Disheartened when I lose clients!

[redlottie13]

Hey guys, I like many more hairdressers follow some of my clients on socials.

I have noticed that although I'm busy (to the point some clients are getting aggy when they cannot get in with one day/one week notice)
.... I'm also losing clients too.

Two clients in two weeks have gone elsewhere and obviously I want to know why.

I have sent a nice message asking if those clients were happy with the service. One said she was always really happy with her hair and loved the salon & the vibe. I checked out the other salon and they are a similar price too.

I have worked in pretty prestigious salons and would say that my customer service is impeccable.

What do you guys do, does it bother you?

...I mean it could well be my old staff member I sacked poaching clients but it would take clients actually telling me! X


X

 

[Jake nattrass hair]

Hi Lottie I’m in a similar position with regards to being fully booked week on week with a 3-4 week colour wait.
I think inevitably you will lose some clients no matter what I always give amazing service and never get Into the repeat client familiarness I always ask what they fancy with the colour if they liked to try anything new etc same with the hair style.
Aslong as your books are still busy I would just smile and wish them well, I’ve seen clients out who have been to other hairstylist and I always engage in conversation and ask how they are family’s etc.
There’s plenty of clients to go around and I don’t sit and slate other businesses it’s great to support eachothed.
All I can say is don’t take it to heart and aslong as your book is still busy, your good!

 

[redlottie13]

Hi Lottie I’m in a similar position with regards to being fully booked week on week with a 3-4 week colour wait.
I think inevitably you will lose some clients no matter what I always give amazing service and never get Into the repeat client familiarness I always ask what they fancy with the colour if they liked to try anything new etc same with the hair style.
Aslong as your books are still busy I would just smile and wish them well, I’ve seen clients out who have been to other hairstylist and I always engage in conversation and ask how they are family’s etc.
There’s plenty of clients to go around and I don’t sit and slate other businesses it’s great to support eachothed.
All I can say is don’t take it to heart and aslong as your book is still busy, your good!

Totally I would never let on I'm upset. Always keeping it professional. But what a dig eh!
Yeah I always give a consultation like I've never met them. My old salon said that was the biggest reason why people went elsewhere.
So glad I'm not the only one who feels it

And thank you for the boost [emoji8]

 

[Tinker78]

I worked in one salon where some stylists were so busy and popular their clients would book all hair appointments to the end of the calendar year to ensure they had a spot. This could be something to consider suggesting?

 

[EssexFreelance]

People are free to go elsewhere, or anywhere they like. You are only as good as your last haircut as the saying goes. This will happen you can’t stop it.

 

[redlottie13]

People are free to go elsewhere, or anywhere they like. You are only as good as your last haircut as the saying goes. This will happen you can’t stop it.

I'm aware people can go wherever they like.
I'm more asking how I can stop it bothering me so much, if my work is consistent what more can I do......
X

 

[EssexFreelance]

Think positive thoughts about all the great ones and replace them with two new amazing ones

 

[House Beauty]

Hey guys, I like many more hairdressers follow some of my clients on socials.

I have noticed that although I'm busy (to the point some clients are getting aggy when they cannot get in with one day/one week notice)
.... I'm also losing clients too.

Two clients in two weeks have gone elsewhere and obviously I want to know why.

I have sent a nice message asking if those clients were happy with the service. One said she was always really happy with her hair and loved the salon & the vibe. I checked out the other salon and they are a similar price too.

I have worked in pretty prestigious salons and would say that my customer service is impeccable.

What do you guys do, does it bother you?

...I mean it could well be my old staff member I sacked poaching clients but it would take clients actually telling me! X


X

This is great news, you are fully booked which means it's time to up your prices!! It's scary but you need to do it so that those that value your work and pay you well can always get an appointment when they need one.

If they loved your service but went somewhere else, as hard as it feels, it's not personal.

They probably loved everything you did but something just wasn't suitable for them, sit things like awkward for them personally to get to with their schedule or lifestyle, there is someone nearer to them, they have less money than usual or they saved up for a treat. It's important to remember that that kind of stuff isn't ours to worry about.

Of course, if you want them to come back you must rebook them before they leave and if it's not their thing to rebook and be organised they will tell you so (very rarely!). In that case you can suggest you remind them a few weeks before they are due their upkeep which they will always want. Are you doing this?

It helps prevent the short notice bookers too. Eg. If they do it a lot... 'so you will need your maintenance/upkeep/whatever in X amount of weeks, I really recommend booking it now as I have a busy couple of months coming up and most of my clients booked with a lot of notice. I wouldn't want you to miss out on your preferred time.'

My mum's hairdresser is a nightmare and doesn't let anyone book anything more than 8 weeks ahead but says she will need her chosen service redone in 8-10 weeks. It's barmy. Mum never knows whether she's coming or going and can't book an appointment when she wants if she has a special occasion and instead gets messages when the hairdresser is clearly out of money and clients 3 months later basically demanding she get her hair done. It's crazy to me but mums pocket suits her prices..

 

[redlottie13]

This is great news, you are fully booked which means it's time to up your prices!! It's scary but you need to do it so that those that value your work and pay you well can always get an appointment when they need one.

If they loved your service but went somewhere else, as hard as it feels, it's not personal.

They probably loved everything you did but something just wasn't suitable for them, sit things like awkward for them personally to get to with their schedule or lifestyle, there is someone nearer to them, they have less money than usual or they saved up for a treat. It's important to remember that that kind of stuff isn't ours to worry about.

Of course, if you want them to come back you must rebook them before they leave and if it's not their thing to rebook and be organised they will tell you so (very rarely!). In that case you can suggest you remind them a few weeks before they are due their upkeep which they will always want. Are you doing this?

It helps prevent the short notice bookers too. Eg. If they do it a lot... 'so you will need your maintenance/upkeep/whatever in X amount of weeks, I really recommend booking it now as I have a busy couple of months coming up and most of my clients booked with a lot of notice. I wouldn't want you to miss out on your preferred time.'

My mum's hairdresser is a nightmare and doesn't let anyone book anything more than 8 weeks ahead but says she will need her chosen service redone in 8-10 weeks. It's barmy. Mum never knows whether she's coming or going and can't book an appointment when she wants if she has a special occasion and instead gets messages when the hairdresser is clearly out of money and clients 3 months later basically demanding she get her hair done. It's crazy to me but mums pocket suits her prices..

Totally!

I have email appointmemt reminders. But I love the idea of getting people to book when they're coming up to their refresh dates x

Sent from my EVA-L09 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[ella_buff]

You should think positive! As a client (of no matter what kind of service) sometimes I try different specialists because it's okay to compare and search for the best one. However quite often I return to my specialist. And that's why I don't get upset if my clients go somewhere else. It's okay in our business.
If you are fully booked you will easily gain new ones!

 

[House Beauty]

Totally!

I have email appointmemt reminders. But I love the idea of getting people to book when they're coming up to their refresh dates x

Sent from my EVA-L09 using SalonGeek mobile app

Do you mean you already rebook them or not yet? X