Recognizing the Savings
The sale has different names in Canada and the U.S. but they share these common traits to make it easy to recognize:
- It is only shampoo and conditioner
- They are packaged together, in a cardboard holder known as a bootpack or wrapped in plastic or cardboard
- They are litre sizes (33.8 oz)
- The sale is called “Litre Sale,” “Duos”, or “Summer Litres”
Preparing for the Sale
North American salons prepare for this annual summer event several months in advance of the sale. By placing a pre-sell order to the various distributors representing their favourite hair care products, they reserve the amount of duos they want to retail at their sale. The manufacturers in turn, have prepared by producing more litre sized bottles for this time of year.
The Litre Duo Sale is a win-win situation. Distributors and manufacturers partner to offer the duos to salons at a slightly lower price than at other times of the year. The salons then pass on these savings to the customer so they have the opportunity to purchase professional products at a reduced cost.
Depending on each individual salon, savings can range from an extra 10-30% off of a duo.
Who Participates?
Most manufacturers and salons participate, for two reasons. First, it is a reward to loyal salons and salon customers. By offering product at a reduced price manufacturers and salons are saying thank you. Second, this is a good way for customers to try a new product without having to pay full price.
Perennial participants include:
- Graham Webb
- Paul Mitchell
- Matrix
- Bed Head
- Sebastian
Guaranteed Professional Quality
All professional hair care brands are guaranteed when they are purchased at a professional salon. This is how the customer can be assured he or she is purchasing a quality product.
Web sites, drug stores, grocery stores and online auctions claiming to sell professional products cannot be trusted 100%. Counterfeit product is widely available through these channels and is considered diverted.
Diverted product is counterfeit, tampered with, contaminated, old or discontinued, and is not guaranteed by the manufacturer.
How to Take Advantage of the July Litre Sale
For those who use more than one brand of shampoo and conditioner, stocking up on several litres in July is a time-saver and cost effective. It is especially cost effective for conditioner lovers, which are usually more expensive than shampoos. Also, most people don’t use conditioner everyday so this product lasts longer in the shower than shampoo. The litre sale allows consumers to purchase both at a reduced cost, and then replace shampoo in smaller sizes as needed. Conditioners typically last three times longer than shampoo.
When purchased in the right quantities, litre duos can last the average consumer until the only other major litre duo sale—in January.
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