Switching Salon Suppliers or Colour Lines: A Step-by-Step Transition Plan

Signs it's time to switch

• Frequent back orders or late deliveries.
• No one to call when something goes wrong.
• Little or no education for your team.
• A brand that no longer fits your clients or values.

Step 1: Audit what you have

Count your current colour and retail stock. Note your best-selling shades and products — those are what you'll need to match or replace first. Our inventory guide shows a simple counting method.

Step 2: Compare suppliers on more than price

• Which brands do they carry, and are they the official distributor?
• Are there minimum orders?
• Will you have a dedicated representative?
• What education is available, and in which cities?

Read how to choose a professional beauty supplier for a full checklist.

Step 3: Plan the colour transition

• Get training on the new line before you order a full shade range.
• Use up existing stock on regular clients while testing the new line on a few.
• Keep a conversion chart of each client's old formula and new formula.
• Do strand tests when moving clients to a new formula.

Step 4: Tell your clients

Clients notice new products. Explain why you switched — better results, cleaner ingredients, a brand you believe in — and offer to walk them through new homecare.

Step 5: Set your retail shelf

Sell through or return old retail where your agreement allows, then set the new brand together so the shelf looks complete.

Step 6: Review after 90 days

• Are formulas consistent across stylists?
• Are deliveries on time?
• Is retail moving?

Switching to Metro

Metro Beauty Supply has supplied Ontario salons since 1971 and distributes professional brands such as Davines and Maria Nila. Partners get a dedicated representative, no minimum orders and access to our education calendar.

Become a Partner — it's free to apply.