Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

How Do I Deal With The Chronically Complaining Client?

May 1, 1994

Smile and remember that the client is always right. Appease her by being genuinely concerned about her complaint. It’s not worth the loss of your client to gel upset with her. As a last resort, suggest that she let someone else in the salon do her nails. Nine times out of 10, complaining clients are satisfied with your work, but aren’t happy unless they’re complaining. If they don’t really like your work, they’re belter off with someone else.

Susan Pagura

Exquisite Design

Columbus, Ohio


I work 9-11 hours a day and want my clients to be happy when they leave. If a client’s not happy, I try to fix the problem. If I can’t, I’ll tell the client, “It doesn’t look like I can make you happy, so it would be to your advantage to find somebody who will satisfy you. “The one time I had to resort to that, the client said it wouldn’t be necessary for her to leave and I ended up retaining her.

Lynda Scales

Nails by Scales

Abilene, Texas


I would ask a complaining client what I could do to please; her. I’m conscientious about my job and take pride in my work. I have clients who are picky about their nails, but I can appreciate that because I am picky about mine. Before I got my license, a manicurist told me I’d make a good nail technician because I was so picky. Now I’m sensitive to my clients’ complaints. I’m here to make them happy.

Georgeanne Sehore

Nails by Georgeanne

Ocala, Fla.


I usually listen to clients who complain and then do what they want. Sometimes I think clients complain in order to release stress or frustration. I had a few customers who came into the salon cranky, but by the end of the polish application, they were happy and ready to go. I think if you argue with clients, they’ll get frustrated. All they really want is for you to sympathize with them and listen.

Karen Penix

We Be Tan

New Braunfels, Texas


The first thing I do is take a deep breath. When clients start complaining, I deal with one complaint at a time and fix each problem. If I don’t feel there’s a problem, I’ll explain why. I won’t ignore the complaint. As a result, my clients feel like I’m taking care of them and paying attention to their needs. I’ve turned around main customers that way. They come in with an attitude and leave with a smile.

Linda Skrovan

Nail Station

Duncanville, Texas

More FAQ

What can you tell me about Yelp?

What can you tell me about Yelp? Are there any tricks? Should I just ask clients to post reviews?... read more

How important is it that I work for somebody else first before I open my own place?

I am graduating from nail school in a few weeks. I have always wanted to have my own salon. How important is it that I work for somebody else first before I open my own place?... read more

Where will I get the most bang for my buck when it comes to advertising on a budget?

Where will I get the most bang for my buck when it comes to advertising on a budget?... read more

Reader to Reader: If your salon was on fire and you had time to grab three things, what would they be and why?

If your salon was on fire and you had time to grab three things, what would they be and why?... read more

Reader to Reader: What's the right amount of input to give a client with regard to her nail look?

What's the right amount of input to give a client with regard to her nail look?... read more

Reader to Reader: Should you communicate with clients via cell phone text message?

Should you communicate with clients via cell phone text message? Why or why not?... read more

I’m thinking of offering a service deal on Groupon or a similar group deal site and I’m wondering what I should know in advance.

I’m thinking of offering a service deal on Groupon or a similar group deal site and I’m wondering what I should know in advance. Are there any downsides? Can I expect to get repeat business from it? ... read more

Reader to Reader: Are DIY nail products good or bad for the professional industry?

Are DIY nail products (available to the general public) good or bad for the professional industry? And why?... read more

Reader to Reader: What’s the one thing in your salon you should throw away but probably never will?

What’s the one thing in your salon you should throw away but probably never will?... read more

I’m thinking about doing a client survey. What questions should I include and what’s the best way to go about it?

I’m thinking about doing a client survey. What questions should I include and what’s the best way to go about it? ... read more

Reader to Reader: Is it OK to date a client? Why or why not?

Is it OK to date a client? Why or why not?... read more

How do I get a small business loan to open my own nail salon?

How do I get a small business loan to open my own nail salon? I keep getting turned down; how do I get someone to take that chance and believe in me?... read more