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Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.1 | Philosophy of Spa
Philosophy of Spa
Philosophy is often considered a foundation upon which people build their knowledge and belief structures. The Greek word for philosophy translates to “love of wisdom.” It is appropriate then, that this text begins its exploration of spa by delving beyond the business models and types of treatments to take a close look at the wisdom and “why” of spa philosophy encompasses the deeper meaning and sacred significance of spa.
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.2 | Defining Spa
Defining Spa
Most of the world begins its definition of spa with water. Without water, most say, there is no spa. The original spas—mineral springs and hot springs—have been a part of relaxation and healing in many cultures for millennia. Towns with hot springs grew into popular destinations for holiday retreats.
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.3 | Variations of Spa
Variations of Spa
There are many approaches to spa throughout the world and each spa provides services according to its own unique vision and mission. As the number of spa locations increased dramatically during the 1990s and into this century, classifications became necessary to categorize the array of spa experiences being offered in the market.
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.4 | Spa-Goers
Spa-Goers
When spa-goers talk about spa, the language they use includes such words as:
- Stress-free
- Get-away
- Fun
- Pampering
- Serene
- Calming
- Tranquility
- Peaceful
- Nurturing
- Holistic
These images and associations create exceedingly high expectations among guests for their visits to spas. They expect from spas deep gratification, or something close to it. Their high expectations derive, in part, from the way the word “spa” stands in their minds as a symbolic promise of unusually meaningful and pleasurable life experiences.
Retail Management for Spas
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 6.2 | Occupo Vendito – Seize the Sale
“Everyone in the company sells the company.” The entire spa team contributes to the sale because guests are being encouraged to take the spa experience into their daily routine. Everyone contributes to the sale whether directly or indirectly. Sales begin the moment the guest calls to book an appointment, the moment that a guest first sees an advertisement about the spa or hears about it from a peer.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 6.3 | Effective Selling
No matter what the spa product is, when spa professionals sell it, they are helping to extend the service of the spa. Selling is a highly personal art. Highly successful salespeople view it as an art and build a tremendously loyal following—to say nothing of a very successful business.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 6.4 | Education & Training for Effective Selling
Anyone in the position of clarifying why an individual would possibly be compelled to give money in exchange for goods or services—is a salesperson.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 6.5 | Value-Added Customer Service
Sometimes simple add-ons can make a difference to customers between buying a product at a spa instead of a department store or any other competing organization.
Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Spas
A uniform system of financial reporting establishes standardized formats and account classifications to guide individuals in the preparation and presentation of financial statements. The recommendations set forth in this uniform system are based on a consensus of spa industry financial executives, public accounting authorities, consulting specialists, and a leading academy expert, and are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles.
Financial Management for Spas
This text is intended to provide spa beginners and veterans alike with a better understanding of financial management. Our hope is that you will learn to embrace the accounting process and to understand that, while accounting is in many ways a science, there is also an art to financial management. In the end, you will be able to appreciate the beauty in numbers.
Spa Operations Manual
The customizable manual includes comprehensive materials for spa job descriptions, new hire checklists, standard departmental information, specific departmental procedures, staff training, common spa treatments, reference guide templates and more.