Why having add-on services is smart
I know you absolutely LOVE doing lashes! Maybe you’re an esthetician and love doing facials. Have you considered that by NOT having small add-on services, you may be leaving income on the table? Your “main” service(s) are what brought your clients in the door, but trust me, they want more! Add-on services can be anything from a lip wax, brow wax, pre-appointment lash bath, a serum, hydrating mask and more! Clients want a one-stop place to get lashes & brows done, or an esthetician to go get that monthly facial plus an added upsell service like a dermaplane. I’ve seen first-hand how having small add-on services can not only elevate your client experience and set you apart, but also put more cash in your bank account!
This blog post is going to cover three areas in why having add-on services is SMART! I’m going to cover:
1. What Are Add-On Services
2. Benefits of Offering Add-On Services
3. Tips for Implementing Add-On Services
If you’re looking for ways to bring in more income without bringing in new clients, keep reading!
1. What Are Add-On Services?
Add-on services are quick services or products that can be included in a clients normally scheduling appointment without taking too much extra time. Examples of a “product based add-on” could be a lip or brow mask or a lash serum. Other examples could include a scalp/hand massage, mini brow makeover or a simple brow wax. Again, the idea is for them to be quick to perform and low effort on your end. Think, “what would make a client say “yes”?” If its going to add 30 minutes to an hour, that’s not a quick add-on service. Ideally, anything that can be done simultaneously or a quick 15 min after their core service.
2. Benefits of Offering Add-On Services
Offering add-on services is one of the most effective and low-effort ways to grow your income as a beauty professional. These mini-upgrades take little time but can significantly increase your revenue per appointment. Instead of relying solely on booking more clients (which can lead to burnout), you’re maximizing the value of each session. It’s smart business.
But the benefits go beyond money. Add-ons create a more elevated and customized client experience. Clients feel like they’re getting VIP treatment when you offer something “extra,” especially when it’s tailored to their needs. This extra layer of care makes your service memorable and makes clients more likely to return—and more likely to rave about you to others. It also gives you a chance to introduce clients to new treatments or retail products in a natural, non-pushy way. Over time, these small moments of added value build trust, authority, and loyalty—making you not just a service provider, but a go-to expert in your niche. Do a little research for yourself on these few points in how beneficial add-on services can be:
Increased Revenue Without More Appointments
Price stacking // Upselling add-ons boosts income without requiring more clients or time slots
2. Enhanced Client Experience
Clients feel pampered and catered to // Small touches lead to higher satisfaction and loyalty
3. Stand Out in a Crowded Market
Unique, thoughtful add-ons differentiate your brand // Helps create memorable experiences that lead to word-of-mouth referrals
4. Encourages Product or Service Education
Great opportunity to introduce clients to products or new services // Builds trust and positions you as an expert
5. Boosts Rebooking and Long-Term Loyalty
Add-ons can lead to conversations about future appointments or service upgrades // Clients often come back wanting the same “little extras”
3. Tips for Implementing Add-On Services
When introducing add-on services into your beauty business, it’s important to start simple, yet strategic. Begin with one or two add-ons that naturally complement your core services. For example, if you're a lash artist, consider offering a lip mask or a brow tint. If you're a hairstylist, a scalp massage or deep-conditioning treatment can be a great start. These services should be quick to perform, require minimal extra product, and not disrupt your existing schedule. The goal is to increase value and revenue without overcomplicating your schedule.
Be sure to educate yourself on how to present these add-ons without sounding pushy. Think of it as offering a personalized upgrade rather than a hard sell. A simple phrase like, “Would you like to add a hydrating lip mask while your lashes set?” feels more like a luxury invitation than a sales pitch. Position the add-on as a benefit to the client— whether it increases comfort or adds a pampering touch.
Make sure your clients know these extras are available! Include them on your booking site as optional add-ons, highlight them in your social media content, and feature them on signage or menus in your space.
Finally, always consider the cost and time-efficiency of your add-ons. They should fit seamlessly into your current appointments and not require major investments in tools or training. When done right, add-on services are a low-risk, high-reward way to elevate your brand, boost your income, and increase client satisfaction—all without needing to book more appointments.
In conclusion, I encourage you to find some ways to add extra value to what you’re already doing! You are bringing in and keeping clients, so why not focus on getting a higher ticket out of an existing client, rather than put focus on finding an entirely new client. Remember, add-on services not only bring in more income, but it will help contribute to your overall client experience and set you apart in the industry. Find one add-on you’d like to implement and do that this month!
