plaza.aestheticiangroup
- Location: Central CA US
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Plaza Skin Care, Copperopolis, CA
Backbar product philosophy
My philosophy on retail products
With well over a decade in the business, I have found private label (PL) to offer the greatest
variety, best value, and to be the most profitable products that I have used. All this without sacrificing quality and efficacy. What more could you ask for?
My basic products (cleansers, moisturizers, peptides, some hydroxys, acne products, vitamin C, sunscreens and body lotions) are PL. I currently cherry pick from 3 different lines but am anxious to cut that down to 2.
I carry a few branded items like vitamin A (Afirm in 3 concentrations), several different formulations of hydroxys from DCL and Visual Changes, and tyrosinase inhibitors from Vivant.
The perception that PL products are somehow inferior is prevalent. I was told that on several occasions by the company reps of a well-known branded product that I used in school and carried in my skin care business. I remained a loyal stockist for several years until I decided to look at PL products a bit more closely.
Sure, the branded companies will tell you that you can make a 100% markup - but that is in fact, not the case.
When you figure in the cost of shipping and handling and if you are paying commission to employees, you are far from making that percentage.
Many estheticians are reluctant to let go of their branded lines for fear that they will lose sales. If you feel this way but are considering get out from under the squeeze of a branded line, contact a PL company that interests you and sample several products in their line(s).
When I made the switch about 5 yrs ago, I gave my clients products to try (at no charge) in exchange for their honest feedback. This input was invaluable to me when I was making decisions regarding product choices. To this day, when considering a new product, I always involve my clients.
Retail is a an integral part of my bottom line. I strive for no less than a 2:1 sales to service ratio. I firmly believe that choosing retail products is one of the most critical decisions that you will make in running your business.
My basic products (cleansers, moisturizers, peptides, some hydroxys, acne products, vitamin C, sunscreens and body lotions) are PL. I currently cherry pick from 3 different lines but am anxious to cut that down to 2.
I carry a few branded items like vitamin A (Afirm in 3 concentrations), several different formulations of hydroxys from DCL and Visual Changes, and tyrosinase inhibitors from Vivant.
The perception that PL products are somehow inferior is prevalent. I was told that on several occasions by the company reps of a well-known branded product that I used in school and carried in my skin care business. I remained a loyal stockist for several years until I decided to look at PL products a bit more closely.
Sure, the branded companies will tell you that you can make a 100% markup - but that is in fact, not the case.
When you figure in the cost of shipping and handling and if you are paying commission to employees, you are far from making that percentage.
Many estheticians are reluctant to let go of their branded lines for fear that they will lose sales. If you feel this way but are considering get out from under the squeeze of a branded line, contact a PL company that interests you and sample several products in their line(s).
When I made the switch about 5 yrs ago, I gave my clients products to try (at no charge) in exchange for their honest feedback. This input was invaluable to me when I was making decisions regarding product choices. To this day, when considering a new product, I always involve my clients.
Retail is a an integral part of my bottom line. I strive for no less than a 2:1 sales to service ratio. I firmly believe that choosing retail products is one of the most critical decisions that you will make in running your business.
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04/24/10
khskincare
06/20/09
I don't post publicly on the board, but I thought I would answer your questions. I've been managing physicians offices since 1986......in my own business. I'll respond not just to you, but any other readers.
I know that some of you are RNs, but what I'm interested in knowing is if any of you are LVN/LPNs working in esthetics. Is anyone a Medical Assistant?
LVN = licensed vocational nurse; LPN = licensed practical nurse. The state determines what verbage they recognize and what the license states. LVN is recognized in Texas, LPN is recognized in Maryland. There is no licensure for Medical Assistant. There is a "certification" but no licensure. An esthetician who wants to become a certified medical assistant is going backward (career wise) in my opinion. Estheticians in a derm or plastic setting are much more high regarded professionals than medical assistants.
If you are, what procedures are you performing?
According to my research in our state (MD), an LPN can *never* work independently, which means they can only be delegated to by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and must be employed. In Maryland, an RN can work independently - and, if already a licensed esthetician - can expand their services to "Category F" (as defined by the Maryland Board of Nursing) - which includes microdermabrasion and stronger peels (less than 3.0 pH).
Is anyone going to school to get a nursing certificate, diploma or degree?
I am currently taking two algebra courses this summer (repeats of courses I took in 1993 for my first degree in management). If I pass (again), I can take the next level algebra for the nursing degree in the fall. If I pass that, then I can apply for the RN program (have applied twice and accepted twice, but had to decline). I will have 6 courses to take in succession (no summers) and I will be able to sit for NCLEX exam for nursing to get my RN licensure. Prediction date is Spring 2012 if accepted (courses have to be taken in succession). When licensed, I can be *employed* (supervised and delegated to) by an MD to perform laser (it's a different categorized service in the scope of practice for an RN in MD). I just don't have any interest in it, nor do I want to be employed.
Has anyone, and I understand that some/most/all of the following will only train licensed RNs//VNs/PNs, MDs, PAs, NPs. Has anyone gone to:Aesthetic Enhancement Inst. in FL, Esthetic Skin Inst., National Laser Inst. in Scottsdale?
In my opinion, which usually isn't popular on esthetic discussion boards, laser training is futile for estheticians - unless the following are 'true':
-The esthetician has written proof of their scope of practice that laser services are appropriate under their license in the state they practice and have liability insurance to cover it.
-The esthetician holds a nursing degree that specifically states the category of work that also includes the use of a laser device.
I understand that the Dallas Advanced Medical Aesthetics in Dallas (?) is open to estheticians.
This may a subject of interest to many.
This is a bit of a misnomber......I've hired many people in the medical setting in my years of work. If I had 2 estheticians applying for a job in my practice (derm or plastic) and one of them had a certificate of training from a medical esthetics course, I would think........"mmm, this might be good - this person has acquired some elevated skills......" however, I would have both estheticians in for the interview. The reason? Because - first impressions are everything. Since the state des not demand that my business hire a 'licensed medical esthetician' (there is no such animal) I would want to interview both. And then again, their "medical" training would have to pass my scrutiny.
Plaza: if you are writing an article, or trying to make a career decision (or trying to help someone else), they can write me at karenhurley@comcast.net or call (301) 509-5299 and I'll be happy to clarify any information. Also - until states recognize "licensed medical esthetician" (and what board would cover that????) - we are all pissing in the wind.
It just goes to recognition........will taking the step to gain a certificate make a difference in employment or notoriety? It is unfortunate that the medically-trained esthetician is not a recognized provider of services to the public, nor to future employers - unless the geographic area has a reputation for it <---------this is the key element.
I could open a medical esthetics training program here if I wanted to.......but, what will I do as a school to promote my graduates to medical facilities? And, what will I do to promote that medically trained estheticians are better suited in a medical office than one that has not been trained?
And......how do I get that through the cosmetology board and recognized when 'medically-trained' has no "board?"
Hope this helps,
Karen
Chessa13
06/02/09
Would you happen to be Plaza from sbb as well? =)
~Chessa
glowskin
02/17/09
Plaza
thank you so much for your response. May I ask your inputs about vivant vs. Affirm Vit. A?
which one is better? I think Vivant is pretty pricey. I already carried Vivant, but switched to Careplus, very compatible to Vivant.
But I would like to understand whether Affirm is better or more result oriented than vivant Vit. A?
If so, could you provide me with the rep. of Affirm? I cannot find it on the web.
By the way, careplus has 10% glycolic acid, no minimum. But, they don't carry 5% glycolic. That is I am looking for a hole to fill since for some clients starting at 10% is a little strong.
Your inputs are much appreciated.
Glowskin
glowskin
02/11/09
I am looking for glycolic gel 5% for a long time.. could you give me your representative contact ? do they have a minimum order?
I am also looking for a Vit A result oriented line, thank you for sharing. It would be helpful if you could email me the contact information.
my email address: liftnglow@yahoo.com
thanks glowskin
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