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

Dear Shari: How do I build my nail business in a full-service salon that is made up of booth renters?

I am a booth renter in a full-service salon with no receptionist. We are all responsible for our own appointments. With so many hairstylists renting in the same salon you’d think my book would be full but it’s not. I get very few client recommendations from the stylists and they are usually one-shot deals. I understand they have no obligation to talk up my services with their clients, but you’d think that as part of a team they’d want to do so. The salon owner has brought up the subject at almost every quarterly meeting but it has made no difference. I don’t service the stylists’ nails because they do their own or have acrylics done by techs they’ve been going to for years. Any suggestions? Sincerely, Baffled... read more

Reader to Reader: Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?

Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?... read more

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?... read more

Reader to Reader: Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?

Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?... read more

How can I get clients to buy retail items?

I don’t know if people’s budgets are to blame but they don’t want to buy products for at-home use. They want you to give it away to them for free. I do have promotions and giveaways from time to time, but I can not afford to constantly give away products. How can I get them to pay for these items?... read more

Why won't people buy products for at-home use, but instead seek freebies?

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?... read more

How do I find a manicurist [employee] who cares about building a business?

I’m tired of nail techs who make only a minimal effort and expect me (the salon owner) to do everything for them. How can I find a manicurist who cares about building a business?... read more

Dear Shari: What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service?

What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service? Is there a standard percentage — like at least 15% is a standard gratuity for dining out? Sincerely, Tipped Off... read more

Dear Shari: What can I do when a salon owner randomly charges me for expenses in addition to my booth rent?

I just began work as a booth renter. It’s my understanding I am responsible to pay only the amount I contracted to pay monthly. However, the salon owner is asking for money here and there to pay for things like beverages, clothing, advertising, etc. None of these things were ever discussed or agreed on previously. Shouldn’t the monthly rent cover the things she wants to have at her salon? Sincerely, Disgruntled Booth Renter... read more

Reader to Reader: Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?

Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?... read more

What Would You Do if Business at Your Salon Slowed Down?

Although it’s not something most nail techs or salons owners ever want to think about, there may come a time when business may slow down. This may be due to a bad economy or other reasons. Have you ever stopped to think what you would do if this ever happened to you? We posed that question to a salon owner, a booth renter, and an employee. Here’s what they had to say.... read more

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