Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

What is the best way to handle no-shows?

December 28, 2010

Dear Left:

As wrong as this is, it will always be a problem. Clients that make appointments and don’t show are inconsiderate! If this is a first-time customer, there is very little you can do other than tell her your cancellation policy when she makes her next appointment. I have been in salons that take a deposit on appointments, but I know in my area that is not a common practice. Such an odd request would discourage many customers. If this is a customer that returns without an apology, explain your cancellation policy and if it continues you may have to require a non-refundable deposit.


More FAQ

How do I fire a nail tech?

I have to fire one of my nail techs. I’ve never done anything like that before. Any advice?... read more

When asked by a client, how do I justify my higher prices compared to a discount salon?

How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services rather than go to a discount salon?... read more

Any advice on firing a nail tech?

I have to fire one of my nail techs. I’ve never done anything like that before. Any advice?... read more

How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services?

How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services rather than go to a discount salon?... read more

How do I reach teens and tweens?

I’m having trouble reaching the teens and tweens. They don’t seem to want to come in and get services done, especially enhancement services like gels and acrylics.... read more

Do you discuss politics in the salon?

Many of us were taught in nail school that a few topics of conversation are off limits — including politics. But given the drawn-out and hotly contested nature of the election season we just passed, the subject was hard to avoid. NAILS asked readers: Do you discuss politics in the salon?... read more

Reader to Reader: How do you fire a client?

How do you fire a client?... read more

How do I recruit nail techs in California where it seems there is a smaller and smaller number getting their licenses?

There seems to be a smaller and smaller pool of nail technicians getting their licenses in California. I’m having a very hard time finding nail techs. Any suggestions?... read more

How do I increase my business? The discount salons have taken business right out from under us.

My problem is I’ve had no increase in business. When I advertise, I get no calls. The discount salons in the area have taken our business right out from under us.... read more

Reader to Reader: Is having a salon website a must in today’s environment?

Is having a salon website a must in today’s environment?... read more

Dear Shari: How can I get people to get regular pedicures and try nail art?

How can I get people to get regular pedicures and try nail art? Sincerely, No Regularity... read more

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