Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

How do you keep waiting clients happy?

August 1, 1995

If my clients are waiting for a manicure, I offer them a free paraffin therapy. If my clients are waiting for fills, I offer them a bottle of nail polish or a small bottle of lotion or gel for free. My clients have been very happy with these practices. They even have asked me to be late for their next appointment!-Pam Clark, The Cut Ups, Garland, Texas

Many times our clients will show up early just so they can visit. We always ask if they would like something to drink. But if I’m running behind schedule, I’ll offer my client a free tanning session or a free hot paraffin dip. If I am running seriously behind, I will call the client and alert her so that she may run a couple of errands instead of sitting and waiting.-Brenda Lee Bollard, Bren’s Nails, Conroe, Texas

Our clients are kept happy if they have to wait with a complimentary service, whether it’s a hand massage or a warm paraffin dip. If a client is kept waiting an undue length of time, she will receive a gift certificate to use at her next visit along with our sincere apologies. You would be surprised at just how many clients don’t mind waiting when they hear our policy.-Missy Phillips, Maggie’s Salons of Md., Ocean City, Md.

I always acknowledge my clients as soon as they walk in the door. I offer them a soda or coffee and let them know I’m running a few minutes behind. If I’m more than five minutes behind, I’ll let them know how long it will be in case they need to run a quick errand.-Kathy Rondeau, Laymans Hair Co., Albany, Ore.

It depends on what the client came in for. If it’s a pedicure, I’ll have her sit in a reclining chair with her feet in a warm water soak in a dimly lit pedicure room with soothing music on. If the client came in for a manicure, I’ll have her sit in a relaxing chair and slip on a pair of latex gloves with a moisturizer inside. I’ll have her sit in a room similar to the pedicure room.-Debbie King, Tammy Taylor Nails, Orlando, Fla.

I offer my client a complimentary tanning session. If she hasn’t tried tanning yet, it gives her a chance to try it without any cost to her.-Lynn Byron, Savvy Nails and Tanning Salon, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

More FAQ

Reader to Reader: How are general cleaning duties delegated and enforced at your salon?

How are general cleaning duties delegated and enforced at your salon?... read more

Reader to Reader: What is your biggest time-waster in the salon?

What is your biggest time-waster in the salon?... read more

Reader to Reader: What was the best holiday gift you've ever received from a client?

What was the best holiday gift you've ever received from a client?... read more

Reader to Reader: In regards to your nail business, what has been your smartest investment?

In regards to your nail business, what has been your smartest investment?... read more

Reader to Reader: For those of you who work in full-service salons, how would you characterize the relationship between nail techs and hairstylists?

For those of you who work in full-service salons, how would you characterize the relationship between nail techs and hairstylists?... read more

Reader to Reader: What was the most important thing you learned in beauty school?

What was the most important thing you learned in beauty school?... read more

Reader to Reader: What’s been your best salon theme party to date?

What’s been your best salon theme party to date?... read more

Reader to Reader: Do you visit other salons for “research” purposes?

Do you visit other salons for “research” purposes? If so, do you generally reveal that you work at a salon?... read more

Reader to Reader: How often do you reevaluate your service menu?

How often do you reevaluate your service menu?... read more

Reader to Reader: How do you pass the hours during a slow day at the salon?

How do you pass the hours during a slow day at the salon?... read more

How young is too young? What is your policy when it comes to putting enhancements on teens?

What is your policy when it comes to putting enhancements on teens?... read more

Reader to Reader: What is your favorite nail service to do and why?

What is your favorite nail service to do and why?... read more