Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Groupon for Your Hair Services
Open up Groupon, and you’ll find countless deals for hair services—haircuts, color, and highlights in Winter Park or Orlando, Florida. Thinking about buying a Groupon for hair services in Winter Park or Orlando? Think twice! Discover why these deals hurt hairstylists, how salons cut corners, and a better way to save on quality hair care or Orlando, Florida. But I’m here to tell you: DO NOT BUY THEM!
Why? Because These Deals Hurt Your Hairstylist and Salon
As a hairstylist, I once experimented with Groupon early in my career. The reality? It was financially devastating. Here’s why:
- Groupon requires a deep discount to attract new clients.
- They take 50% of the already discounted price, meaning stylists often end up with only 25-30% of their regular service charge.
- If a stylist works at a salon, they may only receive a flat $20 per Groupon client—which is barely enough to cover expenses, especially if the client under-tips or doesn’t tip at all.
The Hidden Costs of Running a Salon Business
The hair industry is demanding financially, physically, and mentally. When you see a stylist’s pricing, you might think, That’s too expensive! But what you don’t see are the many expenses behind the scenes:
- Rent, insurance, and marketing costs
- Supplies and high-quality professional products
- Annual taxes (federal, city, and county)
- Ongoing education and training to stay up to date with trends
- Salon software, music streaming subscriptions, credit card processing fees
For business owners like me, 60% of our earnings go back into the business, and then our income is taxed on top of that. And let’s not forget the emotional toll—meeting high expectations, handling difficult clients, and dealing with online reviews that can make or break our business. Did you know the average hairstylist leaves the industry after just 7 years?
How Large Salons Make Up for Groupon Losses
Some big salons continuously offer Groupon deals—but at a cost to you:
- They cut corners by using lower-quality products or diluting high-end treatments.
- You’re often placed with a newer stylist trying to build experience, which can lead to mistakes.
- Groupon abuse is rampant—some clients jump from salon to salon, always chasing a discount. Even if a Groupon states “first-time clients only,” many people exploit loopholes and return every 6-9 months. Salons often allow it to avoid negative reviews.
A Better Alternative: Direct Salon Discounts
After my negative experience with Groupon, I decided to invest in real, loyal clients instead of deal-seekers. That’s why at Vinaccia Hair Studio, I offer a complimentary haircut with any color or highlight service—a $45 value!
What should you do instead of buying a Groupon?
📞 Call the salon directly! Ask if they have an in-house new client special—most salons will offer something similar (or even better) because they won’t be losing so much money to Groupon. Plus, you’re more likely to be placed with an experienced stylist.
Think Twice Before Buying That Groupon!
By avoiding Groupon and supporting local salons directly, you’re ensuring that hairstylists are fairly compensated for their expertise. In return, you’ll receive better service, higher-quality products, and a more personalized experience.
So next time you’re looking for a hair service, skip the Groupon and support your stylist the right way!
