Business

Reader to Reader: How do you pass the hours during a slow day at the salon?

December 30, 2010 | Bookmark +

How do you pass the hours during a slow day at the salon?

Answer

I pass the hours during a slow day by dusting, rearranging things, practicing my 3-D acrylic nail art, and sending out postcards to clients I haven’t seen in a little while. - BECKY KNAUSS, The Beauty Lounge at Designer’s Touch Studio, Perrysburg, Ohio

I update my customer information on my client cards and on my phone so the info is as current at it can be. I compile names and addresses of future potential bulk mailings, like addresses of colleges and businesses around the salon. - MICHELLE YIANAKOPOLOS, Sweet Chic Hands & Feet at Merlin’s Ultimate Images, Manchester, N.H.

I have a home-based salon, so I do everything whether it’s a slow or busy day. I do laundry, clean the kitchen, make dinner, home-school my son and between appointments I take my son to physical and occupational therapy. If I have a no-show, I’ll take my son to get a quick bite of lunch. - NANCY DONATONE MCCOY, McCoy Nail Salon, Walnut, Miss.

I take down displays and put up new ones with different products. I catch up on phone calls and clean out my nail table. - VALERIE COBLE, Images, Boise City, Okla.

I clean, stock, practice my trade, and contact clients who have not been in. You name it — there’s always something to do. - STACEY WITHERSPOON, Perfect Ten Salon & Talega Day Spa, San Clemente, Calif.

On slow days, I get caught up on what tends to get neglected on the busy days, like inventory maintenance and paperwork. I’ll rearrange shelves and freshen up the look of the salon. Or, I’ll do my own nails since mine are always the last to get done. Since I work from home, I look forward to the odd slow day because it lets me sit on my deck and catch up on some reading. - ANNETTE SYKALUK, Annette’s Backscratchers, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

I examine the forums that I take part in on the web, practice nail art, research new products and techniques, and do my own nails. Detail cleaning and disinfection are the top things on the list. - CLAUDIA IACOVETTO, C-C My Nails, Newcastle, Wy.

I do nail art and reorganize my station so customers think I have great new stuff. - ELAINE LEMAY, Coiffure Yu-Nik, Laval, Québec, Canada

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How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?

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As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?

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What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?

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Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.

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Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits?

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