Once time has passed, you never get it back!

By Faye Murray

Everyone is time poor. Everyone is looking for ways to save and manage their time better. So how can you in a professional salon or spa, work with your clients to provide a more time efficient service without detracting from the quality of service you offer?

SOME IDEAS TO CONSIDER: -

1. Be aware of your client’s time expectation.

How you might ask. In consultation ask your client “Do you have a time frame I need to be aware of during your visit today?” By asking this question, it ensures that you and the client are both working towards the same goal. They can then relax, and you can comfortably continue the service knowing what the client expects.

Never promise what you can’t accomplish. If the client’s expectation is unreal tell them upfront. “We will need to allow an extra 30 minutes to include the treatment you are requesting; will that work for you?”

2. Just because you, the therapist has a gap, it does not mean the client has 30 minutes to spare.

It is Tuesday afternoon, and you only have one client for the next two hours. You have time to spare. You take longer to consult than is allocated to your treatment. You take extra care and time and instead of your facial taking 60 minutes, it takes 75 minutes.

The question must be asked, “Is this good service?” No. Good service on a Tuesday afternoon would be the same time awareness as always, however, to add the perception of feeling special and adding value, a hand exfoliation while the facial mask processes would be a valued add on, this takes no extra time.

3. Encourage clients to come in at off peak times.

Every salon is different, but there is usually a pattern where appointment times are not always fully booked.

4. Offer an express manicure/pedicure service.

This may be just a buff and polish that tides a client over until they have more time. Some clients do it as part of their routine, but some do it for a special occasion. This service does not take long, but it brings people in and adds dollars to the salon’s takings. The good thing is this service can often be directed to your junior or upcoming therapist.

In your salon, look at how you can make some changes to provide services that busy people need.

Have a little checklist of what you can do that will help the day run smoothly and save time.

• Allow 10 - 15 minutes before your first client of the day for preparation. Look at your clients and prepare what you need for each client. Think about what they are going to have and make sure you are organised for each client. Address any cancellations on the day that may need follow up. Look at what services were previously done and any notes. Look at what products were previously purchased and most importantly when they were purchased.

• Have a clock in easy view so you can refer to it during the treatment.

• Break up your treatments in time brackets and stick to what you have set.

• Look at where you have a gap and think about how you can fill that gap. This means an extra service for a client who is already in for their appointment, or it can be converting a walk-in or phone appointment for that gap. If you are not aware and not focused, you will probably still have a gap at the end of the day ….less chance of your bonus.

• Check your treatment room is well stocked. Don’t waste time looking for something that should be in your room.

• Have a look at the products on the shelf. You don’t want to recommend something that is out of stock.

• What is your goal for the day and how are you going to achieve it.

• Turn “your lights” on and focus and I promise you will have a great day, but if you just turn up and hope and it will be less than wonderful, and you will definitely waste time.

• Hand over to your receptionist and farewell your client. Don’t waste time at by “hanging” at reception for a chat.

Your time and more importantly your client’s time, is wasted by you doing laps of the salon looking for things every day. Be organised and you will have a much better day and so too will everyone around you.

Happy reading,

Faye Murray

www.yourcoach.net.au