Business

How Do You Deal With Friends and Family Who Want Freebies?

December 01, 1996 | Bookmark +

How Do You Deal With Friends and Family Who Want Freebies?

Answer

If a family member or friend brings up die subject of freebies, I’ll explain to her that in order for the salon to be successful and to pay for the utilities, rent, supplies, advertisements, and salaries, I have to charge the same price for everyone. There is no special treatment. Then I’ll tell them about some of the special offers we have throughout the year, such as “December Daze,” which entitles each client to a free hand massage with all nail services, and if she purchases a bottle of polish, she’ll receive a second one at half price.--Angela Boykin, Quality Nails (Portsmouth, Va.)

Even when I was a newly trained nail technician 11 years ago, I felt my work was good enough not to be given away for free. In the interest of “polishing my skills” and covering my expenses, I offered my family members half price on all nail services. I got more experience and they got a price break — we both won. I no longer offer discount services, but I’ll give family and friends a gift certificate for a nail service, which entices them to come in and purchase another service.--René Gliatto, Golden Shears Hair, Nails & More (Runnemede, N.J.)

Actually, the opposite is true for me. My husband’s two aunts have been very generous to us over the years. When they asked me to do their nails (one gets an occasional manicure, the other an occasional fill), my husband and I decided I wouldn’t charge them. They threw such a stink about not wanting to freeload that they hid money in my drawer. After about three visits, I finally decided to charge them a greatly discounted fee. Then they over-tipped me to compensate. I cease to argue with them now and charge them the regular price.--Debbie Doerrlamm, Wicked Wich Nails (Ronkonkoma, N. Y.)

I opened a nail salon in my home three months ago, and now everyone wants their nails done for free. I explain to them that I have to make a living and I have to pay for my supplies. I normally offer my clients a free manicure for their birthday. The only person I do for free is my mother.--Linda Calton Schuman, Nails 4 U(Hanover, Md.)

When I first graduated from beauty school, working on friends was easier than family members who tend to get picky and rush me. Now I only service family members for special occasions because when they’re going somewhere, they want to look their best. Consequently, they’re less concerned with rushing me.--Isabel Alvarez ( N. Bergen, N.J.)

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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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