Value addition business ideas are the future for large and small-scale businesses. The Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) describes value addition as enhancing the value of something above its initial value. Value addition in business can be in the product/service, in the packaging, the delivery or in the after-sale service.
Let us assume you have the product or service ready and need strategies to boost the customer experience and give you an edge in the market. Here are a few value addition ideas to get you started.
Value Addition Business Ideas for a Fashion or Beauty Business
1. After-sale Care
Bridal wear shops are opening up on every street in the city. Give your customers a different experience by offering after-the-wedding laundry service for the gown. Which bride wants to store a dirty wedding dress?
2. Stylist on Call
Have a stylist in your store to assist customers who do not know what they want or need. A stylist is not the average salesperson we find in a boutique; a stylist understands fashion and probably has experience or professional training in fashion styling. That way, you can influence any customer who wants to walk out because they did not find something suitable. If your store is online, indicate you have a stylist available to chat with clients.
3. Free make-up Sessions
Treat your walk-in clients to a revolutionary make-up session as they make a purchase. Do not just have the samples on display for customers to try them on at will; have a professional assist in the make-up application process. The interaction between your staff and customers will differentiate your store from others that operate like cosmetics supermarkets.
4. Free Consultation
Attract new and potential customers by hiring a dermatologist to join your staff. Have this expert come in as a freelancer on specific days if your store cannot take in more full-time staff, and inform your clients about it while marketing your brand. It could create good social media buzz for your cosmetics shop.
5. Pack Related Products Together
For example, if you manufacture hair weaves, add a detangler or sheen in the package; if you manufacture lipstick, package it with a lip liner instead of selling these separately. Even retailers can make such practical packages. For instance, if you sell trousers, pair them with matching blouses and set a single price for both items.
6. Introduce Levels of Service
Introduce a reward or loyalty program that recognises loyal customers. For instance, start a Gold, Silver and Bronze card reward system for your salon, where a Gold Card holder enjoys a free massage every month. Alternatively, create a lounge in your spa and treat loyal customers to a cold or hot drink.
Or, treat a loyal customer to a free pedicure every time she gets her hair done in your salon. Once you decide how to want to reward customers, inform them about the levels of service and the benefits.
7. Follow-up Program for New Customers
Remarketing or retargeting is the future of marketing. Online, you can have a subscription form. On land, you can request customers for their phone numbers or email addresses. Do not gather contact information without asking the customer first. If you send messages and emails to sell, the customer will get bored and want out of your mailing list.
However, if the communication is engaging and you are interested in how the customer is doing, you develop a lasting relationship. For example, you could do a customer survey or call in a few customers for a group survey over a cup of tea.
8. Free Delivery
When buying online, customers want to know your delivery process. If the overall cost, including delivery, is more expensive than visiting a local store, you may lose clients.
9. Free Installation
It is one of the traditional after-sale services. If your business sells appliances such as spa equipment, hire an expert to install these for your customers. If you sell hair extensions and weaves, have a hair stylist on call to assist your customers.
10. Offer Insider Data to resellers
Whether you are a clothing wholesaler, a hair accessories distributor or a spa equipment store owner, customer data accumulates over time. For example, if you sell mitumba as a wholesaler, you know which items are popular with retailers. If you sell cosmetics, you know which brands are popular.
Gather such information and offer advice to resellers who buy from you. That way, there will be a significant difference between you and another wholesaler who is only interested in selling and not in the growth of resellers’ businesses. Remember, when resellers grow, your business grows too.
In conclusion, with such value addition business ideas, you differentiate your brand from everything else in the market.
