Business

What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?

December 30, 2013

I always provide a complimentary UV-cured top coat for my clients. This keeps their nails shining until they see me for their next appointment.

Rachael Waggoner
Dazzlin Digits 3D Nails, Lakewood, Colo.

When I do pedicures, I keep a pack of disposable razors handy. That way, when I get a client who has a lot of hair on that big toe, I can just gently shave it off. And believe me, that little finishing touch makes a world of difference on their pretty new pedi.

Amy Payne
Cutting Corner Salon, Tecumseh, Mich.

If time permits I may do free nail art. The clients get a little treat and I get to introduce different art to them. I also treat them to paraffin, warm towels, warm lotions, and extra-long massages — just little things to let them know they are special and appreciated. But the number-one extra that every client receives: going above and beyond the sanitation requirements. I think this is what my clients perceive as the highest value.

Lydian Flash
Austin, Texas

We offer complimentary coffee, tea, and lattés from our Keurig and a biscotti treat on the side. We also rarely charge for repairs and we always have hand lotion on hand for after a nail service. For birthdays, we surprise the clients with either a complimentary Cotton Candy Hand Treatment, a detox foot soak and massage, or a mini facial cleanse.

Teresa Heppenheimer
Tee’s Nail NV, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

I clean my clients’ gorgeous rings, earrings, and necklaces. When I’m finished making their hands awesome, it’s a nice touch for their jewelry to sparkle!

Shannon Bess
Shear Style, Beckley, W.Va.

I give a free small bottle of Solar Oil and paraffin dips.

Wendy McCall Bailey
Nails by Wendy, Huntersville, N.C.

Topics:customer service client retention

More FAQ

How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?... read more

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment?

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment? I have a client who has done this to me on several occasions. Should I require payment up front from now on? Or a deposit? Or get her to book on the day? Or fire her?... read more

As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?... read more

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?... read more

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do?

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do? Things like: “Don’t I need a base coat?” “Did you put two coats on?” or “You need to go over that again!” I’ve done nails for a long time and I know what I’m doing.... read more

How Do I Guide an Uncomfortable Conversation Into a New Direction?

How do you turn a conversation with a client in a new direction when it’s going into uncomfortable or negative territory?... read more

What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?... read more

Q&A with Patti Biro of Patti Biro and Associates

Q: Im a solo nail tech. What’s the best way to dip my toe into selling retail without a huge cash outlay to start with? And what should I sell? ... read more

Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.... read more

Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits? ... read more

What are reasonable terms for a non-compete contract?

Q: I live in a small town with two other nails-only salons that are not reputable and a lot of full-service salons that don’t do much with nails. I’ve been working for over six months now and just got asked to sign a non-compete contract. I’m curious about the terms of a normal non-compete agreement. The one they are asking me to sign is for three years with a 50 mile radius, which seems excessive.... read more

What do you charge a client with super long nails?

What do you charge a client with super long nails? I have a client who gets acrylics with gel-polish on top. Her nails are triple the length of the average client. I feel like I’m using almost a full bottle of gel-polish and at least double of all the other product. And she never tips. How would you charge? And if I charge her more, how do I tell her?... read more

Prev Next