also good practice to give customers quotes in writing, so that they can be sure of what the price can be and that there is no risk of any ambiguity later on. This quote should take into account all materials and labour, including any extra charges incurred (for example, for working on Saturdays and Sundays).

 

Quick responses to enquiries

In all forms of retail and services, customer expectations are rising all the time. They increasingly expect to receive responses to their enquiries more or less straight away. In the case of an initial enquiry for a quote, many customers are likely to contact several different painters and decorators at the same time, and go with whichever one gets back to them first. Additionally, they will also expect you to keep in close contact throughout the job so that they’re fully informed.

 

Comprehensive service

Connected to the previous point, the best painters and decorators will be able to provide a comprehensive and fully professional service. Ideally, you’ll be able to bring several different jobs into a single quote, so that the customer can get large parts of their project done in one go without having to deal with multiple contractors simultaneously. And in professionalism terms, they will expect you to be appropriately dressed and behaved when on site, and with excellent timekeeping (both at the start and at the end of the day).

 

Specialist skills

General painters and decorators are ten-a-penny, and while they might be good for the basic work where the main differentiator is price, they’ll struggle to pick up the real high-value jobs. To do this, you need to look for more specialist work, such as commercial premises or even heritage conservation, which requires skills only possessed by a relatively small number of tradespeople. If you can develop your CV with skills and qualifications in highly specialised areas, then you’ll be in the running for more lucrative work, and the amount of competition you’ll face for it should be lower.

Clear information

From the start of a job all the way through to the end, clarity is vital in everything you do. Customers never want to feel that you’re pulling a fast one on them, whether that’s through knocking off early at the end of the day, or suddenly saying halfway through that there will be some extra unexpected costs. You should always be as honest and upfront as you can with the customer about the progress of the job, and give them total clarity on timeframe and costs in particular.

Additionally, when providing quotes and estimates, high-pressure sales tactics should be avoided at all costs. Not only are more customers wise to them these days, meaning they will more likely be deterred by them, but the ethical questions around such tactics can really hit your reputation over time.

 

Flexible payment options

Different painters and decorators take different approaches around when and how customers pay. Some like to get all the money up front, so that they have the capital to buy all the materials they need. Others, meanwhile, will take a proportion as a deposit and then the rest of the payment once the job has been completed. Either way, what is most important here is clarity: customers want to be sure exactly what they need to pay and when, and not to be met with any nasty surprises further down the line.

 

Proof of insurance cover

One thing that customers hate above just about anything else is uncertainty. This applies to things like enquiry response and timekeeping mentioned above, and it also applies to what happens if and when something goes wrong. For example, if a tin of paint is accidentally spilled over a customer’s carpet, then they (and you) want to be certain that they’ll be able to replace it without ending up out of pocket. The only sure-fire way to do this is with specialist painter and decorator insurance cover. If you’re in the trade looking for cover, get a quote for tradesman insurance today.

 

Affordable painter and decorator insurance from Protectivity

The last point on this list is especially important. Having painter and decorator insurance is not a legal requirement, and many less reputable operators in the trade may cut corners by not having it. This leaves customers liable for any damage that’s caused, even if it’s accidental, and can quickly lead to a very negative reputation being built up.

This is just one of the reasons why painter and decorator insurance is a must. Take out an affordable, flexible policy with Protectivity and you’ll benefit from cover in several areas to insulate you against any unforeseen financial impact. This includes public liability, products liability, commercial legal protection, and employers’ liability (required if you employ anyone else to work for you).

Starting at just £4 a month, we can give you financial protection for less than a multipack of paintbrushes. Find out more on our painter and decorator insurance policies today.

Get Painter and Decorators Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

How to promote your hair salon

It can be difficult to know how to promote your hair salon. After all, there’s plenty of competition in your marketplace, and it’s a challenge to stand out from the crowd. Repeat business and loyalty counts for a lot, so convincing customers to switch to your salon – even if your offering is top-quality – can take a lot of time and effort. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t necessarily have to cost a lot of money if you apply the right ideas in the right ways.

This guide is full of hair salon promotion ideas, from social media and advertising to ways you can get yourself known in your community. Whatever your promotional budget and however long you’ve been operating your salon, we’ve got ideas that can help you take your business to the next level.

 

Social media

No doubt you will already have some social media profiles and a good level of community and engagement within them (if you don’t, then this is something you need to address as a priority!). However, it’s important to stretch your horizons beyond your own pages and be proactive in getting involved elsewhere.

For example, being active in local community groups can help you get in front of a wider audience. While many groups don’t allow explicit advertising of services (or at least ask for permission before doing so), there’s nothing wrong with making normal posts in conversations, and benefitting from the name of your business appearing in your username.

 

Guest posting

The same principle mentioned in the previous point applies to social media pages that relate to your industry. It’s worth getting involved in conversations and threads that are started by industry leaders and influencers, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it gives you the opportunity to learn new trends and techniques, but it also gets you in front of potential customers who are similarly interested in that kind of content. It’s an indirect way of marketing yourself, but costs nothing and can generate substantial benefits further down the line.

 

Blog and video content

Forward-thinking salons and salon owners are setting up their own channels on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, producing content that potential customers can engage with.

This content often isn’t a direct sales pitch in any way: it could be a masterclass on how customers can care for their hair at home, or on how certain cuts and styles are created. You can later mix up these videos with more overt promotional activities, such as any special offers and events you have planned, once you’ve built up an interested and dedicated audience.

Don’t underestimate the amount of time it can take to develop this content, but also remember that by involving your staff and the customers who visit you, there’s a lot of fun to be had, too.

 

Charge a fair rate

One way many hair salons attempt to stand out from the competition is to differentiate on price, i.e. charge less than other salons in the area and try to lure customers away. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, where people in general are trying to make savings, this can be an especially attractive proposition.

However, it’s easy to take this too far, and charge rates that are so low that you aren’t making sufficient profit, or you’re so overwhelmed with interest that you end up turning customers away. Ultimately, there’s a balance to be struck between customer value and profitability, so it’s important that you don’t get tempted into selling your skills and abilities short.

 

Personal branding

We’ve mentioned the idea of leaders and influencers in the beauty and hairdressing industry. What’s stopping you trying to be one yourself?

As a salon owner, you can have just as much success marketing yourself as you can with your business. This is especially the case if you’ve been known in your local area for a long time, and have a reputation for great styling. This puts you in a position where people are more likely to listen to what you have to say, and are more likely to visit a salon that you’ve put your own personal stamp on.

Working to get your face into local media and across your wider customer base can help you build your brand, from which you can then apply the social media and content strategies mentioned above.

 

Build a community profile

Connected to the previous point, you should also be proactive in getting involved in wider activities in your local community. If there are local carnivals, fairs or street carnivals, for example, then advertise in the programmes, hold hairdressing events on stage and set up a stand where people can come and visit you.

At the time, these activities can often feel that they aren’t worth the effort, because they often don’t translate into direct sales. But don’t underestimate the long-term benefit that these community events can generate: people attending will have you front-of-mind when trying to remember local hair salons, helping you get business instead of your competitors.

 

Traditional advertising

While social media is an increasingly popular and valuable option in promoting a hair salon, don’t neglect the power of more traditional and physical forms of advertising. Hairdressing is one of those services, similar to painting and decorating, or building work, where people will still look for local newspapers and business directories to find a suitable business. Even placing a poster on a local noticeboard with a special offer can still work wonders in attracting new business.

 

Market research

The key to traditional advertising (and indeed, several of the other promotional tactics mentioned in this guide) is to know your customer. If you can understand the type of customer that you attract, then you can market to them in the right channels and maximise the effectiveness of your efforts and spending.

For example, if your clientele is generally older, then traditional advertising like local papers and noticeboards will still have some value. Alternatively, a younger demographic means that you’re best off focusing mostly on social media and content. You’ll probably already have a good idea of your customer base from who you see coming into your salon day-to-day. But surveying your existing customers by email can help you get hard evidence on who you serve and how to target them.

 

Paid media

If you don’t feel that your social media posts are getting the attention or engagement that you’d like, then it might be worth considering a paid media strategy. This is where you pay for posts to be displayed in user feeds, normally marked as either adverts or promotional posts. You have the ability to refine the geographical areas where these are posted, meaning you can get the biggest bang for your buck.

 

Promotional events and sponsorship

This is probably one of the most investment-heavy ideas on this list, but it’s one that can really generate rewards if you get it right. You can designate particular days at your salon as ‘open days’ or similar promotional events, which can bring people down to your premises and learn first-hand about your offering. And for an idea that’s a little more out of the box, why not sponsor a local female sports team in a sport such as football, hockey or netball?

 

Cross-promote with other local businesses

The phrase “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” is just as true today as it’s ever been. Coming to agreements with other local businesses in your area (obviously not ones that are direct competitors!) can help you widen your potential customer base and get your message in front of new people. For example, you could partner with a local nail bar, whereby your leaflets appear in their premises, their leaflets appear in yours, and special discounts are offered to customers using both businesses.

 

Get your hairdressing insurance from Protectivity

As you can see from these ideas, some hair salon promotion ideas cost more than others. You may be tempted to make savings in other areas to find your promotional activities – but one area where you shouldn’t cut any corners is with your insurance cover.

That’s because if the unforeseen happens and you aren’t covered, the financial implications could cause long-lasting damage to your business. This applies whether you accidentally injure someone else, damage a client’s property, if you’re sued for negligence, or if someone who works for you is injured while doing their job.

Protectivity’s hairdressing insurance is specifically designed to cover you for these circumstances and more. Our cover includes public liability, equipment cover, personal accident cover, and employers’ liability (which is a legal requirement if you employ people). That way, you can promote and grow your business with confidence. We can also offer liability insurance for barbers if that’s your speciality.

Our flexible policies are available from just £4.50 a month, making it easy to fit insurance in with your other expenses and business plans. Take a closer look at our hairdressing insurance policy today.

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

Best sports business books

The world of sport has become big business in recent decades, whether it’s the boom in health and fitness interest fuelling gyms and lifestyle brands, or the corporate sponsorship, events and money involved at professional level. But throughout the sports industry, there are people who have succeeded through talent, ability and shrewd decision-making, and all of them have stories to tell.

That’s why we recommend reading some of the best sports business books around, so that you can learn from the experiences of the people who have achieved their goals. In this guide, we’ve picked out five of our favourites that should be next on your bookshelf or reading app.

 

Our picks of the best sports business books

There are so many specialisms within sports business that it can be difficult to know which books are right for you. The five that we’ve picked out here are those that can either educate or inspire you in general terms, and are most likely to deliver insights that you can apply to your own operation:

Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

This is perhaps the best-known sports business book ever written, and while you might think that it’s too American or too statistics-focused, there’s plenty to learn from it. Michael Lewis’s biography of Billy Beane, manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, explores how Beane used data and analytics well ahead of his time to gain the edge on his competitors. Beane was able to build a successful team on a limited budget, and set the example of how sports business owners can make informed, data-driven decisions.

Show Me The Money!

The title of this book suggests it’s all going to be about Jerry Maguire, but instead it’s essential reading for anyone focused on sports marketing. It’s written by Esteve Calzada, the former chief marketing officer of FC Barcelona, and uses the global growth of football as an example of what can be achieved if marketing is done right. He explores all the various ways that businesses in all sports can monetise themselves, across sponsorships, broadcasting, image rights, merchandising and much more.

Goal: The Ball Doesn’t Go In By Chance

Sticking with FC Barcelona, its former general manager Ferran Soriano wrote this book in 2011, before he became CEO of Manchester City. He draws on the experiences of football managers and how they have to approach decision-making and strategy to succeed under pressure. The book is full of both anecdotes and detailed research, which shed light on what it takes to manage people and help them maximise their potential.

Athletes Are Brands Too

While the athletes at the top of their games are earning millions from image rights and endorsements, for those at lower levels it can help them fund their sporting endeavours or even just pay the bills. Jeremy Darlow explores how every type of athlete can maximise their personal brand in this book, especially in the age of social media where they can connect to fans, sponsors and media like never before.

Leading

A book by someone whose leadership has led to unprecedented greatness will always inspire – and there are few people who fit this bill better than Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United legend wrote Leading in 2016, three years after he finally retired from the manager’s role at Old Trafford. In turn, he covers several topics that he feels are important to managerial and leadership success, from discipline and motivation through to data analysis and dealing with failure. It’s a fascinating and detailed read for all sports enthusiasts, whether you support Man Utd or not.

 

Get sports business insurance with Protectivity

Sports business is a very broad industry, and we hope that some of the best sports business books listed above can give you useful advice and inspiration for your enterprise. But whatever the nature of your business, one thing you must never overlook is the value of having good-quality insurance cover in place.

Protectivity provides comprehensive cover for every kind of sports businesses and has been doing so for more than a quarter of a century. For businesses big and small, we can cover you for Personal Accident, Professional Indemnity, Equipment Cover and Employer’s Liability, so that you can achieve your goals with financial certainty and confidence. Take a closer look at all our sports business insurance options.

Get Sports Business Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.

 

 

The Most Popular Apps For Barbers

Knowledge is power for barbers. Whether you possess natural talent for bringing hairstyles to life, or you’ve gained extra expertise through specialist courses and qualifications, it’s what you know and how you apply it that can drive your business to success. That way, you can maximise your earnings in an industry where competition can be high.

However, you don’t have to look after everything on your own, especially when it comes to the business and organisation side of things. Thankfully, help is at hand through a huge number of different apps for barbers that can help make your business easier to run, more customer-friendly and ultimately more profitable.

It’s hard to know which are the best apps for barbers to use, so in this guide, we’ve picked out our favourites, which span four key areas of your operations.

 

Best app for design: Canva

People come to barbers to give them a hairstyle that allow them to express themselves, and as such they want to see that their barber reflects the style they want to pursue. A key part of this is creating a brand and business image that appeals to customers, but this can be expensive if relying on professional designers to create marketing materials. Canva, however, is an app that can be used for free to create eye-catching visuals. It’s easy and quick to use, meaning that even barbers with no design expertise can bring their brand to life.

 

Best app for payments: Square

In a world that is increasingly cashless, being able to accept card payments (including through contactless means) is now expected of every business. Barbers, whether they work from a studio or on a mobile basis, are no exception to this. That’s where Square, a payment processing system that works from your tablet or smartphone, comes in so handy for small business operations like barbers. It allows barbers to take card payments anywhere and at any time, without the need to buy card machines or pay for software that impacts profit margins.

 

Best app for booking and scheduling: Vagaro

There are plenty of booking and scheduling apps around, but it’s the ones that are specifically designed for barbers and salons that really stand out. We recommend Vagaro, which acts as a free marketplace for hairstyle and beauty professionals, from which customers can make bookings and payments. From your side, you can manage your schedule through the platform and see who you’re working with, where and when, and use automated tools to target them with marketing that they’re most likely to respond to.

 

Best app for business management: SalonIQ

If you’re growing a business that employs other barbers as well as yourself, then an all-encompassing business management platform can make administration a much simpler task. SalonIQ is designed with exactly your type of business in mind, allowing you to oversee marketing, payments, team performance, eCommerce and more, all from one place. It even gives you the capability to develop and launch your own branded app, powered by SalonIQ’s technology, to give your customers even easier booking experiences.

 

Best app for style inspiration: Pinterest

Pinterest can be used to get design inspiration for just about anything creative, and it’s a great place to explore different hairstyles and trends. The more you use the platform, the more its algorithm learns about the content you’re interested in, and will then deliver more focused media around styles and cuts that you can offer in your business. As a way of keeping on-trend with the styles that customers are after, it’s perhaps the easiest and most comprehensive around.

 

 

Get your barber business insurance from Protectivity

However you use apps to support your day-to-day business, one thing that always remains essential for every barber is top-quality insurance cover.

Protectivity’s barber insurance covers any unforeseen circumstances that could leave you out of pocket. Our cover includes public liability, personal accident, equipment cover, and up to £1 million of employers’ liability insurance if you’re employing other people.

Our cover is available for less than £4 a month if you use one of our flexible payment plans. Learn more about our hairdresser insurance in more detail.

Get Barbers Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*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. 

Last updated by

Bee Ingram Image

Bee Ingram

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

For the small businesses we support, insurance and financial protection can sometimes seem complicated, especially when getting started. That’s why our content is designed to be clear and practical—providing helpful guidance and ensuring our customers not only find the specialist cover they require but are confident it will do the job they need.