I know I have touched on client consultation in one other feed on this blog. The reasons for me posting so many feeds on consults is because I feel it is one of the most important things a nail technician can do. In nail technician school they didn't touch on the client consult card as much as I feel they should have. I figured for every 1 of me there are 100 more out there. I strive to teach myself as well as other fellow nail techs as much as I can. Foolproof tips on keeping client retention, customer satisfaction, and the bottom line!
That first meeting between your client and yourself is the very first impression. I know you have heard this before, but first impressions are a must! It can make or break you! The client consult is when the client will either decided to use your services at the salon or simply break for the door and never be seen again! It sets the stage for your relationship to your client for years to come if all goes well, and a rebooking client is set cash flow!
Client consultations help maintain their clientel and deliver satisfaction. It is far easier to keep the clients you have than to try to get all new clients, so in that aspect client consults should make you more eager to go out and get that info. Clients do not like to be treated like a dollar sign, they like to be treated as if they were the queen of England.
Every answer a client puts down is an answer that can help better you on giving the best service possible and to know what products to use.
With sites like Angies List now out on the internet, it makes giving the absolute perfect service manditory or you will sink like the Titanic! There are two reasons a client is searching for services: to feel good, or to solve a problem. Most of the time clients are there as an escape to the normal hustle and bustle of every day life (a retreat). I have witnessed many girls at school when having clients talking about personal stuff to the client or to another tech. This only leaves the client wondering am I being talked about ten minutes after I leave. Not only does it make a client wonder if they are being talked about, but it doesn't set such a tranquil setting to relax, now does it????
You need to sit down and think about what it is you want on your client consultation card. Medical information is a must (not knowing if they are on chemo or something else), personal (how hard are they on their nails), and services.
Showing posts with label cash. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cash. Show all posts
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
FOR RENT or for hire? It's my business right!?!?!?
Once you have graduated beauty school, the next question is where am I going to work? I realize I have touched on this topic a little here and there, but this thread is about what to look for and what to realize when finding that right little salon just for you. Booth renting can be an enticing option when you are craving flexibility without the responsibility of an employer dictating your schedule. Some of the perks of booth renting include taking charge of your hours, choosing your products and keeping all your earnings. On the other hand, if you are looking for an environment that provides mentorship and education, booth renting may not be the right choice for you.
One important factor to consider before booth renting is the location of the salon. Is it in a good location? Notice the streets around, what businesses are around, and what type of clientel do you think will come in based on where you are located? A salon that is located in a busy shopping area can be beneficial because your customers already frequent the area and will be more likely to swing by your salon. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network with nearby businesses who can send new clients your way. There may also be the possibility for more walk-ins. If there is another person providing the same services, find out the salon's policy for how walk-ins are assigned.
Another aspect I tend to look for is parking. Be sure to take a look at the parking situation. This is critical. If parking is difficult to come by, you may lose clients who do not want to deal with the hassle. I have been to salons that had the most badass hair dressers and nail techs. Those salons also had a good reputation, the only thing holding them back from a 5 star rating was their parking. Older clients do not want to walk, that is if they can. It can be hot here in the bootheel of Missouri so to think of walking on those hot days are simply not an option for myyself as well as others.
Consider how well you interact with the demographic that frequents the location. Do you vibe well with pampered princesses or do you bond better with "everyday people?" Do you like children? I can tell you what I DON'T deal well when it comes to client's children: I hate kids (I have a 5 year old of my own, love her to death), but other peoples kids I can't stand. I got a job as a nail tech not a baby sitting nail tech. I love my older clients, but there are a few that tend to be bossy I hate those clients. You cannot please everyone, but you can find a place of employment that will make you happy.
One HUGE factor in where I will be working is the enviornment itself. I am a team player, I am trustowrthy, and friendly. I've found others aren't the same. Working in a miserable environment takes a terrible a toll on your business and psychological state. I went to school with a good attitude, little did I know what I was walking into. The horrible enviornment took its toll on me. If it had not been for my amazing husband I don't know if I would have even made it (I would have probably quit). Beauty school is THE hardest thing I have ever done in my 28 years of living. Choose a salon with a pleasant atmosphere where you will feel comfortable. Ask how many other people are renting the same type of booth as you. Things could get competitive if there are several people with the same type of business. Are there any thieves among them? Having your stuff messed with is frustrating, and if you mess with my stuff it's a sure fire way to have it out with me and it ends by your head being ripped off.
Consider the price of the booth rental and how many clients you will need to service to make it worthwhile. Review all your expenses for the tools of the trade. Ask yourself if you are good at record keeping. You will need this information when paying your taxes. You should also be informed what the rental includes. Will you have to pay extra for laundry? Is there a secure area for your equipment?
The length of the salon owner's lease can also affect your decision. If a new owner takes over there could be many changes implemented including a rent increase. A written contract insures there are no misunderstandings between you and the owner. Everything that each side agrees to should be included in the contract.
Now I am going to let you in on a secret of mine. When scoping out a booth rental location, test out the salon for yourself as a secret shopper. People may be on their best behavior if they know you are a perspective renter. You will be able to see the dynamics of the salon from the customer's point of view. Do the people working at the salon appear happy or can you feel tension between them? Test the salon twice by having a savvy friend make an appointment for a service at another date and critique the shop for you. Make sure to let you secret shopper friend know your criteria.
Getting a job is stressful, but putting in the right work to find the exact match for you is well worth it. I enjoy doing nails, and I enjoy the art of it. I can do this every day for the rest of my life and be happy, but only if there is no immature salon drama. So it's like buying a house, take your time to find your home. A home that speaks you, and at the same time you are so happy you can't stand it.
One important factor to consider before booth renting is the location of the salon. Is it in a good location? Notice the streets around, what businesses are around, and what type of clientel do you think will come in based on where you are located? A salon that is located in a busy shopping area can be beneficial because your customers already frequent the area and will be more likely to swing by your salon. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network with nearby businesses who can send new clients your way. There may also be the possibility for more walk-ins. If there is another person providing the same services, find out the salon's policy for how walk-ins are assigned.
Another aspect I tend to look for is parking. Be sure to take a look at the parking situation. This is critical. If parking is difficult to come by, you may lose clients who do not want to deal with the hassle. I have been to salons that had the most badass hair dressers and nail techs. Those salons also had a good reputation, the only thing holding them back from a 5 star rating was their parking. Older clients do not want to walk, that is if they can. It can be hot here in the bootheel of Missouri so to think of walking on those hot days are simply not an option for myyself as well as others.
Consider how well you interact with the demographic that frequents the location. Do you vibe well with pampered princesses or do you bond better with "everyday people?" Do you like children? I can tell you what I DON'T deal well when it comes to client's children: I hate kids (I have a 5 year old of my own, love her to death), but other peoples kids I can't stand. I got a job as a nail tech not a baby sitting nail tech. I love my older clients, but there are a few that tend to be bossy I hate those clients. You cannot please everyone, but you can find a place of employment that will make you happy.
One HUGE factor in where I will be working is the enviornment itself. I am a team player, I am trustowrthy, and friendly. I've found others aren't the same. Working in a miserable environment takes a terrible a toll on your business and psychological state. I went to school with a good attitude, little did I know what I was walking into. The horrible enviornment took its toll on me. If it had not been for my amazing husband I don't know if I would have even made it (I would have probably quit). Beauty school is THE hardest thing I have ever done in my 28 years of living. Choose a salon with a pleasant atmosphere where you will feel comfortable. Ask how many other people are renting the same type of booth as you. Things could get competitive if there are several people with the same type of business. Are there any thieves among them? Having your stuff messed with is frustrating, and if you mess with my stuff it's a sure fire way to have it out with me and it ends by your head being ripped off.
Consider the price of the booth rental and how many clients you will need to service to make it worthwhile. Review all your expenses for the tools of the trade. Ask yourself if you are good at record keeping. You will need this information when paying your taxes. You should also be informed what the rental includes. Will you have to pay extra for laundry? Is there a secure area for your equipment?
The length of the salon owner's lease can also affect your decision. If a new owner takes over there could be many changes implemented including a rent increase. A written contract insures there are no misunderstandings between you and the owner. Everything that each side agrees to should be included in the contract.
Now I am going to let you in on a secret of mine. When scoping out a booth rental location, test out the salon for yourself as a secret shopper. People may be on their best behavior if they know you are a perspective renter. You will be able to see the dynamics of the salon from the customer's point of view. Do the people working at the salon appear happy or can you feel tension between them? Test the salon twice by having a savvy friend make an appointment for a service at another date and critique the shop for you. Make sure to let you secret shopper friend know your criteria.
Getting a job is stressful, but putting in the right work to find the exact match for you is well worth it. I enjoy doing nails, and I enjoy the art of it. I can do this every day for the rest of my life and be happy, but only if there is no immature salon drama. So it's like buying a house, take your time to find your home. A home that speaks you, and at the same time you are so happy you can't stand it.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Two Pedicure Items That Are The Easiest To Upsell For You To Make More Cash
There are two things that are a no brainer when it comes to upselling to my client. They are two addon items that are easy to apply and they speak for themselves. The two items are paraffin dipping and pedi masks, and these two items can also be used on the hands. The items can be used in pedicures as well as manicures, a double whammy for any nail technician.
The only high cost from you as the technician for paraffin dipping is the actually dip system. I use a gorgeous crock pot to heat up the paraffin, but I also only currently offer it for hands. I do not have a dip system because they run $100-250. However, the blocks of paraffin are only $10.00 at Sallys and they have a multitude of choices. I got vanilla which smells heavenly, the school I just graduated from used peach and even though I hate peach it smelled good! Once you leave the paraffin on for 10-15 minutes you will peel it off like a glove. The skin gets lefted as soft and smooth and you can imagine. Once I have got the customer addicted those clients come in every month just for paraffin as an addon to their already good service! I mean it, it sells itself!
Another item that has been overlooked is pedicure masques. It's not just for pedis either! I rarely read about masques in magazines, and it seems to be overlooked. I am going to bring this other item into the light for you! Christine Ashley makes a masque called Barefeet, professional foot care pedi masque. It's a 8 oz tube, so you have enough to last you a good while. This masque is the perfect pampering treatment. It conditions and softens skins while soothing and energizing tired muscles. This masque leaves feet feeling cool and revitalized. This masque is simple to use as well, use after exfoliating the feet. (You can use this on hands too) Lightly coat each foot with the masque. Allow the masque to ry for five minutes then return feet to bath and rinse off. The task has been completed!
I promise you that these two items sell themselves as long as you get the client to try the items the first time. Just like pringles "once you pop you can't stop!" As my teach in nail technician school would say, "The best way to know about a product or service is to have it done to you". You need to try out anything new to explain it the best way you can. A little dulgance on your part can lead you to more cash flowwing days!
The only high cost from you as the technician for paraffin dipping is the actually dip system. I use a gorgeous crock pot to heat up the paraffin, but I also only currently offer it for hands. I do not have a dip system because they run $100-250. However, the blocks of paraffin are only $10.00 at Sallys and they have a multitude of choices. I got vanilla which smells heavenly, the school I just graduated from used peach and even though I hate peach it smelled good! Once you leave the paraffin on for 10-15 minutes you will peel it off like a glove. The skin gets lefted as soft and smooth and you can imagine. Once I have got the customer addicted those clients come in every month just for paraffin as an addon to their already good service! I mean it, it sells itself!
Another item that has been overlooked is pedicure masques. It's not just for pedis either! I rarely read about masques in magazines, and it seems to be overlooked. I am going to bring this other item into the light for you! Christine Ashley makes a masque called Barefeet, professional foot care pedi masque. It's a 8 oz tube, so you have enough to last you a good while. This masque is the perfect pampering treatment. It conditions and softens skins while soothing and energizing tired muscles. This masque leaves feet feeling cool and revitalized. This masque is simple to use as well, use after exfoliating the feet. (You can use this on hands too) Lightly coat each foot with the masque. Allow the masque to ry for five minutes then return feet to bath and rinse off. The task has been completed!
I promise you that these two items sell themselves as long as you get the client to try the items the first time. Just like pringles "once you pop you can't stop!" As my teach in nail technician school would say, "The best way to know about a product or service is to have it done to you". You need to try out anything new to explain it the best way you can. A little dulgance on your part can lead you to more cash flowwing days!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)