When a new client comes in for a full set of nails, I provide her with a “nail bag,” which includes sample bottles of non-acetone polish remover, quick-dry top coat, hand and nail conditioner, nail glue, cuticle oil, a three-way buffer, and a nail brush. Not only does this give my clients the opportunity to try these products, which I retail in my salon, but I also know they are using the proper products on their nails between visits.
Bev Shearer
Fingerprints Nail & Tanning Salon
Hot Sulphur Springs, Colo.
A lot of my clients have acrylic nails, so I provide free repairs or replacements. The first thing I tell my clients is it doesn’t matter how a nail problem happened, they should just stop in for a repair to prevent future problems. I would rather find time for a repair than let nail problems give me a bad reputation. Some new clients are really shocked when I’m finished and I say, “No charge.” I care about my clients and this makes them feel special.
Wendy Pawlicki
Gaithersburg, Md.
We serve complimentary refreshments; we offer standing appointment; we offer standing appointments; we confirm all appointments (to remind clients and to decrease no-shows); we meet the client at the door and assist with her coat; we mail each client a birthday card; we offer assistance to the client’s car, open her door, start her engine, and fasten her seat belt; and we offer tanning for nail clients only (we are a nails-only salon). We constantly work toward accommodating out clients, but we also take into consideration whether it will inconvenience another client.
Laura Hunter
Celebrity Services
Blue Springs, Mo.
I buy trial sizes of nail products — top coats, polishes, polish driers, files — and give them to m client. I give them as a thank you for their patronage and they really appreciate it. I also give free manicures to clients who have referred new customers. This also really helps to boost my business.
Michelle Miley
DeFlavis Salon
Baltimore, Md.
For new clients, no matter what nail service they get, I offer them free nail art. I also give two free nail designs to my regular clients who come in for fills. If a clients refers two new clients and each gets a nail service of $25 or more, my regular client will receive $25 or more, my regular client will receive $25 off her next service. This really works when my clients are low on cash. I also have a calendar with all my clients’ birthdays, and I give a 10% discount on the next visit as a birthday gift.
Tanesia Greer
Club Nails
Berkley Mich.