“Operating Supplies came in over budget due to the purchase of large quantities of guest amenities needed to replenish lagging par levels. This includes the purchase of new robes (including XXL robes per guest requests), new slippers, and new shower and vanity amenities for a total of nearly$8000.00. This supply should last well over the next six months with adequate controls being put in place to reduce theft that we have seen in the past.”

The quotes above were taking from a spa directors monthly report.  Wow, you mean they steal the robes? You are kidding?  And, 2nd WOW–it is only going to last six months?  No, it is a reality of operating a spa, that you must have sufficient par level to operate and you will have shrinkage due to theft.  When you are budgeting for next year, we must remember to allow for the purchase of operating supplies. 

It is very easy to think of robes and slippers as a one time opening a spa expense, but as the years go by, the robes, towels, slippers, cradle covers, sheets–they don’t all disappear due to theft, but you should budget for the shrinkage.  One financial spa consultant advises that after year one, you should budget 20% in year 1, 30% in year 2, and 50% in year 3 for investment into operating supplies.  Whatever your financial plans, don’t let your operating supply expenses nip your budget.

When you are training your front spa concierges, they need to know everything about the spa–from the front of the house to the back of the house.  What happens when you train your therapists-do they also know all the spa facts?  How many treatment rooms?  What is a detox seaweed?  Do we do up-dos?  What happens at one of those all-day spa days?  Do we have gift cards?  The questions can go on forever, but the first question–do you know your spa?  The easy answer is going to be no.

Who are the best ambassadors of your spa?  You (owner, manager, director) and your staff.  Put together a little pop quiz for your next monthly meeting.  Find out who really knows the spa, then review your little quiz, so that everyone has the same information.  It is amazing how much your staff will tell the clients when they know the facts.    I just love overhearing from a nail tech–”Did you ever have that seaweed body treatment–it is divine”