Tag: consumer

Beauty Industry Entrepreneurs, who supports them?

~ Joseph Kellner

Beautiful Lies

You know what is amazing in my industry you can tell the “sheepple” the truth about their industry but they are still sheep. There are a lot of followers in my industry but the people I highlight in my film are true entrepreneurs. They are trying to make a difference within their profession. The manufacturers, so-called organizations, industry websites and magazines go ahead and advertise the (Icons) of the  beauty industry. Don’t get me wrong I love my craft, but the people they advertise as “Icons” are the ones who are doing the brain washing for the financial pyramid, within my industry. I always tell my friends or they ask me, Why do you make these films? There is no money in it!. Or I love this one, You will never make a name for yourself in this industry. I am not looking to be in an beauty industry magazine or website, etc. I follow my own path. God said to us all, “Follow the path less traveled”. And it is true, you have to be your own man or person in this world. And the main moral or value to this is, “Do what you feel is right”.  I have never been a follower in my life, I have my own business (Salon), and I enjoy writing and making Documentary’s.

I am not the best, but I learn from my prior mistakes and enjoy critics.

In my industry the major manufacturers sell to the commercial sector which is basically the consumer.. There was a time when all good hair care products, hair color, hair color treatments were done in the salon and sold only in the salon. This gave our profession more value more respect. But with the birth of the internet. Beauty manufacturers gave notice and realized that they could also sell their products and hair color to the world with little or no expense. Just build a web page and purchase a domain that has nothing to do with the parent company and sell and give next day delivery to the consumer. Little did they know how bad of a hurting they have done to my beauty industry.  Now in the year 2013 you can buy hair color, treatments and such on the internet. And these are the same products that are used in hair salons all over the United States. Yes even the hair color can be bought on the internet and delivered next day to the consumer. Even the keratin treatments can be bought on the internet. So as time went by little did they know (Major Manufacturers) were putting a hurting on my industry. The economy in the U.S is horrible now and clients will say to you I am living up north for a few months can I get my formula. And the hairdresser will give it to them, only to find out they never see them again. They now have the formula and can do it at home. So many professionals will give the manufacturer their loyalty, and there undivided devotion and purchase hair color, etc. from them.  But at the same time knowing the manufacturers make a hair color for the commercial sector to buy.  L’Oreal, Clairol, you name it. So where is the exclusive from the manufacturer to the salon owner or professional? Why would a salon professional buy from a manufacturer and basically they are competing for business with the manufacturer!

Where is the Manufacturer Loyalty?

There is none. And the sad thing about it is the so-called professionals will back up these manufacturers. They don’t realize that putting up a sign on the salon window from L’Oreal, Paul Mitchell, Clairol, that are giving the company free advertising. And they will carry these lines even though they are sold in the mass market. You are in competition with the manufacturer wake up everyone!

Some industry professionals make their own product lines, books, films, makeup etc. These entrepreneurs feel why not put the money in their own pockets instead of supporting the financial pyramid in the cosmetic industry. But it is hard for them to start-up. In an industry dominated by major manufacturers. The manufacturers can buy the movie stars,  do mass marketing etc. Which takes money, money, money. The entrepreneur will either formulate or private label the product line and then finish it. And hopefully will have the finances placed aside for marketing. A lot of entrepreneurs will do it in there local. Which will save on shipping for them.  Business is Business, I accept that. But in my beauty industry, magazines, websites, hair shows will go to the major manufacturers and have them buy advertising space, booth space at their hair shows at monumental prices. The magazines, websites, hair shows do that and charge them. Knowing they can pay that kind of money. The entrepreneur cannot do that.  And those funds sustain the beauty magazines, websites, hair shows. If they did not charge those fee’s they would not have their websites or magazine. Major manufacturers will also pay the magazines, and websites hair color or products’ in place of cash for their payment. The beauty industry magazine’s and websites will go ahead and sell those products’ online to get their money back for the advertising bought by the manufacturer. Believe in what I say soap in this industry is GOLD. An entrepreneur cannot do that so basically who is giving the small guy in the industry a bone? They learn to network together. They follow like-minded people and they blossom. Believe me not to the extent of the “Big Boys”. Because the major manufacturers will keep an eye on them!

Should we not be advertising the new in my professional or keep up feeding the Major Manufacturers who place chemical that are harmful in out products. They are kings of deceptive marketing. And they know how to stretch the law. No worry’s for them. If they get fined by OSHA, or the FDA. It will not even be penny’s to them.  So where does the little guy come in? They cannot afford the fee’s for advertising in an industry magazine on a consistent basis, hair show fee’s are huge, and industry websites only back the big boys on the beauty/ cosmetic industry. Rolling out a spread in an industry magazine for a few months can be the total amount of finances an entrepreneur has for the year. The entrepreneur is done after that. Time to hit the pavement and go door to door.

It’s all a big money pit for everyone except for the little guy (Entrepreneur) in the beauty industry.  They have to tooth and claw for what little they have in my industry.  God forbid you piss off the Big Boys they will stop financing the magazines and hair shows. Then what will we have, I can tell you a true beauty industry. Forget about it. It’s a money pyramid, not even the beauty industry’s so-called organizations could even have the slightest clue. If you look at the PBA most of the board are from manufacturers.  There too busy buying up hair shows and asking for financial help from the Big Boys so they can sustain themselves. They should teach in beauty school how to be your own man. The  entrepreneurs are scattering for the meager pieces of cheese that drop down from the top. And the sad thing about this is the industry professionals are the sheeple in an industry that rapes them each and everyday! They are mere salesmen and women for the Big Boys.

Ask yourself, “Who really is the ASSHOLE, the Manufacturer, Website or Industry magazine.  Who advertise these Big Boys who are sticking it up your ASS each and everyday.

Or is it the Asshole who makes the films to let you know who really is concerned about you.

So tell me who is really the asshole here.?

God forbid we stand up for the right things in our profession.

Best Regards Joseph Kellner

Real Hair Truth L’Oreal to Shelve ‘Salon Only’ Tag for Products!

~ Joseph Kellner

WASHINGTON (CN) – L’Oreal can settle false advertising claims over supposedly salon-only products that are sold in stores by changing its labels, a federal judge ruled.
Alexis Richardson had led a class against the cosmetics company on behalf of consumers who purchased L’Oreal’s Matrix Biolage, Redken, Kerastase and Pureology products after August 30, 2008.
The April 2013 complaint alleged that L’Oreal deceptively labeled the products as “available only in salons” while nevertheless stocking them in Target, Kmart and other non-salon retail establishments.
“Plaintiffs allege that the salon-only label implies a superior quality product and builds a cachet that allows L’Oréal to demand a premium price,” according to the settlement-approval ruling filed Thursday.
The plaintiffs had filed the suit in Washington, D.C., after resolving related claims from an earlier action in the Northern District of California.
“In the course of those negotiations, L’Oréal provided plaintiffs with extensive documents and information relating to its anti-diversion and labeling practices,” U.S. District Judge John Bates wrote.
“But plaintiffs allege that, despite L’Orèal’s efforts, the products are available in non-salon establishments, and argue that L’Orèal’s labeling and advertising for these products is hence deceptive and misleading.”
As part of the settlement, class representatives can petition for no more than $1,000 each, and L’Oréal will pay up to $950,000 in attorney fees, costs and expenses. The settlement otherwise provides only injunctive relief.
In his approval order, Bates explained the class’s reasons for not trying to certify a damages class.
“First, assessing the value of the salon-only claims to consumers would be difficult, and L’Oréal has never attempted to do so,” the ruling states. “Second, assessing damages on a class-wide basis would be even more difficult – the information provided during the negotiation process revealed substantial price variations among retailers and in different regions, and indicated that non-salon retailers often sell the products at a lower price than do salon retailers, making damages to those purchasing the product in non-salon establishments difficult to analyze.”
Bates said he would defer to counsel’s assessment.
“And class members will retain their right to seek damages in individual actions, dispelling many concerns about foregone payments,” he added. “In these circumstances, an equitable-relief-only settlement may be approved.”
If the settlement wins final approval, L’Oreal will remove the “salon only” label from all of its U.S. advertising and labeling on products distributed in the states.
It will also discontinue manufacturing the labels for its U.S. products, and it will remove the “salon-only” claims from its websites and from any promotion materials.
Both parties have agreed to publish legal notices in USA Today for one week, referring class members to a website that contains a copy of the proposed agreement. Any objections to the settlement must be filed before the Fairness Hearing on October 11, 2013, when the final settlement will be approved.  It seems L’Oreal will get off easy for all the damages they have done to the so-called professional beauty industry.  Their anti- diversion rhetoric is a bunch of bullshit. And always has been.  Too late, Too little the damage has already been done!

Loreal buys up – Emiliani Enterprises and Urban Decay Real Hair Truth!

~ Joseph Kellner

 

French cosmetics giant L’Oreal S.A. (OR.FR)  reached an agreement to buy U.S.-based Emiliani Enterprises, a professional distribution business, for an undisclosed amount. Emiliani Enterprises established in the metropolitan New York area, New Jersey and Connecticut,  supplies hair salons through a network of representatives and sales outlets open only to professionals. Which wont last to long since L’Oreal acquired the company, L’Oreal USA will extend its distribution in the U.S., which now covers 48 states in the U.S. out of 50. And as for Urban Decay, created in 1996 by make-up expert Wende Zomnir, has built a reputation based on the concept of beauty with an edge and values of femininity and irreverence. The line has star products in the eye category such as the Naked Palette and recently successfully launched its new foundation, the Naked Skin weightless liquid make-up. Urban Decay is popular among the youthful highly-involved cutting-edge consumers who are attracted by the fashion-forward image of the brand. The market for make-up specialist brands represents 44% of the luxury make-up market in the US. In the fiscal year ended in June 2012, Urban Decay recorded net sales of 130 million US dollars. Urban Decay is distributed in the key assisted self-service channel which includes among others Ulta and Sephora. Which does not tell you much since everything and anything can be purchased in Ulta.

L’Oréal USA, headquartered in New York City, with 2011 sales of over $5.1 billion and 9,800 employees, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L’Oréal SA, the world’s leading beauty company. In addition to corporate headquarters in New York, L’Oréal USA has Research and Innovation, Manufacturing and Distribution facilities across seven states, including New Jersey, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Texas and Washington.  L’Oréal’s impressive portfolio of brands includes Lancôme, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Viktor & Rolf, Diesel, Cacharel, Clarisonic, L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Vichy, La Roche-Posay, L’Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase and Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Maybelline New York, Soft-Sheen.Carson, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, essie Cosmetics, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, Matrix, Mizani, Pureology, SkinCeuticals and Dermablend. Basically your typical drug store shit. I will guarantee you more and more so called professional haircare products will show up on the commercial sectore of the consumer market.

Holiday Trends for the Salon Industry!

~ Joseph Kellner

THE REAL HAIR TRUTH.COM

 

What you can expect this holiday shopping season

It’s hard to believe that it’s already time to start holiday shopping. According to the recent National Retail Federation’s 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, it looks like the early bird may get the only worm. The survey, conducted by BIGresearch, found that consumers are aggressively looking for bargains this year. In addition, retailers are greatly cutting back on their inventory due to weak demand. In other words, it’s going to be a push-and-pull battle between retailers and consumers.

The main reason Americans still feel affected by the recession is due to the high unemployment rates. When those begin to go down, Americans’ spending will be less uncertain.

The second trend indicates that it’s really all about the economy. As a result of the lingering down economy, consumer behavior is changing. This year, consumers will shop more at discount and even thrift stores. They will also give joint gifts as well as make gifts to give.

The third development that stands out this year is that sales and promotions are king. Traditionally, many consumers wait until the last minute to get the best deals. This year however, they might miss out since retailers are keeping much smaller inventories. Retailers advise consumers to take advantage of the early promotions this season.

Fourthly, pay attention to payment methods. Over the past year, consumers have begun paying more with cash, checks, and debit cards instead of credit cards. This trend might increase even more as a result of newly instituted credit card fees.

Fifthly, remember that it’s the thought that counts. Since consumers are cutting back on their holiday budgets, that old saying will likely be used quite frequently this year. Greeting cards is one area that the survey found was not being greatly affected. Some consumers are expected to replace a gift with a greeting card.

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Customer Service? You Tell Me

~ Joseph Kellner

JOSEPHKELLNER "THE REAL HAIR TRUTH"

If they are not trying to sell you something while you are TRYING to enjoy your hair getting done, they are over-charging you to dry your hair? It cost $50 dollars to DRY your hair AFTER you have already paid $120 for partial hi-lights and $90 for single color and $10 for some color sealer and $30 for some conditioner that you had no idea cost anything when they washed your hair. I mean, after shampoo does come conditioner..right? And shouldn’t they dry your hair to make sure they colored it right? Why should I have to pay for them to check their work? And forget it if they had to use a toner. You get to pay $70 dollars if you want your haircut. Add it up…All this and you get to wait for four hours to get it all done….and then they try to sell you stuff again! Fell for this for over a year and learned that there are not only better stylists out there but kinder and more reasonably priced ones, who haven’t forgotten that Customer Service is an art and valuable, and it’s about fairness in pricing (you are not remodeling my kitchen, just doing my hair) kindness and hair styling…I rather would not feel like I just ended up on a used car lot and pressured to pay for things I don’t want. I believe that this will be the downfall of this salon. Talent can only go so far when you are asking your clients to pay for your personal gain. I, personally, like to donate to more lasting and meaningful charities. Good luck, and keep looking. I don’t mind spending money; I just don’t like feeling like I am getting taken advantage of..every single time I go in. I fell for it but you don’t have to.
Underserving Consumer

If you were raised with basic good manners and along the way ever joined a service group, like the scouts or 4-H, then you’ve got the groundwork for providing great customer service. The foundation you need is one of courtesy, caring, willingness to serve, and an attitude that lets your customers know that you they matter-and that you care. There are skills and technologies that can help you put it all into practice, but don’t get your head turned by all the whiz-bang tools that are out there. Great customer service has its basis in good manners. See? Mom was right.
These days it is fashionable for companies to refer to customer service as “customer retention,” but that can lead to backwards thinking. To retain a customer, simply serve him and do it well. If you focus on retention you’ll miss what is important, which is the customer and his or her needs.
But here’s the opportunity. An unhappy customer will become a loyal consumer if you fix his complaint and do it quickly. Eighty percent (80%) of these folks will come back to you if you’ve treated them fairly. That percentage rises to the upper 90s if you respond immediately. Every day you have the chance to transform your mistakes into returning customers — the kind who will tell other people good things about you. Imagine that.
This Review was written by a consumer, who visited a salon in Orlando call ALEXANDER HAIRDRESSING.

www.josephkellner.com