Our years of design, construction and operation of salon suites facilities have yielded a wealth of experience and knowledge, including best design and operational practices.  Most critically, the identification of common pitfalls, many that are non-obvious, can make or break a salon suites business.  Our primary objective is to provide the required guidance through them, to aid in the avoidance of costly mistakes, and to help our clients establish the most efficient and cost-effective facility possible for long-term success.

SCG can also help in the suites facility sales or acquisition process.  Salon suites are generally successful entities and are in high demand as acquisition targets. As closely-held private enterprises, determination of true market value is difficult but critical to the transaction for both buyer and seller.  Whether it is a successful turn-key facility, or a distressed renovation project, value exists for every deal, and SCG can help maximize that value. 

Below is a short list of some of the parameters that must be taken into consideration for a successful project.  While some might be obvious, many aren't.  As with most things, the devil is in the details, and ignoring them may result in a disastrous outcome, but addressing them up front can make for a wildly successful enterprise.
Initial Analysis
  • Business plan
  • Pro forma analysis
  • Net worth requirements
  • Competitive/market analytics
  • Timing, timing , timing...
  • Financing
  • Regulatory issues
  • The No. 1 thing you MUST avoid

Site selection
  • The single most important location criterion
  • Concept-specific Building Specification
  • Demographic requirements
  • Space requirements
  • Access and parking (maybe not obvious but a major issue)
  • Utility requirements and availability

Lease parameters
  • Structure - Maximize to your advantage
  • Letter of Intent/Building Specification
  • Commercial lease terms
  • How much leverage do you have?

Facility design - Make or break?
  • How large should suites be (minimum dimensions)?
  • Design & develop for maximum efficiency
  • Design trade-offs (How much is enough or too much?)
  • Amenities to offer
  • How much HVAC is really required?
  • Hot water is a very big deal. How much is enough? 
  • Details, details, details...
  • Design for remote facility management
Construction
  • Construction Management
  • Contractor Pre-qualifying (Requirements)
  • Managing the Bid Process
  • Scheduling and timing: How long should this take?
  • How much should it cost?

Marketing
  • How are tenants found and identified?
  • Getting the message out: what works, what doesn't?
  • How long can you expect it to take to fill your facility?
  • How can you fill your facility before opening your doors?

Operations
  • Best practices manual
  • Year round cash flow management
  • Remote facility management - you need this
  • Winning the thermostat wars - it can be done
  • Online presence and social media
  • Maintenance issues
  • Pricing, programs, and incentives
  • Dealing with the deadbeats
  • Industry turnover rates
  • Insurance needs (operator and tenants)
  • Regulatory issues - start up and ongoing
  • Collecting rent: 100% on time, 1% effort
  • Sub-lease structure and requirements
  • Bookkeeping guidance
  • Winning website design and support