Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: How do you keep your client information safe?

December 19, 2010

Everybody at our salon keeps his or her own client record book, and the salon does the same with a computer program. Our computers don’t have a guest logon option (all the available logon options are password-protected) to prevent unauthorized people from accessing it. I take my book home with me every night in case I get ill or have an accident; that way I can call my earliest clients to let them know to call the salon to reschedule. The receptionist kindly handles rescheduling and calling later clients for me via the salon’s information. And if it’s a matter of a client seeing another tech, the tech can call or approach me if she wants to know specifics about what said client may want or need. - KELLI BURLESON, Harlow’s, Grand Blanc, Mich.

I keep my clients’ records safe by having duplicates on my computer. I keep the records on a disk and in a zipped program where all info is locked away. In the event my computer isn’t functioning, I also keep written client records in a filing cabinet, which only I have the keys to. My esthetics clients’ privacy is especially important to me since it may have medical information, so I’m the only one who has access to it. For the nails portion of my business, the receptionist has the open list for call back and scheduling. - JENNIFER TITRA, Jenz Esthetics & Nailz Spa, Toronto

I keep note cards in a plastic container. On one side, the info card asks a client for her name, address, birthday, favorite type of drink, and favorite scents. I use the other side to write the date and time the client came into my shop, the polish used, the service received, the lotion type, and how much the client paid (including whether it was a trade or discounted). Sometimes I note if the client is married or has kids or what she does for a living. I don’t let anyone look at it. I keep it next to my appointment book and pull it out before the clients get here. - KELLY TRAVER, Picture Perfect, Willow Springs, Mo.

In order to keep my client information safe, I bought a client data book to collect all of my clients’ information. I don’t give a new client the whole book; I place a data file on the table before the client comes in, then add it to the book later. I keep all of my client info with me at all times, including my appointment book. Also when I am at work, my book is put to the side and out of the way. - CHANDA JENKINS, Head Angels Salon, Rockingham, N.C.

I have all my client information on a writable CD. I first fill out the forms on my laptop, then I move them to a CD. I also make backup copies. - ANN-MARIE REEVES, Merle Norman Salon, Ashby, Mass.

I keep my client information in a small notebook. It stores the client’s home address, phone number, birth date and any notes I add. I keep it in my desk drawer, so it’s not sitting out. - NORMA SPROLES, The Signature Salon, Inc., Flat Rock, N.C.

More FAQ

What should I do to get the paying, loyal clients I need?

I am a seasoned nail tech and have just opened a nail salon. I need help sustaining new and regular clients in this economy. I have done many coupon sites (Groupon, Living Social, etc.) to build business and it has been a pain — plus my price point is higher than neighborhood discount salons. I’m not sure what to do to get the paying, loyal clients I need.... read more

Reader to Reader: What's better in the salon: small private rooms or a room with multiple stations?

What’s better in the salon: small private rooms that are one-on-one or a room with multiple stations so people can interact with each other?... read more

Reader to Reader: Should the salon be closed on holidays?

Should the salon be closed on holidays (days when most clients have the day off work) and why?... read more

Any suggestions on how to avoid theft without keeping everything behind bars?

I’m opening a salon and plan on having retail. However I live in a city and have to be mindful of security. Any suggestions on how to avoid theft without keeping everything behind bars?... read more

I’m very concerned about the other nail salons that follow the rules; it makes us all look bad. How can we stop them?

I’m so tired of all of these cheap nail salons popping up all over the place. They are so disgusting inside. The tools and mani/pedi stations are never clean. How does one report them? I’m from Michigan and the state board doesn’t reply back to me. I’m very concerned about the other nail salons that follow the rules; it makes us all look bad. How can we stop them?... read more

Reader to Reader: Who is your best "nail friend"?

For our annual Reader-Written Issue, NAILS asked our readers: Who is your best "nail friend" (AKA another nail tech who you talk shop with)?... read more

Reader to Reader: What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?

What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?... read more

How do you charge your coworkers for services?

Nail techs are a generous bunch, but does that generosity extend to giving free services to salon colleagues? We asked techs: How do you charge your coworkers for services?... read more

Reader to Reader: If you could open a salon anywhere in the world, where would you open it?

If a genie told you that you could open a nail salon in any city anywhere in the world (ignoring money and other practical considerations), in what city would you open your salon and why?... read more

Reader to Reader: Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?

Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?... read more

Should I advertise in the Yellow Pages?

Does anybody use the Yellow Pages anymore? What about the online Yellow Pages? Should I consider paying for advertising in the online Yellow Pages or is my money better spent elsewhere?... read more

What is the best place to recruit nail techs?

I own a salon and spa in Maryland. I have been looking for a nail technician and it has been impossible for me to find one. I have put out ads but I don’t seem to get anywhere. What is the best place to find one?... read more