Do you think clients are too much DIY now?

[Violet Star]

Hi All,

Im a little concerned of something, maybe this is just my area but it seems as though clients these days are becoming more DIY. Such as when it comes to mani's and pedi's peoples attitudes towards this now seems to be i can easily do this myself.

When it comes to tanning they use the fake tan bottles,hair extensions - seem to be getting their friend to do them etc

These are not my clients saying these kind of things, its just comments i hear in conversations etc.

Does this worry you and do think this could do us "out of pocket" within our business?

xx

 

[Martin Duffy]

There have always been those who do their own hair & nails, and quite honestly it mostly shows! People will always dabble with trying to cut back, but mostly people realise it's more trouble than it's worth & never looks as good, so they always come running back.

 

[Lynne Baker]

DIY clients should pose no threat to your business because in all but the rarest of cases they will not be able to perform the treatment as well as you. Remember also that it's not just about the treatment, but about the whole salon experience: the quality of the environment, the ambience, the one to one relationship with the therapist. Sometimes clients come for a treatment just so they can escape their day to day life.
My clients cannot buy SwissDermyl from Boots, QVC or eBay, so they would never be able to achieve the results I can. We use professional products, or at least we should.

In some instances DIY clients can be very profitable for you. If they have a go themselves at their treatments and make a mess of it they will need you, your training, experience and professional products to put it right!

In short - I'm not in the slightest bit worried by them.

 

[Violet Star]

Yes very good points ladies and very true. I become a tiny bit worried because its all ive head lately and i cringe

 

[hannajadem]

I have the same problem with manis and peds, tbh I only ever really do L+P anymore, it's got to the point where I've taken all my mani and pedi stuff out of my kit cos it's pointless lugging it around. I had a L+P client say to me last week, 'my daughter usually does a french manicure on me':irked:

Anyway, maybe going off the point ever so slightly, but I was watching a shopping channel this morning and there was an 'Acrylic nails' 2 hour special on there. (don't know if I can name the brand) The presenters should be shot for some of the things they were saying:
'These nails are so strong, you can use them for opening a ring pull'
'Why pay a professional to do your nails, this kit works out at just £1.40 a set?'
'This kit won't damage your natural nails' Yeah right, that's why the model who admits to wearing these 24/7 has appaling natural nails

Anyway, my point is, with shows like this and sooooo many OTC products aimed at consumers, we are going to lose more business because people buying these products marked 'professional' believe that they in fact are!