It is not about competing against price. It is about competing against value. Most of the time, salon and spa owners concentrate on finding new business when opportunities exist right under their noses. We as an industry have to work smarter with our existing database, which will in turn have the clients coming back and have them telling more people about you. The best way to increase business is by putting a rewarding referral program in place that benefits both the new and the existing clients you will be servicing. The best type of referral program is the “one-for-one,” where each new customer gets an incentive to become your client and your existing clients get a nice thank you for the referral. Referral programs, in order to be successful, have to be attractive and have to be consistent. Roughly 60%-70% of new business comes from referrals. This is where we should be spending our marketing dollars.
Business
How do I increase my business? The discount salons have taken business right out from under us.
October 1, 2008
More FAQ
What recourse do I have when a customer promises to pay the next day but doesn’t?
What do you do when your customer says to you after you are finished her set of nails, “Oh I forgot my purse at home, can I come back tomorrow and pay you?” And she never comes back. What recourse do you have?... read more
Is it appropriate to inform my clients that I am going to a new spa to work?
Is it appropriate to inform my clients that I am going to a new spa to work? I’m an employee. I signed no contract. I would tell them if they wish to follow I will be at XXX but if not there will still be someone to take care of them at this salon.... read more
When the owner offers a free service with a manicure, should I be paid my share of the free service since I am doing the labor?
I am working for a salon on a 60/40 split. The salon owner gets 60%. When the owner offers a free service with a manicure, should I be paid my share of the free service since I am doing the labor?... read more
Reader to Reader: How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?
How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?... read more
A Change for the Better: Is there one part of your job you wish you could change?
We know you love being a nail tech, but everybody’s got at least one gripe, right? We asked readers to tell us: Is there one part of your job you wish you could change?... read more
I’m thinking about advertising in my local paper. Is this a good idea?
I’ve been a tech for one year and am having trouble building a clientele. I’m thinking about advertising in my local paper. Is this a good idea?... read more
How do I evaluate a booth rental situation?
I’m shopping around for a booth rental situation. What questions should I ask a prospective salon owner? What factors should I consider?... read more
Reader to Reader: When it comes to other techs duplicating your nail art, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery?
When it comes to other techs duplicating your nail art designs, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? (And where do you personally draw the line?)... read more
Reader to Reader: Do you practice what you preach when it comes to having impeccable nails?
Do you practice what you preach when it comes to having impeccable nails? (If yes, always, how do you fit it into your busy schedule?)... read more
Do you object to the term "nail girl"?
We made the switch from “manicurist” to “nail technician” to reflect a more professional image. Yet to some clients, we’ll always be their nail “girl.” We asked nail techs if this somewhat-less-than-respectful term was OK with them.... read more
What are the pros and cons of a booth rental situation?
I’ve worked as an employee, but now I plan to work as a nail tech on a booth rental basis for the first time. I’m wondering what the main benefits and disadvantages of this type of arrangement are, and how I can get the most out of it to maximize my earnings.... read more
Reader to Reader: Should you fire an employee for bad-mouthing the salon?
Should you fire an employee for bad-mouthing the salon (when she thinks no one else at the salon is listening)?... read more