How tech helps this salon succeed
When Taryn Richardson took over JaDs salon in South Australia, she immediately introduced a range of new tech solutions.
Taryn Richardson vividly remembers the first time a client used Afterpay at her salon in Victor Harbor, South Australia.
It was three years ago, and the client in question was a regular whose ghd hair straightener had stopped working that morning.
“[The client] was already signed up for Afterpay and was so happy to be able to leave the salon with her new straightener,” recalls Richardson, before adding, “I was just as happy to have the funds in my account overnight."
Richardson has been the owner of JaDs hair salon for 14 years. Before that she worked on the salon floor, and it was only when her marriage broke up that the newly single mother of two decided to use her divorce settlement to buy into the business.
A few short years later she was the outright owner of JaDs – and since then, Richardson has worked tirelessly to modernise the business, and set a positive example for her two daughters, Maddison, now 14, and Ruby, 12.
Since taking over JaDs, Richardson has introduced a raft of new tech innovations. She launched online booking for customers (via Timely), revamped JaDs’ social media channels, opened an e-commerce shop and introduced Afterpay.
While all of these elements undoubtedly helped boost JaDs’ bottom line, Richardson says that it was Afterpay that doubled revenue in parts of the business.
Afterpay allows customers to upgrade
She explains that revenue from colour services has doubled since introducing Afterpay, with more clients choosing to upgrade from a basic colour service to a high fashion colour service. “Afterpay makes paying for often costly modern colour services easier for clients.”
But clients aren’t simply using Afterpay for treatments. “Our retail and electrical sales like straighteners, curlers and dryers have gone up considerably, too,” she says.
Would she recommend Afterpay to other salon owners? “In a heartbeat,” she replies. “You’re only charged for fees as the services are used, and the potential new clients and increased revenue make it a no brainer. Consumers recognise and trust the brand.”
Afterpay minimises cancellations
Richardson adds that Afterpay also reduces cancellations as customers feel confident they can cover the costs of their treatments.
“Our Afterpay customers are our higher serviced clients usually, as they keep appointments irrespective of cash flow. They’re also more likely to purchase investment pieces like extensions and electrical in the salon, rather than sourcing them online later.”
Innovation and investing in people
Richardson believes that what sets JaDs apart is her drive to innovate, including adopting new tech and investing in her team.
“Employing the right people has been crucial, from those in the salon to the accountant, tech people and suppliers like Afterpay. It all plays a part in how I can function as a leader and keep progressing,” she says. “I’ve been smart enough to admit when I don’t know something and source the right people and training to learn it.”
“Employing the right people has been crucial."
This February, Richardson and JaDs hit another business milestone, when she purchased the commercial premises in which JaDs operates. “It’s a proud moment,” she confides. Progress and proactivity, just as Richardson likes it.
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