Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

How Do I Politely Get To Business Right Away With A Talkative Client?

October 1, 1994

My clients know that book my appointments back to back. Therefore, I must begin their service as soon as they sit down at my workstation. Also, most of my clients smoke and they know that if they want to take a smoking break during their fill-in, we need to gel started as soon as possible.-Mary Everett, Nails by Mary, Panama City, Fla.

I’ll start working on my client right away and non-verbally make it clear that I’m not ignoring her. Tact really comes into play here. I’ll gently grab my client’s hand, but still continue talking.-Christine McKinney, Nailworks, Honolulu, Hawaii

I already have my client’s hand in my It left hand, so I place my right hand on top of her hand, sandwiching her band between mine, lean forward slightly, look hen’ in the eye and smiley They always stop talking and smile back. Now that I have her attention I say, “We need to talk nails for a few minutes and them we can get to the good stuff.” I then have her ear for as long as I need. Works every time.-Katherine Freeman-Fahrig, Applause Nail Salon

My clients know that they are here to see me for a reason so they are aware of what I need. If a client begins talking with her hands, I’ll reach out gracefully and grab the hand I need. Even though I’m busily working on her hands, I always give my client my undivided attention while she’s talking.-Bonnie Metzger, The Nail Connection, Langdon, N.D.

I’m a very open and theatrical person and if my next client is gabbing with someone else I jokingly, but assertively, tell her to “get over here.” Or, if my client is talking excessively when she sits down at my table I’ll grab her hands and teasingly say, “Let’s get started because we only have an hour and a half.”-Jacklyn Mallonee, Nail Biz, Kennewick, Wash.

My clients know that I am very prompt and like my schedule to run smoothly. If, for example, I am working on my client’s left hand and she is talking animatedly with her right hand, I’ll simply tell her when I need her right hand. Actually, a non-stop talkative client is an advantages for me. I can work more efficiently and faster if my client is doing all of the talking.-Gay Kane, Croat Nails, Beaverton, Ore.


More FAQ

What’s the best way to recruit techs for a new salon?

I’m opening a new nail salon and am having a hard time finding nail techs besides myself. How did you find yours? I’ve tried Craigslist, cosmetology schools, and beauty supply stores. Any suggestions? — Jen McClain, owner, Completely Polished (www.completelypolished.com), Cranberry Township, Pa.... read more

What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?

A complimentary glass of wine, an extra-long foot massage … these are the small gestures that keep clients coming back — and sending their friends to your salon. We asked techs: What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?... read more

Should the salon owner do nails herself?

Should the salon owner do nails herself ?... read more

Services For Teenagers

I’ve gotten requests from a few moms to add services for teenagers to our menu. I don’t mean the “little princess” 12 and-under service, but the 14 to 18 set. Their input has been that they will get their nails done more often, but can’t justify the full, luxury spa experience. I’ve been thinking about doing a “teen night” each week with really basic mani/pedi options (no massage, no callus care, etc. — just shaping, light cuticle work, polish and lotion application) that focus on trendy colors and options for spirit manis in school colors, etc. What do you think is the best way to address this demographic?... read more

How do you react to negative feedback?

Reader to Reader: How do you react to negative feedback about your business on social sites like Yelp and Facebook? Do you respond publicly or privately?... read more

Starting a Salon

I’m just about to graduate from esthetics school in Canada. I would like to open a small salon that focuses mainly on pedicures. I’m at a loss as to where to start, beginning with what products to use. I would like to offer at least two different product lines. I would like my pedicures to make a difference (detox, make feet feel relaxed and smooth and happy). Any suggestions?... read more

Is it Better to Buy?

Is it better to buy?... read more

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?... read more

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?... read more

What’s the most unusual place you did nails?

From funeral homes to a Swedish castle to the great outdoors — those are just some of the places you’ve done nails for your clients. We asked readers to tell us the most unusual place they did nails.... read more

I’m an employee on commission and I’m paying for product. Is this fair?

I’m an employee working on commission. My salon has us pay for the product that we use. If, say, we charge $25 for a fill, they deduct $3. Then we get 50% commission on $22 instead of $25. So pretty much we only get 40% in total since 10% is taken off the top to begin with. On a busy day my product costs can be more than $25, so basically I am not getting paid for an hour I worked and one service I did. Is this a common practice and do you think it’s fair?... read more

Do I have to have a website in addition to my Facebook page?

I’ve got a Facebook page that I’m pretty active on, but I don’t have a website for my nail business. Do I really need a website?... read more