Does Time Matter?

[Paula1969]

Hi Everyone,

Have just finished a client this evening, a refill appointment. Gel Nails.
Problem is it took me 1 1/2 hours.
Now I know I'm not cutting corners to do job faster, and I'm not wasting time chatting (although can't be rude and not talk), but I can't seem to get my time down no matter what I try. I don't want to forsake the routine that I have.
The thing is I think I'm losing re-book appointments because of the time. Clients come for the full set then rebook for refill appointment but after that don't book again.
Is it just the novelty of new nails for a couple of weeks or is it the time it's taking to do nails?
Have any of you had experience of this? Any advice on your routine for refill/rebalance that might speed things up?

It's not that I have loads of clients that I can afford to keep losing them.:irked:

Thanks Paula xx

 

[lotus blossom]

i allow an hour and half for rebalance appts
so i dont think your taking too long
are you asking them to rebook their appts when they leave?

 

[loubylou]

It takes me about 1 and a half hours to do a full set but takes me around two hrs to do a rebalance
i just tell them i like to make sure that i am happy with the nails before they leave the salon and most either dont mind or have got used to me now lol

 

[Paula1969]

are you asking them to rebook their appts when they leave?

No I'm not asking them to rebook!

They are telling me they will give me a ring in few weeks, so when weeks go by and am looking at diary I'm seeing they aren't returning.
I don't really want to ring them and see if they want an appointment.

 

[lotus blossom]

No I'm not asking them to rebook!

right!!
well when youve finished i would say , do you want to make your appt now as i only have a number of slots left?
and get them in,
if they say theyll call in a few weeks i would say ok then, but i might not be able to fit you in when its convenient to you, see how that goes
hth xxx




thanks snadi xx

 

[blossom]

It's hard at first but just have your diary to hand and say "ok then, so in 2/3 weeks, is Tuesday or Wednesday better for you?"

Or if that's too blatant try tempting them with a 10% discount for re-booking at the appointment instead of phoning in nearer the time.

Or send a voucher to their home address offering a discount for re-booking? Just a thought. Make sure your prices are pitched high enough to be able to offer these specials.

It takes me about 1hr 10 for p&w rebalance and that's after over 4 years. If there were probs with lifting etc then it would take longer.

 

[1999judy]

1-1 and a half hours is ok mate.
Not everyone keeps their nails...some just have them as a one off or for something special. Ask them when they would like an appointment just before you apply any enamel and leave them your card but if they don't come back try not to take it to heart. x

 

[Paula1969]

1-1 and a half hours is ok mate.
Not everyone keeps their nails...some just have them as a one off or for something special. Ask them when they would like an appointment just before you apply any enamel and leave them your card but if they don't come back try not to take it to heart. x

That seems to be the thing, especially this time of year with weddings etc.
I know clients are happy with nails and I'm not willing to cut corners to get times down but it's just a pain when you can't keep getting them back in the door.

Thanks for all your replies
Paula xx

 

[blossom]

Absolutely Judy, quite a few people just have a set for a special occasion or as a treat. I find from our conversation I can kinda guess whether they will become regular or not. In the early days when you're not so confident it is easy to doubt yourself/abilities/times, I used to as well. Often the same people will re-book months and months later and you realise they did love 'em after all!

 

[littlegrohl]

Its nice to see that others take about the same as me time wise.. I have been sweating it trying to cut the length of my apt without sacrificing my work.. I also understand what you mean about failure to rebook.. I try not to take it personally and focus on my regulars. My Gripe is when some ring up out of the blue and expect to get me that day or the next! so i tell them I am not available and when i do see them again we will have to book in advance.. I am still learning to take myself seriously and realise I am offering the service that they want.. so i better act the part!

 

[gemmamarie]

Hi Everyone,

Have just finished a client this evening, a refill appointment. Gel Nails.
Problem is it took me 1 1/2 hours.
Now I know I'm not cutting corners to do job faster, and I'm not wasting time chatting (although can't be rude and not talk), but I can't seem to get my time down no matter what I try. I don't want to forsake the routine that I have.
The thing is I think I'm losing re-book appointments because of the time. Clients come for the full set then rebook for refill appointment but after that don't book again.
Is it just the novelty of new nails for a couple of weeks or is it the time it's taking to do nails?
Have any of you had experience of this? Any advice on your routine for refill/rebalance that might speed things up?

It's not that I have loads of clients that I can afford to keep losing them.:irked:

Thanks Paula xx

Hi paula

I am not qualified in the nail enhancemants but I just wanted to tell you that your doing a grand job and try not too worry! (although I know its easier said than done)
You are making a good job and not cutting corners which is far better than rushing and doing a quick job. I have just spoke to a friend of mine who is a nail tech and she says that 90% of the problem is that clients hve them done, and rebalanced and then find that maybe they are not so good to have on for everyday use. She says that her clients come back to her but not straight away, they tend to keep your details for holidays and special occasions. Have you thought about maybe taking another course in something other than the nails (i do apologise if you already have) I was only thinking this as I am a mobile beauty therapist qualified in manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, eye treatments and make up and im finding that I have to keep adding more new things to gain more clients ie Indian head massage, aromatherapy. So maybe adding more strings to you bow so to speak may help. I also find that apart from waxing alot of people use my services for special occasions. So dont be dis heartened, your doing a great job!!

 

[RedAdmiral]

Rebalances can take up to 1.5hrs so thats fine you can get this time down but it comes with practice and applying your full set in a way that you have minimal to do in a refill then you clients understand what will happen the next time you visit them and need to take longer with the rebalance.
As for them coming back - its the mystey of the disappearing client! What I do is ensure I give every client an after care card that lets them know what is expected of them and also how a removal is done and the effects of removing nails themselves.

 

[sabrina1]

! and half hours, I wish i'm still at the 3 hour stage. I think thats an ideal time.