If a client journey is essential to consolidate customer service and elevate standards within your business, so is a salon/spa procedure manual. In fact, every salon or spa should have an SOP manual (salon/spa operation procedure manual), but many businesses don’t understand why and where to start when it comes to writing it.
Learn everything you need to know to plan the writing of your manual efficiently. If you do have one, when was the last time it was updated? How often do you use it?
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What Exactly Is an SOP Handbook?
The acronym “SOP” stands for “Salon/Spa Operation Procedures.” By definition, this manual contains every single procedure, each written as detailed as possible.
Why Is This Manual So Important?
Procedures are essential to ensure the smooth running of any business. Your SOP manual helps maintain standards across your business, should you ever wish to expand your venture.
A folder with all your operation procedures guarantees that when you’re away, your colleagues/employees can find everything they need to know if an unfamiliar situation arises.
SOP Manuals Unify Customer Service & Experience
An essential aspect of this guide is that it unifies how your employees react to certain situations within your business.
Create and review your salon procedures as you go: what suppliers do you have, and when was the last time you checked if you can you find better business agreements? What is your current recruitment procedure? Where do you find the most efficient, cost-effective locksmith? What is your laundry procedure? What are your Health and Safety procedures? Have you got all your treatment protocols listed? The list goes on.
Where Should Your SOP Manual Be Found?
Keep your SOP manual on your desk. Think of it as a “live” folder with your salon/spa’s operation best practices, something everyone can, and should, refer to. By having it close by at all times, it’s easier to make any amendments or updates, should you have any to do.
Who Can Access My Salon/Spa Procedure Manual?
Everyone! There are no secrets in your procedures; you should encourage your team to look and update the folder themselves when necessary! Why not get newcomers to read through it as part of their induction?
However, bear in mind, that this folder shouldn’t be taken out of your business. It is your salon/spa’s intellectual property. You don’t want someone to copy everything and create their own business with your SOP!
When Do I Start?
Now! There is no time like the present to start listing your salon/spa’s operational procedures. You have most of it already; it just needs to be written down and put together. The more detailed you are, the more you can guide your team(s) to act upon your standards.
How Long Will It Take?
From scratch, it will take about 6 days to finalize everything and really make it your own. Start by listing what you need to include in your guide, and assess when you can realistically create your salon/spa procedure manual. Create deadlines for every section and stick to them! Make sure you think of what is essential for your business first.
| Related: Why not speed up the writing of your SOP manual by using AI to help? Read more here
Writing your SOP manual may seem daunting at first, but in reality, it’s not that hard. You have most of your procedures in mind; it’s just about writing them down for your team to be able to rely on them!
Thanks for reading!
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Valerie Delforge is a Commercial Trainer and Coach for the Spa, Beauty and Hair industry. Valerie specializes in creating specific workshops to support managers. Founder of Delforge + Co, she is keen to support the industry in achieving its best. For a list of procedures and coaching, visit Delforge + Co. or contact valerie@valeriedelforge.com. Also, Delforge + Co is proud to announce the modules available in The London School of Beauty & Make-Up, which you can sign up for here!
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