Business

Reader to Reader

October 1, 2000

We send birthday cards to each client. my nail techs rent booth space so they each handle it differently. Some give a discount, some give bottles of polish, and some just send a card. The clients really enjoy receiving the cards and knowing that we think about them. --Mary Metscaviz, Awesome Nails, Grayslake, Ill.

I recognize my clients' birthdays with a "Happy Birthday" postcard that entitles them to 10% off their next service or purchase. It makes them feel very special and appreciated. --Patti, Nails by Patti, Andover, Mass.

I give them a $5 gift certificate, free French polish, or an airbrush card for a special occasion. --Arlene Worner, Dumont, N.J.

I go to the local florist and make arrangements to send a small bouquet to each of my clients on their birthday. i send it a day or two before their birthday for two reasons: to let them know I'm thinking of them and to remind their family, so they don't forget. When they call to say thank you, many times they have had a bad day or week and the flowers help cheer them up. That alone is worth it to me. --Dannell Tapley, The Salon, Pendleton, ore.

I keep documentation of birthdays on client cards and when a client comes in around her birthday, I give her a complimentary service, paraffin dip, an airbrush French manicure or a design of her choice.--Jodi Gildone, Kim's Cut 'n Curl, Conneaut, Ohio

I always try to make it a special occasion for my clients who come in all year. I send them a birthday card with a note for a free fill or full set, including nail art. They love it.--Amity, Bet-hel Salon de Belleza y Unas Extravagante, Utuado, Puerto Rico

Topics:customer service clients

More FAQ

How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?... read more

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment?

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment? I have a client who has done this to me on several occasions. Should I require payment up front from now on? Or a deposit? Or get her to book on the day? Or fire her?... read more

As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?... read more

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?... read more

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do?

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do? Things like: “Don’t I need a base coat?” “Did you put two coats on?” or “You need to go over that again!” I’ve done nails for a long time and I know what I’m doing.... read more

How Do I Guide an Uncomfortable Conversation Into a New Direction?

How do you turn a conversation with a client in a new direction when it’s going into uncomfortable or negative territory?... read more

What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?... read more

Q&A with Patti Biro of Patti Biro and Associates

Q: Im a solo nail tech. What’s the best way to dip my toe into selling retail without a huge cash outlay to start with? And what should I sell? ... read more

Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.... read more

Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits? ... read more

What are reasonable terms for a non-compete contract?

Q: I live in a small town with two other nails-only salons that are not reputable and a lot of full-service salons that don’t do much with nails. I’ve been working for over six months now and just got asked to sign a non-compete contract. I’m curious about the terms of a normal non-compete agreement. The one they are asking me to sign is for three years with a 50 mile radius, which seems excessive.... read more

What do you charge a client with super long nails?

What do you charge a client with super long nails? I have a client who gets acrylics with gel-polish on top. Her nails are triple the length of the average client. I feel like I’m using almost a full bottle of gel-polish and at least double of all the other product. And she never tips. How would you charge? And if I charge her more, how do I tell her?... read more

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