Christy Martin (left) sends employees like Abby Fox to get services at other salons regularly.

Christy Martin (left) sends employees like Abby Fox to get services at other salons regularly.

Why does salon owner Christy Martin send her two employees to sample services at other salons once a month? In part it’s to give them a treat, says Martin, the owner of Artistry Nail & Skincare Studio in Leola, Pa. Her other motivation is less altruistic. She wants them to experience what it feels like to be a client. “It’s all about customer service,” she says.

Martin tries to squeeze in a salon visit for herself once a month as well. She makes a point of exploring local upscale salons, sometimes checking out specialty services she’s heard about first hand. “Sometimes a little detail jumps out at you, but mostly I like to see how clean the salon appears and how friendly the service is,” she says.

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