353 A Salon Owner's Guide to Negotiating With Product Manufacturers

Most salon owners assume the price their product supplier quotes is the price you pay. It rarely is, and that one misunderstanding can quietly cost you for years. When I opened my first salon I was passionate about hairdressing but like most salon owners I knew very little about business, and negotiating with product suppliers was where my naivety was fully exposed. This week I take you behind the scenes of what's really happening when you deal with a manufacturer or distributor.You'll come away understanding how the commercial side works: list price, rebates, the size of the pie, and the difference between a real partnership and a shiny distraction. My aim is simple. I want you walking into that conversation informed, prepared, and able to build a deal where both businesses genuinely win.IN THIS EPISODE:Why the list price is never the real price, and what sits behind itThe size of the pie: how much value a supplier can actually offer youHow rebates really work, including the catch that traps a lot of ownersHow to prepare before you negotiate so you hold the stronger positionWhy the real goal is a partnership where both businesses winEPISODE TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Introduction[00:20] The dark arts of negotiating with your product suppliers and manufacturers[02:07] Why nobody actually pays the full list price on the page[03:07] Manufacturer versus distributor, and why that structure changes everything behind the scenes[05:08] The list price is just the start of a commercial conversation[08:23] The experience gap between you and the person across the negotiating table[09:50] The size of the pie: the concept that underpins every deal[11:04] How you get to choose where that value lands in your business[13:10] Rebates explained, and the two important realities that owners often overlook[15:54] Shiny object syndrome, and the seduction of events and luxury experiences[17:41] Why putting your business out to tender is simply smart, professional practice[19:13] How to prepare properly before you ever sit at the tableWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!Antony 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website