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Business

What “little extras” do you provide for your clients?

November 01, 1998

What “little extras” do you provide for your clients?

Answer

Some of the little extras I provide are a mini hand massage, a paraffin dip, a UV top coat, nail art on one or two nails, and product samples. I always offer clients a refreshment, and make sure the music is to their liking and the salon temperature is just right. I also send out a client newsletter, which includes information on new products and nail-related questions and answers.-Kathy Rondeau, Diva Studio, Albany, Ore.

I have a hot pot of coffee waiting for clients. The other little extras, included with their fill, are cuticle treatments, repairs, and nail jewelry put on at no extra charge. I also allow a little extra time for pampering.-Jo Laki, Jo’s Naughty Nails, Hamlin, Pa

We offer clients The Frequent File Card. After 10 visits, they receive a complimentary paraffin treatment and a bottle of polish. We also give them our custom-printed nail file, and let them pick out a pair of earrings for their birthday. Most important, we make our clients feel comfortable when they stop in for an emergency nail repair, which is free.-Linda Champion, Golden Shears: Hair, Nails & More, Runnemede, N.J.

Once a month I go through my records and send out birthday cards with a gift certificate for a free paraffin treatment. On special occasions, such as holidays or Mother’s Day, I buy a little gift like an ornament or candy. Clients really appreciate the fact that you thought about them.-Lisa Rosado, The Touch of the Master’s Hand, Lexington, S.C.

After applying acrylic nails, I give the client a complimentary lavender aromatherapy massage, then buff the nails to a high-gloss shine.-Shannon Lamb, Body Beautiful, Ontario, Canada

I provide fat-free candies, which are popular among clients who come in right after work. I also clean my clients’ rings for free. I think there’s nothing worse than seeing dirty rings on hands with nice, shiny nails.-Teresa Rodrick, The Nail Place, Ramstein, Germany

Since my salon is reminiscent of the 1950s, I offer complimentary cherry sodas and root beer floats.-Rhianna Leal, At Your Fingertips...McAllen, Texas

I make reminder calls for next-day appointments; I give referral credits (10% off a service); I offer discounts after a certain number of completed services; at the end of each service, clients get a complete hand and arm massage; and I give free nail art to clients celebrating a birthday.-Leona Parker, Changes Salon, Colorado Springs, Colo.

More Q&A

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?

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?

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?

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.

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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