Maureen Volpe

Maureen Volpe

As a premiere franchiser of nails-only salons in the country, Maureen Volpe knows nails. So if you’re considering adding nail services to your hair salon, or you’re dissatisfied with the production you’re getting from your current nail station, listen up to Volpe’s Top 10 tips on adding nails to the salon.

  1. Nails is a serious business and you need to treat it as such. Keep your goal firmly in mind: Each nail technician should add $1,000 a week to your revenues.
  2. Treat your nail technicians with respect. They are artists, with a valuable contribution to make to your salon’s success.
  3. Make your nail station a special place, not an afterthought. For instance, set aside a raised, carpeted area with an extensive retail display. Allow clients to choose from 200 shades of professional polish.
  4. To establish a client base for a new technician, give free certificates for full sets to your 100 best hair clients. That will keep the technician busy, and it guarantees fill appointments three weeks later.
  5. Provide your nail technicians with the resources they need to excel, including advanced training, technical advice, and access to medical professionals.
  6. Lavish attention on your nail clients, catering to their every need. After all, you’ll see a loyal nail client every two weeks — more frequently than you see a hair client. Book standing appointments 6-10 months ahead, especially if your business is seasonal. When a client books a series of appointments, send her a schedule along with a thank-you note and a gift certificate for a complimentary service Call to confirm standing appointments the day before.
  7. Make sure all salon personnel — from the manager to the receptionist — do their jobs; that way your nail technician can maximize the time she spends doing hers.
  8. If a technician has any down time, keep her busy doing free paraffin treatments, mini-massages, polish changes, etc., on other salon clientele.
  9. Don’t discount your nail services or over-advertise; it cheapens the work. Free services to carefully selected clients will build a book quickly.

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