Budgeting for lash tech supplies: How to save while stocking up?

As a lash artist or lash salon owner, ensuring that you have all the necessary supplies is essential for providing top-quality service to your clients. But, how can you make sure you’re not overspending on products, while still save your budget while stocking up?

In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies for budgeting your lash tech supplies and provide you with actionable tips on how to save money while stocking up on everything you need.  By the end, you’ll be able to create a budget that works for your business, helping you increase profits without compromising on quality.

Why budgeting for lash tech supplies matters?

Running a successful lash business involves more than just offering amazing services—it requires smart financial planning. By budgeting for your lash supplies, you can ensure that you never run out of stock, avoid impulse buys, and most importantly, maintain your profit margins.

• Maintaining profit margins

If you don’t track your lash supply spending, it can lead to overspending on essential products. Buying supplies at retail prices, or worse, running out of stock and needing to buy at last-minute retail prices, can dramatically eat into your profits. By setting up a solid budget, you can purchase lash tech supplies at wholesale prices and save money, ultimately keeping your profit margins healthy.

• Preventing waste

Lash tech supplies, especially adhesives and tools, can become expensive if they’re not used correctly. Over-ordering or buying in bulk without understanding how quickly your products are used could lead to waste. Budgeting helps you assess your needs more accurately, ensuring you order the right amount and avoid unnecessary purchases.

• Planning for growth

As your business grows, so does the need for supplies. A well-planned budget not only helps you manage your current needs but also allows you to plan for the future. Knowing when to order larger quantities or plan for special promotions will ensure that you don’t have to scramble for lash tech supplies during peak seasons.

How often should you stock up on lash tech supplies?

Let’s explore different strategies to help you determine the best restocking schedule for your needs.

• Stock every 2-3 months:
  If you have a steady customer base or can predict your customer volume in the upcoming months, stocking up every 2-3 months can be a smart choice. This helps you save on shipping costs and take advantage of bulk pricing offers from your suppliers. By ordering in larger quantities, you can reduce the price per unit and keep your inventory well-stocked.
• Stock before peak seasons (every 6 months):
  If you know that holidays (like Christmas, New Year, summer festivals, etc.) or other special occasions will bring higher demand, you can stock up before these peak seasons, around every 6 months. This way, you can purchase enough supplies to cover the busy period from the start of the holiday season until the end of the vacation period. It helps you avoid the stress of running out of stock during peak times.
• Stock based on special demand:
  If you notice that customer preferences change seasonally (e.g., lighter lashes in the summer, thicker lashes in the winter), you can adjust your stocking schedule and quantities accordingly. By staying flexible with your inventory, you can meet customer demands at different times of the year, ensuring you’re always prepared for seasonal trends.

How to save while stocking up?

Let’s dive into the practical steps you can take to budget effectively for your lash tech supplies.

1. Understand wholesale vs. retail pricing

One of the most effective ways to save money is by purchasing lash tech supplies wholesale. We recommend placing wholesale orders and stocking up for up to 2-3 months at a time. Wholesale prices are significantly cheaper than retail, and you can stock up in bulk, which reduces the price per item. Buying in bulk allows you to take advantage of:

• Discounted prices: Wholesale suppliers usually offer a significant discount when you buy larger quantities.
• Free or discounted shipping: Many wholesalers offer free or discounted shipping for bulk orders, reducing your overall cost.
• Long-term savings: Though the upfront cost may seem high, buying in bulk saves you money in the long run, especially for fast-moving products like lash extensions and adhesives.
• Free samples: Reliable wholesalers will offer free samples of new or featured products for free.This can help you assess whether the products meet your standards before stocking them for your clients.

Finding a reputable wholesale supplier is key. You’ll want to look for suppliers who offer high-quality products that align with your brand, provide bulk pricing and discounts, offer fast, reliable shipping, and have positive customer reviews. Researching your suppliers carefully will ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

Read more: Benefits of buying eyelash extensions wholesale

2. Calculate your usage

Before you can set a budget, you need to know what supplies you’ll be using regularly. Take stock of what you need and when it will be used. Track your usage of each supply over the course of a month, or if you decide to place a larger order, you should track your usage over a few months to get a better understanding of how much you go through during a given period.

How many lash trays, bottles of adhesive, or packs of eye pads do you go through during a period? By monitoring usage, you can forecast how much you’ll need in the future and avoid under- or overstocking.

By keeping detailed records of these quantities, you can forecast your monthly, quarterly, and yearly supply needs. This gives you a better idea of ​​how much to order, helping you avoid running out of stock or ordering too much at once.

3. Create a budget plan

Now that you have a better understanding of your usage, it’s time to create a realistic budget plan. A budget plan helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t overspend. Let’s use the previous example to illustrate how you can set up your budget.

It’s always smart to build a buffer into your budget. This extra amount will cover unexpected expenses, like an emergency restock or special promotions you want to run. A good rule of thumb is to add 10-15% to your supply budget for unexpected needs. This buffer helps ensure that you’re prepared for anything that may come up, from sudden increases in demand to unplanned sales opportunities.

To effectively manage your lash lash tech supplies budget, you can use the following formula to calculate how much you should allocate for each period:

$$\text{Total Budget }=\text{Total cost for all items }+\text{Contingency (10-15\%)}$$

4. Prioritize high-use and high-value items

Some supplies will be used more frequently and are therefore more crucial to stock up on. These typically include lash extensions, adhesives, and essential tools. Investing in core products first ensures that these are always available in sufficient quantities.

On the other hand, if you rarely use certain supplies, such as specific lashes that your clients don’t frequently request, consider reducing your budget allocation for these items. Instead of buying in bulk, purchase only what you need for the next few months. This will free up funds for more essential supplies.

5. Look for deals, discounts, and promotions

Another great way to save on lash tech supplies is by taking advantage of sales, promotions, and discounts. Many suppliers like Charmlash offer deals, especially when you order in bulk or during off-peak times. Signing up for newsletters from your preferred wholesale suppliers is a great way to stay informed about upcoming sales or discount codes.

You can also shop during special sales periods, like Black Friday or seasonal promotions, where you can stock up on supplies at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, before making purchases, search for online coupon codes to save on larger orders.

6. Plan ahead and avoid emergency purchases

One of the biggest traps for overspending is making emergency purchases when you run out of supplies. These last-minute buys often come with higher shipping costs and may not offer the best value. Creating a stock replenishment schedule and reviewing your inventory regularly will help you avoid scrambling for supplies at the last minute. Ordering in advance gives you time to take advantage of free shipping promotions or bulk pricing.

7. Track your spending and adjust as needed

Once your budget is in place, it’s essential to track your spending and make adjustments as needed. Regularly reviewing your expenses will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

Budgeting software or apps can help you keep track of your spending and set reminders for when it’s time to reorder supplies. These tools make it easy to see where you’re overspending and where you can cut costs. At least once a quarter, review your budget to ensure it’s still aligned with your business needs. If your client base is growing or you’re using more products, you may need to adjust your supply budget accordingly.

Choose CharmLash for the best lash tech supplies

When it comes to choosing the best eyelash extension wholesale manufacturer, CharmLash is the trusted partner you need for your lash tech supplies. With our premium-quality products and unbeatable wholesale prices, we provide everything from high-quality lash extensions and adhesives to lash liquids that will elevate your services.

We also offer a professional private label service, giving your brand a personalized touch that sets you apart in the lash industry. The larger order volumes you purchase, the more discount you get. By choosing CharmLash, you can ensure that your lash tech supplies are stocked up efficiently, allowing you to stay on top of your budget and offer your clients nothing but the best!

Start saving today by making CharmLash your go-to supplier, and experience the difference of high-quality products at affordable prices. For more information or to place an order, contact us at [email protected].

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