The Perfect Consult, Can It Happen YES!

    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.

Client consults, make more cash

    One aspect of making more money that, for some reason, falls to the way side is client consultations.  Every client deserves that client consultation before beginning services.  It doesn't matter if the client has been a client of yours for 1 year or 10 years, everyone gets a consult at every service!
   When greeting the client make a firm handshake and eye contact.  This accepts your client and establishes a connection between you and them.  Going along with the established connection, never send your client to the polish and say pick out a color.  Rather, a nail technician should walk the client to the wall and help pick out a color.  Last offering a drink is a plus.  Whether it be wine and cocktails or coffee and water, client like feeling pampered. 
     When sanatizing hands, you can ask the client is they hae any medical conditions that you should know about, allergies, and what concerns the client may have.  While explaining this, it is best to end with what the client will recieve in the booked service as well as the upgrade options. 
     If giving a pedicure to the client, when he/she sits down in the chair ask the same questions as you did with a manicure while sanatizing their hands.  You can offer masks and other upsells during this phase.  I find the best and easiest thing I can sell is a hot paraffin dip on hands and feet.  I charge $5 a pair on paraffin dipping.