Frequently asked questions

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You can take a look at some of our most commonly asked questions

Why should our salon sell retail at all?

Salon and spa guests are three times more likely to stay your client if you recommend products for at-home use. Selling retail adds value and longevity to your services and helps increase client loyalty.

Why should I sell retail online?    

Having an Online Store gives your clients another way to shop for the products you recommend. It’s 24/7 access to professional products for those who leave the salon empty-handed, need to restock between appointments, or simply prefer to shop online.

How can our salon increase retail sales?

On average, only 20% of clients buy their products at the salon or spa. Since more people are opting to purchase their beauty and grooming products online, having an Online Store gives your salon or spa the opportunity to take back those sales and increase your bottom line.

Our stylists don't like to sell products in the salon as it is, so why should we take the time to add an Online Store?

Your clients are shopping online for retail anyway…why not with you? Offering an Online Store is an added convenience and a trusted source for your clients to purchase professional products. If given the opportunity, most would rather buy from you, their beauty expert, so make it easy for them to do so.

Where is SalonInteractive available?

At this time, SalonInteractive is only available in the United States.

How can SalonInteractive help me as a suite/booth renter?

Having an Online Store will allow you to offer your clients a wide range of products without having to carry inventory or worry about shipping. In addition to adding value to your services by recommending proper home care, offering retail online will increase your earning potential without an outlay of cash.

Won't having an Online Store take away from our in-salon retail sales?

Just the opposite! We typically see in-salon retail sales grow for salons or spas when they add eCommerce. Their Online Store helps increase awareness of professional brands while the 24/7 online shopping convenience captures lost sales to big box and other online retailers.

How is SalonInteractive different than an affiliate program?

Some retailers and brands offer affiliate programs where an affiliate partner (in this case, salons and stylists) uses a link to refer clients to the retailer/brand website. Any sales made through that link are paid commissions (typically 2-15%). However, some third-party websites choose to market directly to the shopper, bypassing the salon and any commissions completely.

How can SalonInteractive help me as a suite/booth renter?

Having an Online Store will allow you to offer your clients a wide range of products without having to carry inventory or worry about shipping. In addition to adding value to your services by recommending proper home care, offering retail online will increase your earning potential without an outlay of cash.

SalonInteractive is not an affiliate program, so there is no chance of missed commissions for you. Instead, your clients shop through your Online Store, where you earn commissions on all completed transactions.

My salon does really well with retail. Why should we sell online?

On average, 80% of a salon’s clientele leaves empty-handed. Also, a growing percentage of your clientele prefers buying their products online. By simply offering a 24/7 online shopping experience, your business can see increased retail sales to clients not currently shopping with you, all without having to carry additional product or worry about shipping.

We already sell online. What benefit is SalonInteractive to our salon/spa?  

SalonInteractive offers fully maintained web stores with accurate product data that is continually updated. Our network of distributors handles order fulfillment, so you or your team don’t need to. You can also take advantage of free On Behalf Marketing to promote your preferred brands through your Online Store.

Can we add our own private-label products to the platform?

We are not taking individual or private label brands at this time, but we might in the future. In that case, there is a cost involved, and you would be responsible for the 3PL (shipping/fulfillment).

How much does SalonInteractive cost to use?

SalonInteractive is free to use, including many amazing features like an Online Store, On Behalf marketing, Product Recommendations, and Salon Ordering. However, there is an option to upgrade for more marketing features and tools.

How is diversion controlled?    

All products are sold on the platform at MSRP, making it unattractive for potential diverters. However, SalonInteractive does monitor and follow up with any larger purchases.

How do I know if these products are counterfeit or not?

SalonInteractive works directly with professional brands and their distributors to ensure the quality and authenticity of all products available through the platform.

Can clients pay with Apple, Pay-Google Pay-Paypal?

Currently, SalonInteractive only accepts debit or credit card transactions.

Can clients pay with salon gift cards?  

Not at this time.

How and when do I get paid?

Salon commissions are paid weekly on Fridays. How and when do I get paid?

What support do you offer if I need help or have questions?

We’re here to help! Our Help Center is available 24/7 at support.saloninteractive.com for the answers you need. You can also reach out to our team of Success Consultants at 312-300-0553 or support@saloninteractive.com.​​​​​​​

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How long does it take to set up an Online Store?    

It typically takes about 15 minutes, and you'll need your distributor account number and salon logo, if you have one, to get started. We highly suggest that you complete your bank setup at the same time so you can receive commission payments. Start the setup process here: https://app.saloninteractive.com/salon_signup

Do I ship the products myself?

There’s no need to carry extra inventory or ship anything. All orders are fulfilled client direct from your distributor or brand.

Do I need a logo to finish setting up my store?    

It's not necessary to have a logo, but it does add to your overall branding.

What is a distributor (account) number and why do I need one?

Although some brands self-distribute, SalonInteractive uses a network of professional distributors to fulfill client orders. These distributors are authorized to carry professional beauty brands in their area, which guarantees the quality and authenticity of the products. A distributor number is your account/ID with your local distributor, and it proves that you are a licensed professional and sets up the fulfillment of your client orders. What is a distributor and why do I need an account number?

I cannot find or do not have a distributor number. What should I do?

Reach out to your distributor directly to locate your account number or set up an account. Because they only sell to licensed professionals, they may ask for your cosmetology, barber, or esthetics license in the application process.

I don't see the distributor that I buy from.  

SalonInteractive is working diligently to onboard all distributors. Hang tight, and you be alerted when a new distributor is added to our platform. If you are open to other solutions, we do have national brands that ship to all states. For more information, contact support at 312-300-0553.

Can I add more distributors after I set up my account?    

SalonInteractive can be updated at any time to reflect your current needs. How do I add another distributor?

Can I choose more than one distributor?

Yes, you can select more than one distributor as long as you see them available in your distributor settings for your area. How do I add another distributor?

How does shipping work if I have multiple distributors?

If a shopper on your Online Store chooses to buy products that come from different distributors, they will see only one list at checkout as well as how much more they need to spend to meet each distributor’s minimum amount for free shipping.


Note: Since national brands self-distribute, they will show up as an "available distributor" in the setup process: How do I add another distributor?

Can we load our own inventory from distributors not on the list?    

You can only offer products through your Online Store that are carried by distributors on the SalonInteractive platform.

Can I sell brands online that I don't carry in my salon/spa?

Yes, absolutely! As long as the brands are carried by your selected distributor(s) and don't have any restrictions for eCommerce.

I don't see the brand we carry.    

If you have selected the distributor you purchase those brands from but don't see the option to add that brand, please contact your distributor. There is likely additional documentation required to sell this brand online.

What does “locked brand” mean?
Can I add more brands after I set up my account?    

Yes, SalonInteractive can be updated at any time to reflect your current needs. How do I add another brand?

I can select my brand but cannot activate it to sell online. Why?  

Some distributors require specific paperwork to sell their products online in certain areas. Contact your distributor directly to find out what they need from you.

Can I choose to sell only a few products from a brand?

SalonInteractive makes all retail products available within a brand allowing your clients to explore new options. Selecting specific products within a brand is not available. However, you can use the Recommendations feature to suggest your favorite or preferred products to your clients. How do I make product recommendations?

What are the differences between Free and Essentials plans?

With the Free plan, you get a customizable Online Store where you can share your favorite brands through product recommendations and earn a minimum of 25% commission on every sale. You also have access through participating distributors to Salon Ordering for professional products for your back bar and retail.

The Essentials plan includes everything in the Free plan, plus powerful email marketing tools through Client Connect. You can maximize the success of your Online Store and reach your clients anytime, anywhere with Mass and Automated email campaigns that come with industry-specific templates, email tracking, and dedicated onboarding.
https://www.saloninteractive.com/pricing

What is a Commission Boost and how do I get one?

The  Commissions Boost is an add-on to either subscription plan that provides a 5% boost to your existing commissions. It's a great way to make more money on the products your clients love to shop from your Online Store. What is a Commissions Boost and how do I get one?

Where do I find the link to share with my clients?    
How do I add my Online Store link to my website?  

Each website platform works differently, so there is no one answer to this question. However, here’s a starting point: How do I use my online store link on my website?

How do I add the link to my Online Store to Facebook?    
How do I add my store link to Instagram?  
How do I add the link to my store to Pinterest?    
Can I sell online before I add my bank?

You can sell online without adding your banking information. However, your weekly deposits will not happen until your banking information has been validated.

I am unable to log into my account.    
Where do I go to log onto my account?  
I cannot find my account verification email.    

Be sure to check your spam, junk, or promote folder, as these emails sometimes like to hide. Key in "SalonInteractive"  in your search bar. If you still can't find it, attempt to log back into SalonInteractive and click click Resend.

How can I customize my online store?

Use the Customize feature on your dashboard. How do I customize my online store?

Can I upload my own images to my online store?

You can change your header and category images using Unsplash, a stock image website.
How do I customize my online store headers?
How do I customize my online store category images?

Can I create my own color theme for my online store?

You can choose from one of 5 color themes: How do I customize my online store color theme?

Can I change the font for my online store?

Not at this time.

Can I add my booking or social media links to my online store?

Yes, you can external links to the footer of your store: How do I customize my online store footer?

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What are the most effective ways to promote my Online Store?  

Displaying QR codes in your salon, sending emails and texts, and posting on your social media channels are great ways to promote your Online Store. Here's an article that you may find helpful:  How do I create and use QR codes in my salon?

How does a QR code help me promote my Online Store?

A QR code gives your clients instant access to your online store from their phones. Here’s how to generate a QR code and what to do with it to help promote your Online Store How do I create and use QR codes in my salon?

What does it mean when my marketing permissions are turned on?

When your marketing permissions are turned on, that means that you are giving your chosen brands and distributors permission to send promotional emails to your clients on your behalf. How do I set marketing permissions and settings?

What is On Behalf marketing?

On Behalf Marketing is a powerful tool that helps you market your favorite products to your clients without lifting a finger. Learn more here What are the benefits of On-Behalf Marketing?

How much does On Behalf marketing cost?

On Behalf Marketing is free to use. To take advantage of the feature, simply upload your clients and turn on your marketing permissions for your favorite brands.

How do I know that my client information is safe with On Behalf Marketing?

Your client list is yours and yours alone. You can set your marketing permissions to allow distributors and brands to send marketing emails on your behalf, but they do not have direct access to your clients. Links in the emails lead directly to your Online Store.

How do I add clients to my account?  

You can find an easy tutorial here: How do I upload clients?

How do I add tags?  

Here’s a tutorial you may find helpful: How do I add tags?

What is Client Connect?

Client Connect is Salon Interactive's integrated email marketing platform where you can send automated emails to individual clients or mass emails to all or any part of your client list. Discover more: What is Client Connect and how do I get started?

Does email marketing really work?

Email is still one of the most engaging forms of communication and offers the highest retention and click-through rates. Client Connect email marketing users average an open rate of 48% versus the 18-25% industry standard.

How are automated emails different from regular email marketing?

Automated emails send communications to an individual client based on specific events. For example, you can send birthday greetings each year, remind clients when they are running low on products, and even thank them automatically for their online purchases. In contrast, regular email marketing is one communication sent to a list of your clients all at once.  What is Client Connect and how do I get started?

I understand that SalonInteractive offers automated email marketing, but I can't see it in Client Connect.  

Automated emails become available once Client Connect is activated. There are three types of automated emails available: birthday greetings, running low on product reminders, and thank yous for online orders.

For those accessing SalonInteractive through their POS software, more options are available, including drivebacks, due backs, and thank yous for new clients. Learn more about automated emails here: How do I set up Auto Email Campaigns?

I don't have time to create marketing emails from scratch. Are there templates I can use?    

Yes, we have a gallery of templates that you can choose from. Here's how to create a mass email using a template: How do I create a Mass Email campaign from a template?

How do I unsubscribe a client from my email marketing?

There are a couple of ways to unsubscribe clients from marketing emails: How do I manage unsubscribed clients?

How do I re-subscribe a client to my email marketing?

If one of your clients accidentally unsubscribed from your email marketing list, you can add them back in using this easy process: How do I resubscribe a client who unsubscribed?

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How can I view my Online Store?

Click the shopping cart on your dashboard: How do I view my online store?

Do I need a retail license to sell online?

Technically your online sales are made through SalonInteractive, so we collect and report the sales tax. You, therefore, do not need a retail license if you only sell through your Online Store.

What is the commission rate for salons?

Salons get a minimum of 25% of each sale without having to stock, ship, or pay for the products. However, you can increase your commission percentage with a Commission Boost subscription.

Should I pay a commission to my service providers when their clients purchase online?

It's completely up to you, as there are no set guidelines. If you do offer commissions, here's how to find how much you owe team members: Where do I view my commissions?

Where can I find how much I have sold online?

In your menu, go to eCommerce > Orders and follow these steps:  How do I track customer orders?

Where can I see which clients have made purchases?

View detailed information for your customer orders by going to eCommerce > Commissions in your menu. Learn more here: How do I track customer orders?

Where can I find the commission report?

To quickly see your commission totals and when they were sent to you, check out your Commissions page. In your menu, go to eCommerce > Commissions or follow along here: Where do I view my commissions?

View detailed information for your customer orders, including commissions earned by going to eCommerce > Commissions in your menu. Learn more here: How do I track customer orders?

What happens to my commissions if there is a return?

Commissions are paid based on completed transactions. And since returns are not complete transactions, unfortunately, commissions are not applicable. Any commissions already paid on returned orders will be recovered from commissions owed to you currently or for future sales.

What is the return policy for salon clients?

You can find the current return policy here: Return Policy - Online Client Purchases

How do Subscriptions work?

When your client is signed in and chooses a product, they will see the option to purchase that product the one time or as a subscription in 2-week to 6-month intervals. Your clients can edit their subscription at any time through their profile: https://saloninteractive.force.com/s/article/Product-Subscriptions

Can I change the order the brands display?

Not at this time, as your Online Store displays your brands alphabetically.

Do products on my Online Store ever become out of stock?

It is fairly rare, but some products may be temporarily out of stock. The brand or distributor is usually able to remedy their inventory pretty quickly.

If I can't find the answers I need, what do I do?

We are here to help. You can find the answers you need 24/7 on our Help Center. You can also reach out to our customer care experts at 312-300-0553 or email support@saloninteractive.com.

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Why do I need to add my banking information?    

In order to pay you commissions for any sales on SalonInteractive, you'll need to add your bank. All payments are electronic and go into the bank account of your choice. Add your bank by following these steps: How do I set up my bank account?

Is it safe to add my bank?

We currently use Plaid to safely verify and link your bank account to your Online Store, and Dwolla to seamlessly pay your commissions to your account. With this method, there are many ways in which a bank may opt to verify your account, all with easy-to-follow instructions that walk you through the process in real-time. How do I set up my bank account?

How do I add my bank information?  

There are many ways in which a bank may opt to verify your account, all with easy-to-follow instructions that walk you through the process in real-time. This is the best place to start if you bank online. How do I set up my bank account?

How do I add my bank if I do not bank online?

Grab your bank account number and bank routing number and follow these easy steps: What do I do if I don’t bank online?

What do I do if I can’t find my bank in the list?

Grab your bank account number and bank routing number and follow these easy steps: What do I do if I can’t find my bank?

Why am I being asked to sign in again and/or verify my email address at the banking setup step?  

There are two different types of logins. One for your account with SalonInteractive and another for Dwolla. We currently use Plaid to safely verify and link your bank account to your Online Store and Dwolla to seamlessly pay your commissions to your account. A requirement of both vendors is that you verify your email address on the SalonInteractive platform and access your bank through their application using one of several methods, each of which may require an additional login.

How and when do I get paid?

Commissions are deposited into your account every Friday for sales up through that Monday. How and when do I get paid?

How do I know when I make sales?

In addition to watching your sales on your benchmark dashboard, you can access all sales through your Online Store using the Orders report. How do I know if I made a sale?

How does shipping work if I have multiple distributors?

Under eCommerce > Commissions. Each deposit has a report attached.  Where do I view my commissions?

I have made sales online but have not been paid yet. Why?

Make sure you've added and validated your bank information so that we can pay you. How do I tell if my bank has been validated?

Can clients use their salon gift cards to make purchases on my Online Store?

At this time, SalonInteractive does not have an option for purchasing products with salon gift cards. However, we do take American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and Visa.

Does my salon need to report sales tax on sales through our Online Store?

For online sales, SalonInteractive handles the sales tax and reports it to the appropriate state/agency.

What do I do if I have a question about a commission payment?

Please call 312-300-0553 or email support@saloninteractive.com.

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