Author: Valerie Lambert

Every optical has them.  

The schedule has empty spaces. The phones aren't ringing as much. The waiting area is quiet. Everyone starts checking the calendar and wondering, "Where is everybody?"  

Slow months can be stressful, particularly for independent optical businesses that don't have the marketing budgets or resources of large national chains.  

But a slow month doesn't have to mean a wasted month.  

In fact, some of the most productive work you can do for your optical happens when the schedule isn't packed.  

Instead of panicking and immediately reaching for a discount, use slower periods to strengthen the business behind the scenes.  

1. Don't Panic—Look at the Numbers 

Before changing everything, figure out what is actually happening.  

Compare the current period with previous years. Look at appointments, optical sales, average transaction value, capture rate, remake rates, cancellations and no-shows.  

Is the entire business slower, or is one particular area responsible?  

A slow Tuesday is different from a slow quarter.  

You can't solve a problem you haven't identified. 

Continue reading here