Diversion occurs when products are sold outside of these intended channels of distribution, such as local super markets and drugstore chains. This degrades the professionalism and credibility of salon exclusive products and negatively affects the salon industry as a whole, both ethically and financially.

We have all heard the stories: A truck containing professional products was stolen, pallets of professional beauty supplies were stolen off a loading dock or a group of salons (the underground stylist mafia) have conspired to collect professional beauty supplies for re-sale to chains such as Targets. Let’s be realistic, if a manufacturer really wanted to Stop Diversion, it would be as simple as requesting a subpoena for Target’s purchasing records and file suit against the company selling the product. And they want you as beauty professionals to believe they (the manufacturer) have nothing to do with diversion…seems like an insult to you and your profession.

That’s why it is important to Fight Back and seize to carry these products. By working together…salons and distributors, can send a clear message that we will not believe the lies and want to regain market, by carrying exclusive non-diverted brands. The positive comes from manufacturers who still support the industry, for example, I have been involved in a diversion problem. The manufacturer (to remain nameless) told me; grab a few products off the grocery store shelves. I shipped the products to them. I discovered the manufacturer marks all their products in an invisible way to determine which distributor originally purchased them. This manufacturer simply cut the distributor off who diverted the products. It was that simple.

Being in the industry for over ten years, I am committed to offering non-diverted products and represent manufacturers committed to stop diversion. I want to know what you think. Who is really doing this? Do you believe anyone? Am I dead wrong? What can be done to make a difference? Let me know, I will give you a $5.00 credit on your account for a thoughtful response.

Steve Ryan