Business

What Would You Do if Business at Your Salon Slowed Down?

December 01, 2005 | Bookmark +

Although it’s not something most nail techs or salons owners ever want to think about, there may come a time when business may slow down. This may be due to a bad economy or other reasons. Have you ever stopped to think what you would do if this ever happened to you? We posed that question to a salon owner, a booth renter, and an employee. Here’s what they had to say.

Answer

I would evaluate all aspects of what may be causing this slow down. Are my employees being professional? Are they treating clients in a good manner? Is the salon’s atmosphere making clients feel welcome?

I would also check the quality of all services and make any changes and improvements necessary. I would consider the local economy and if my prices were too high. I would consider adding additional services, such as tanning and massage.

If business was still not picking up, I’d down size, and if it continued to get slower, I would become the only employee. I worked hard to own a nail salon so I wouldn’t completely give it up. I would operate on a part-time, appointment-only basis and keep my regular clients while rebuilding the salon. 

Barbara Lee, salon owner, Country Nails, French Creek, W. Va.

 

When business slows down considerably, you have to figure out what the reason is for the drop in clientele. Is it something you are doing, or is it due to something else? I have always believed if you give clients more than what they expect for the money, they will never leave you.

Always try to go above and beyond what the client asks for. It’s all about pampering the client while he or she is in your chair. They are not only going to return because they think you are awesome, but they are going to refer all of their friends to you.

If your techniques are lacking and you can’t get clients to return, then you need to own up to the fact that you need more training. Regardless of how good your instructor was in beauty school, you will always need to continue your education. 

Darlene Sammons, booth renter,  Head To Toe Salon & Spa, Chattanooga, Tenn.

 

I’d never consider leaving my salon. I’ve been here for eight years and am loyal to my employer. They take good care of me.

The economy in Michigan isn’t that strong right now so we’ve had to come up with creative ways to get clients to come in. Business does slow down during certain times of the year, such as September and October, but we always manage to keep busy during that time. We offer referral coupons and hold a drawing for a $2,400 gift card. To celebrate the salon’s 24th anniversary, we’re offering 24% off every service and product during the end of October.

Instead of paying for a newspaper ad we figure we should pay our clients instead. We don’t really like to offer coupons, but I’d rather offer a discount on a service than do no service at all.

Angela Saul, employee, Design 1 Salon & Day Spa, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Bookmark +

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?

Bookmark +

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?

We respect your data and privacy.
By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobit’s Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent.

Bookmark +

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?

Bookmark +

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.

Bookmark +

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?

Load More
a Bobit media brand

Create your free Bobit Connect account to bookmark content.

The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.
Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices!

Create Account