Non customers cluttering up waiting area

[perkypatchy]

We are a small unisex salon with 3/4 stations and limited bench waiting area. A group piled in at mid morning to include what may have been two families: 3 women; 2 children and two older teenagers or thereabouts in age. Added to the party of 7 was a full size pram plus a push chair. It transpired that only a 5 yr old lad was to have his hair cut. My manageress politely suggested that perhaps some of the group could go for a short walk or coffee next door cafe but then we were told that no-one could leave due to the children being subject to care orders and not to be left alone! I am aware that some barber shops/ hairdressers that operate "walk in " systems limit the amount of non waiting customers. We definitely lost a couple of customers who looked in the window only to go elsewhere as they mistakenly thought that there was a very queue waiting for haircuts. Can anyone advise on polite wording for a notice indicating limited waiting for non customers? We do not wish to appear unsympathetic but this is costing us money!

[crazybek]

We sometimes get stragglers!

Its always a difficult one but we get the teenagers bringing 3 mates to wait wile they get their hair done and are normally told we can not accomadate a large group due to lack of waiting area and obviously the noise factors a pain when clients are trying to relax.
They normally pile out and come back just before their friends ready.

Im not really sure what else you can do really.
We have signs up asking politely for non clients to stay seated in the waiting area and not stand around the salon but do they listen....No

[lucelasticx]

The salon i work in doesn't allow prams or pushchairs in the salon at all. Wheelchairs are obviously welcome but buggies NO!!! Mothers are encouraged to find a babysitter or a salon where there kids are welcome.

The idea behind this is that the salon is a place to relax and my boss feels that children dont play a part in this at all.

Children are welcome to come in and have a cut , but due to this policy we dont have many.

Also only one person is allowed to accompany anyone.

These rules are in place as the salon is very compact and it becomes a dangerous place when overcrowded.

[perkypatchy]

Thanks for the replies (2) and though the tough approach seems a little harsh, some customers or perhaps I should say non customers are very thoughtless and they obviously think that the salon is a kindergarten or family re-union place. Does anyone have polite wording for a notice to dissuade this kind of thoughtless cluttering of the salon by non customers?:(

[KayaPapaya]

Thanks for the replies (2) and though the tough approach seems a little harsh, some customers or perhaps I should say non customers are very thoughtless and they obviously think that the salon is a kindergarten or family re-union place. Does anyone have polite wording for a notice to dissuade this kind of thoughtless cluttering of the salon by non customers?:(
how about something like:


HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTICE

For the comfort and in consideration of other clients we can only safely accommodate 1 other person to accompany either you or a child during a hair/beauty appointment.

Please respect the rules of the salon, excessive numbers of people will be politely asked to leave.

? or somethign like this!!

[perkypatchy]

how about something like:


HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTICE

For the comfort and in consideration of other clients we can only safely accommodate 1 other person to accompany either you or a child during a hair/beauty appointment.

Please respect the rules of the salon, excessive numbers of people will be politely asked to leave.

? or somethign like this!! Yes, Thanks for this - will make up some signs!

[Tomme]

That sounds good too, a lot of shops by me have a notice on the door saying only 2 schoolchildren allowed in at one (unless acompanied by a parent) so possibly "please note we can only accom 1 companion per client" that or "if you aren't paying us 0121!" lol xoxo