I agree, just_me. The AO has killed my prs, for sure. But I truly believe, more than the "free" offers, it has helped me build my business over the past few years. Word of mouth is so hugely important, especially if you are in a small town, in a low-volume studio like I am. I have managed to turn a profit continually, though not what I would like, because of this. I ended the fiscal year at only 80% to sales, but was down only 6 sessions, and still made a 45% profit for the company. More importantly, all of my SO people will continue returning, as will their friends and family - not based on the pkg itself, but on their experience with me. :) And the handful of my regulars that have tried out a special promotion at other studios? They always come back to me, with pledges to never go anywhere else again, lol.
I understand the math that somebody else posted, about the amount of labor it costs for each AO customer versus the bundles, and it completely makes sense. I totally understand the numbers and the logic. . .BUT. . .this time of year, and throughout the summer, things slow down for many of us. I am in my studio fro 10-3 every Mon/Thurs, regardless of the appts I have. We try hard to outreach, but it doesn't change the fact that if I have no appts, I have no appts. (I am not allowed outside of Sears into the mall to VIP) So I am very thankful for my Thrusday morning customer, who comes every week for her $13 pkg. At least I have a sitting, and some sort of money, because if she didn't come in, I would still have to be there, ya know?
AI
