Business

What techniques can techs use to keep salon conversations professional?

February 01, 2010 | Bookmark +

What techniques can techs use to keep salon conversations professional? How can we deflect personal questions politely?

Answer

It is natural and healthy to discuss family, weekend activities, sports, health concerns, etc., with clients. These personal conversations create a bond of loyalty that strengthens mutual trust. However your client should be doing more of the sharing than you do. It is their time; they are paying to be listened to. The best way to deflect personal questions you don’t want to answer without being rude is to keep things light. Try making a joke, then immediately turn the conversation back to the client. A joke will make it less strange that you didn’t answer the client’s question and just changed the subject. Fortunately, people also love talking about themselves so unless they’re hellbent on getting the details, a few breezy jokes and conversational turns should do the trick just fine. — Ana Loiselle is a consultant for Milady (www.milady.cengage.com).

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?

Bookmark +

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?

Bookmark +

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?

Bookmark +

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

Bookmark +

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.

Bookmark +

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?

Bookmark +

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?

Bookmark +

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?

Bookmark +

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.

Bookmark +

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?