Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: What is your system for tracking appointments?

August 1, 1998

I use a standard appointment book at the salon and transfer the information to a large Day-Runner to keep track of schools to visit and students I need to evaluates. I also keep the information on my hand held PC, which I always keep in my purse. – Louise McCarthy, Professional Nail Care by Louise, Bellingham, Wash.

I use a computer software program, which tracks everything – from how many times the client visits the salon to the retail items she purchases. Dot Balliner, Collins Classic Creations, Georgetown, Ind.

Most of my clients have acrylic nails and need to come in every two weeks for fills, so I highlight my appointment book blue one week and yellow the next. Most of my clients have standing appointments every other week. Under their name is a circled “F” for fills, “S” for standing, “M” for manicure, and so on. I try to schedule all my standings at least one month in advance. If not, I can glance at either the blue week or the yellow week (depending what week the wanted date falls on) and figure out instantly what appointment time I have available. – Pati Schembari, Pampered Nails, Montrose, N.Y.

I have a client book that is like a traveling office. It has client cards that I update each time the person comes in. I also use a computer to keep track of client information. – Vonda Keo, Flamingo’s, Nest Bruce, Miss.

I created appointment sheets on two-part carbonless paper, which includes my salon name and phone number. When my clients make their appointments, I fill out the carbonless set with their name and next appointment. They get the original and I retain the copy. In addition, about once a week, I go through my copies of the appointments to see if someone needs to schedule another one. Nora Poole, Copacetics, Denver, Colo.

I set up my book to take clients every 90 minutes. Then I work clients in according to their needs, such as a weekly manicure or a two-week fill. Everyone shares a time slot, for example, 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning is a two-week fill. Janie has it one week, then Mimi has it next, then Janie, and so on. I give each client a card with at least three months' worth of appointments on it . It takes me a good three days to schedule my 80 clients, but I only need to do it four times a year. – Pam Karousis, Nail Designs Unlimited, Cortland, Ohio

I track appointments in a Weekly Professional Appointments DayMinder. I’m able to view seven days at a time, and each day is broken down into 15-minute increments. –Luci Nepper, Hands of Distinction -Creative Nails Regina, Saskatchewan

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