September 11 2009 - Features

Reader to Reader: What is your best salon-related organizational tip?

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I always keep my things within hands’ reach and replace them in the same spot so I don’t spend time searching while the client is in my salon. Also, in between clients it’s a good idea to get in the habit of cleaning your station and the bathroom, re-arranging the magazines, and sweeping around your area. If you’re not organized, clients will sense it, and you may ultimately end up losing clients.

Patty Lopez, Studio 24, Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico

I use a lot of craft organizers, like bead trays, painters’ art boxes, scrapbooking, storage boxes, and even a coupon organizer for my small sticker sheets.

Claudia Iacovetto, Newcastle, Wyo.

My best advice is to computerize as many things as possible. I keep all of my client data and scheduling in a database called GoldMine and track my expenses in QuickBooks. I also installed webcams inside my salon, which means I can either sit at the salon’s front desk or at home (or anywhere else with an Internet connection) and still be able to monitor everything that goes on inside the salon.

Bobby Trinh, Victoria Nails & Spa, Orange, Calif.

At least once a month I do a deep cleaning of my supplies. I fill what needs to be filled, take inventory, and get rid of products I’m not currently using. You’d be surprised how much stuff ends up in my station or my locker that I don’t use. I also have a nail closet at home where I keep my back stock.

Lynn Weber, Kaya Beauty, Henderson, Nev.

Take the time to really train your front desk coordinators. Budget permitting, also hire  a team of assistants.

Laura Rafeca, Bayonne, N.J.

I type out instructions on how to do services, current specials, rules about customer service, phone etiquette, etc. I think having something in writing always makes everything run smoother.

Samira Asemanfar, Bellacures, Beverly Hills, Calif.

My gel polishes and regular polish bottles sit on a three-tier spice rack stand, making them easy to access while creating a pretty display. I use a Matchbox car case to hold my glitter and colored acrylic collection; each car section holds two 1-oz. pots. I store cotton rounds and lint-free wipes in a canister to keep them separate and dust-free. In my drawers, I use white plastic pencil dividers to keep things, like extra gels and nail art tools, from rolling around.

Kahne Withman, That Nail Chic, Longview, Wash.

Illustration by Ajay Peckham