Doctor Direct

Let's face it; we're all tightening our belts and purse strings these days. With the dramatic changes in the stock market, declining home values and retirement plans, and huge government bailouts, I know very few people who aren't more cautious about how they spend their discretionary dollars. With that in mind however, I'm convinced there is one thing many consumers realize – it's a buyers market.

My e-mail is flooded with 40 percent off coupons to my favorite clothing stores, and closeout price promotions at huge retailers. I admit, I love these deals and coupons, and I will ultimately spend dollars on these items because I feel I'm getting a good value on products that aren't a necessity for me. The bad part is my perception that anything marked at full value may be a ridiculous waste of money. Based on this, you may ask yourself, what does this mean for my practice and me?

It means that no matter how much it makes you cringe, now is the time to give package deals, discounts and promotions. You don't necessarily have to give HUGE discounts to make an impact. You need to make your clientele feel as though they are getting a good deal.
Here are a few ways to utilize your spa services to keep your appointments full and actually grow your practice during an economic downturn.

1.) Market Ancillary Procedures: If you're sending out direct mail or running TV spots promoting surgical procedures, I can almost guarantee you're not getting good results right now. As invasive procedures are declining, non-surgical procedures such as BOTOX, microdermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing continue to thrive. Consumers are holding off on the $5,000 procedure but are willing to spend $150 on a chemical peel or $300 on a filler treatment. While I know these aren't always your ideal new customers, they do create recurring revenue and keep your practice busy and growing during down times. The best way to market these procedures is with database marketing, e-mail blasts to your database and targeted direct mail. Radio could also be a good option depending on your market size.

2.) Packages: People swarm to buying in bulk to get a great deal. I like to refer to it as the "Sam's Club Effect" that makes us all think it's a great idea to buy six containers of mayonnaise and store it in order to save $3. The same idea holds true for spa services. Packages such as buy one microdermabrasion and get a facial half price, or buy three laser treatments and get the fourth free, are great for your practice and your clientele. The customer feels like they're getting a great deal and you ensure you have a person coming in at least two, three or four times and they're paid upfront. Again, the best way to market these services are through database marketing with e-mail or postcards and targeted direct mail. With your extra postcards you can deliver them to the businesses in your building or neighborhood!

3.) Special Filler Days: The dermal filler business is doing very well right now. Make sure you're practice is seeing growth in this area, too. Offer your patients a special day each month where they can get a discount on BOTOX or any of the fillers. You can also host special "bring a friend" parties in your office and invite your database to come and enjoy snacks and a special discount on their preferred filler. It's a great way to get people into your practice and it's less intimidating if they can bring a friend. Your perk is you get two patients for the price of one!


I hope some of these ideas are helpful for your practice. I have lots of ideas to help your practice grow and succeed, so feel free to call or e-mail me! We have all of the products you need to market any or all of your services, both internally and externally.


Abby Brookover
Doctor Direct
abbyb@doctordirectonline.com

Doctor Direct is happy to introduce lower quantities in our custom brochures and folders. Now you can have a completely custom look without breaking the bank. You can choose your topics and we'll design a completely new brochure or folder that only your practice will have.

From now until May 15th, we're offering a special introductory offer on our custom folders and tri-folds now available in smaller quantities.

Order any quantity of brochure or pocket folder and receive 15% off. If you order folders and brochures together, get 20% off!

Fully Custom Brochure Pricing:
100 = $200 250 = $325 500 = $600 750 = $825 1,000 = $940 2,500 = $1,600

Fully Custom Pocket Folder Pricing:
250 = $1,200 500 = $1,450 1,000 = $1,950 2,500 = $3,125

Recieve $50 off your order when you mention this email and code: DDO-190-07. Call Today! This offer ends 6/1/2009. Offer redeemable for all products or services excluding direct mail. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Call (877) 721-2525 or e-mail Abby at abbyb@doctordirectonline.com to order any of our products!