Business

Reader to Reader: What is your best salon-related organizational tip?

September 01, 2009 | Bookmark +

What is your best salon-related organizational tip?

Answer

I always keep my things within hands’ reach and replace them in the same spot so I don’t spend time searching while the client is in my salon. Also, in between clients it’s a good idea to get in the habit of cleaning your station and the bathroom, re-arranging the magazines, and sweeping around your area. If you’re not organized, clients will sense it, and you may ultimately end up losing clients. - Patty Lopez, Studio 24, Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico

I use a lot of craft organizers, like bead trays, painters’ art boxes, scrapbooking, storage boxes, and even a coupon organizer for my small sticker sheets. - Claudia Iacovetto, Newcastle, Wyo.

My best advice is to computerize as many things as possible. I keep all of my client data and scheduling in a database called GoldMine and track my expenses in QuickBooks. I also installed webcams inside my salon, which means I can either sit at the salon’s front desk or at home (or anywhere else with an Internet connection) and still be able to monitor everything that goes on inside the salon. - Bobby Trinh, Victoria Nails & Spa, Orange, Calif.

At least once a month I do a deep cleaning of my supplies. I fill what needs to be filled, take inventory, and get rid of products I’m not currently using. You’d be surprised how much stuff ends up in my station or my locker that I don’t use. I also have a nail closet at home where I keep my back stock. - Lynn Weber, Kaya Beauty, Henderson, Nev.

Take the time to really train your front desk coordinators. Budget permitting, also hire  a team of assistants. - Laura Rafeca, Bayonne, N.J.

I type out instructions on how to do services, current specials, rules about customer service, phone etiquette, etc. I think having something in writing always makes everything run smoother. - Samira Asemanfar, Bellacures, Beverly Hills, Calif.

My gel polishes and regular polish bottles sit on a three-tier spice rack stand, making them easy to access while creating a pretty display. I use a Matchbox car case to hold my glitter and colored acrylic collection; each car section holds two 1-oz. pots. I store cotton rounds and lint-free wipes in a canister to keep them separate and dust-free. In my drawers, I use white plastic pencil dividers to keep things, like extra gels and nail art tools, from rolling around. - Kahne Withman, That Nail Chic, Longview, Wash.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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