My favorite thing to hear from a client is ...

My least favorite thing to hear from a client is ...

JESSICA HOEL

LuvNailz, Lynnwood, Wash.

"These are life changing!" A few clients have said this after receiving gel polish manicures.

“I’m moving.”

FAITH GLIONNA

Cuticles Salon, Indialantic, Fla.

“My nails look like I just had them done. I didn’t think it was time for me to come in and get a fill!”

“I don’t know what you did but my nails didn’t stay on this time.” Or: “I went someplace else because you were busy and got an infection on my nail.”

KELLEY KILLOP-MARBLE

Opalized Designs Studio Salon, Shelby Township, Mich.

“I had someone compliment my nails and they took your number.”

“I have decided to go back to natural nails ... oh no, I will take care of them myself.”

MAGGIE FRANKLIN

Art of Nailz, Visalia, Calif.

“My friends always know when my nail appointment is and can’t wait to see what you’ve done this time.”

“I don’t know why she keeps going to (insert competitor-tech’s name) when your nails are so much better and you’re so much cheaper!”

JILL WRIGHT

Jill Wright Spa for Nails, Bowling Green, Ky.

“My nails have never looked this good! I thought they were hopeless!”

“I bought this bottle of OPI polish from Trade Secret while I was in the mall.” A close second is: “Oh, I forgot my checkbook. I’ll have to mail you your check.”

KALA BASTION

Jillian’s, Princeton,  Ill.

“Oh, I feel so much better now.” I usually hear this from a regular client coming into the salon for a routine fill.

“I just smudged my nails!”

DEB BREW

Jenniffer & Co., Mentor, Ohio

With a new client I love to hear, “You are very knowledgeable about your work.”

“I am so glad you’re on time but I have to be out of here ASAP.”

LINDA TABELLA

Melanie & Company Salon Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

“Someone stopped me to ask who does my nails.”

“I have to stop coming in as much due to the economy.” Or the lengthy and repetitive story about how the client broke her nail.