Pulse September/October 2025 | Page 37

and reinforces your spa’ s premium positioning without making guests feel like they’ re navigating a sale rack.
TOO MANY CHOICES = NO CHOICE AT ALL Decision fatigue is real. When guests see eight facials and can’ t distinguish one from another, they either default to the cheapest, or don’ t book at all. The spa team struggles too: Overwhelmed menus make it harder for staff to recommend confidently.
Simplify each category of your menu to thoughtfully chosen treatments. Let guests feel in control without needing to overthink.
Remember: Your spa is not a buffet. It’ s a guided journey. Make it easy to say yes.
ELIMINATE‘ DEAD WEIGHT’ SERVICES Take a data-driven look at your current offerings. Which services haven’ t been booked in the last three to six months? Which have low rebook rates or consistently confuse team members? Which take too long to set up or clean without delivering a return?
Every menu should be pruned regularly. Phase out underperforming treatments that clutter your menu and dilute your brand story. Refining your offerings allows you to spotlight services that sell, align with your training and make it easier for guests to choose. A lean, high-performing menu isn’ t just more efficient, it’ s more compelling.

“ Even the most thoughtfully designed menu won’ t sell itself. Your team brings it to life.”

How this works psychologically: l PRICE ANCHORING: List your highest-priced( Best) service first or prominently. This sets a reference point and makes the mid-tier( Better) option seem like a balanced, valuable choice. l DECOY EFFECT: The lower-priced( Good) option acts as a baseline that makes the other two options look more appealing by comparison. l CLEAR INCREMENTS: Using rounded numbers in consistent increments($ 185, $ 150, $ 120) feels elegant and helps guests quickly understand their options without confusion. Together, these pricing choices create an intentional menu flow that adds perceived value, encourages upselling
PUT YOUR SIGNATURE WHERE YOUR STORY IS Every spa should have a signature service, and it should be front and center. This isn’ t just another facial or massage. It’ s the treatment that represents your brand’ s values, your region’ s influence, your unique guest promise.
Too often, this star player is buried halfway down the menu— or worse, treated like a seasonal promo. A signature service should be: l One of the first things listed l Tied to a unique name or ritual l A reflection of what you want to be known for If done right, your spa’ s signature service becomes your anchor, the thing guests remember, refer and rebook.
TRAIN YOUR TEAM TO SPEAK TO VALUE, NOT PRICE Even the most thoughtfully designed menu won’ t sell itself. Your team brings it to life. Front desk staff and service providers should be trained to articulate confidently why a service is priced the way it is, what makes it unique and how enhancements or upgrades personalize the experience.
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