How many clients?

[glitz and glam]

I am trying to build my clientel at the moment.
And im wondering how many repeat clients you have and if that amount covers your costs, yourlifestyle, your bills? if not how many would you like to have?
I only have a few at the moment what would you say was the best way of making your clients repeat clients?

thanks for your opinions

 

[Carole.B]

I'm just starting my business but i am introducing tell a friend, which gives both client and friend small discount so hoping that will build clientelle..xx

 

[redser]

I saw a great tip on this website earlier, like a loyality card at the end of your business card.

can't find it now. but it had 10 small boxes on the end of the business card, allowing you to put clients appointments and a loyality discount was offered on 2nd visit, 5th visit and 10th visit, etc.

There was a small figures above the boxes - above 2nd box or visit was 10% , above box 5 or 5th visit client was offered a 25% discount and on box 10 a 50% discount.

I think this wld definately offer a client coming back.


Also I offer specials, if a client refers say 3 people for nails, they get their infills done for free, or 10% discount for 1 person?

:green:

 

[glitz and glam]

The loyalty card sounds great, i used to know somewhere that printed identical to that so might see if they still do them, would be good if i could do appointments on the other side!
I do say to my clients that for every friend they introduce they get 10% off their nxt treatment, but it doesnt work! they say there happy with my prices so arent bothered wiv discounts surely everyone wants to save money?

I did my cousins nails for her prom and she said shes had some friends asking about my prices so ive given her some price lists. maybe it takes a while for word of mouth and recommendations.... im just an impatient person lol

 

[redser]

Also do you have your own nails &gel toes done? Walking advertisment.

have you any children - start talking to other parents, by flaunting your talents.

It does take time, but if your good, u just need to be patient.

Maybe local advertisment, alot of the times its free in the local papers? Use summer special or 10% off 1st treatment / set with this voucher from paper?

I've done my own and people love them so far its working.:lol:

 

[geeg]

The best way to get repeat business is to do clients' nails that comeback every 2-3 weeks without problems. Clients with repeated problems either go elsewhere or stop having nail services.

Your aim should be to give your best to every single client every single time. Sometimes I see nail technicians get complacent about repeat clients and they treat them in a more familiar way instead of always giving that 100% best and remaining professional. It is a personal business and this is an easy trap to fall into, but you mustn't.

Loyalty schemes are a good thing and a nice reward, but no one will return just because of a loyalty scheme ... not unless they are getting a service that lasts.

I would say that the number of clients you need on your books all the time to be able to really make a good living is about 150 or more. Not all clients are long term clients for various reasons.

 

[VHunter]

I am trying to build my clientel at the moment.
And im wondering how many repeat clients you have and if that amount covers your costs, yourlifestyle, your bills? if not how many would you like to have?
I only have a few at the moment what would you say was the best way of making your clients repeat clients?

thanks for your opinions

I haven't exactly sat and counted..... but keeping in mind that I haven't advertised in about 2yrs (due to budget), I'm doing very well by word of mouth.
I have 17 this week (had to turn away a few due to daughter's T-ball games 3x this week) and 10 booked for next week so far. I know I'll have more, I always do. I have 4 newbies this week.
My average week is about 15 or so.
Keeping in mind, I still take nearly 2hrs per client, due to nail art. The actual rebalance/fill is done (on average) in an hour.

I agree with Gigi about loyalty and clients will return due to satisfaction and not for loyalty cards HOWEVER, it is a great incentive to get them to talk about you more, if they ARE satisfied. It has worked great for me.

Having a few clients that work in the public eye has CERTAINLY helped this last year. I have a 2 waitresses, 4 store sales clerks, and an esthetician. It DEFINATELY makes a difference, having clients that work in the public eye, with your cards in their pockets.
Naturally, I always give them discounts here and there, because of all the clients they've been bringing in.

I'm looking forward to the children being in school full time this fall, it will open up my schedule greatly and I'm looking forward to being a full time tech.

The majority of clients are repeats at 2 & 3wks. I have several that are 'occasionals'.
If I offered more services, I'd probably be busier. I tried pedi's, but REALLY hated it, although I know they can be great for bringing in revenue because the service is less about products and more about elbow-grease.

I'm hoping to expand in the future and hire a junior to work with me.
Crossing fingers.
:green:

 

[Jolicatellas]

I recently met with a business adviser who said to aim to 40% of customers being repeat clientele - he said when I read 40% business will be sustainable. He did the whole three happy customers = 10 who hear about me chart

Word of mouth and a job well done are certainly great forms of advertising.

I do the loyalty cards as mentioned above and I have to admit, it's not b/c my clients aren't happy to pay the money, it is b/c I genuinely like to thank them for their custom. I think it is nice to give them something special in return for supporting my business - and I'm the only one in my area that does this. So the clients are happy and I'm happy

 

[glitz and glam]

Thanks for all the great advise. Yep i wear enhancements and that got me one of my regulars and i also wear hollywood toes which has got me alot of attention but everyone whos intrested puts of making an appointment then nxt time i see them have gone to boots and brought a DIY french manicure kit. I know it will take time for people to trust me too, and everyones saying their skint at the mo which i dont think will help.

I had 3 repeat clients. however one is now pregnant and as her nails grow quite fast normally has decided to have a break till babys here, which i totally understand. The 2nd was a nail bitter, who is now overjoyed that she no longer nibbles and had lovely natural nails for her wedding (goal accomplished) and my 3rd has gone on tour for a while.
i have 2 repeats left that i am offering the best service i can so i keep them. it seems everytime i get to say 7 i loose one or two.

What would you say is your quietiest month? August has been dead for me although june and july ticked over nicely.

i have just done an introductory offer to local businesses so hope something will come of that

 

[Jessicles]

Like Gigi said, the best thing you can do for your business is offer a professional, quality service. And give your regulars a stack of cards to carry with them.

I have always thought that discounting your service is a bad idea, in my opinion. It may bring you clients, but are they the clients you want? Are they clients that have the money and are willing to spend it on great service? Are they reliable, loyal and responsible clients?

It took me a long time to build my business, but I think it was worth not sacrificing my ideals. My only advertisement has been word of mouth, which is the best anyway. If you want to offer some kind of incentive, I would offer something ON TOP of the service they are paying for, rather than discounting anything. Example: free lotion with client referral, free nail art with a rebooking, add a paraffin dip or otherwise upgrade their service (standard mani to spa mani) if they book more than one service at a time. This way, you always get the money you deserve, and it also introduces clients to your high end services and products, increasing the chance they'll rebook/rebuy those too. Good luck!

 

[geeg]

Like Gigi said, the best thing you can do for your business is offer a professional, quality service. And give your regulars a stack of cards to carry with them.

I have always thought that discounting your service is a bad idea, in my opinion. It may bring you clients, but are they the clients you want? Are they clients that have the money and are willing to spend it on great service? Are they reliable, loyal and responsible clients?

It took me a long time to build my business, but I think it was worth not sacrificing my ideals. My only advertisement has been word of mouth, which is the best anyway. If you want to offer some kind of incentive, I would offer something ON TOP of the service they are paying for, rather than discounting anything. Example: free lotion with client referral, free nail art with a rebooking, add a paraffin dip or otherwise upgrade their service (standard mani to spa mani) if they book more than one service at a time. This way, you always get the money you deserve, and it also introduces clients to your high end services and products, increasing the chance they'll rebook/rebuy those too. Good luck!

PERFECT ADVICE .. I could have written it myself as I agree with every single word.

NEVER discount your service price ... gives out all the wrong signals to potential clients and makes you look desperate which can have the totally opposite effect that you want for your business.

 

[divalounge]

Like Gigi said, the best thing you can do for your business is offer a professional, quality service. And give your regulars a stack of cards to carry with them.

I have always thought that discounting your service is a bad idea, in my opinion. It may bring you clients, but are they the clients you want? Are they clients that have the money and are willing to spend it on great service? Are they reliable, loyal and responsible clients?

It took me a long time to build my business, but I think it was worth not sacrificing my ideals. My only advertisement has been word of mouth, which is the best anyway. If you want to offer some kind of incentive, I would offer something ON TOP of the service they are paying for, rather than discounting anything. Example: free lotion with client referral, free nail art with a rebooking, add a paraffin dip or otherwise upgrade their service (standard mani to spa mani) if they book more than one service at a time. This way, you always get the money you deserve, and it also introduces clients to your high end services and products, increasing the chance they'll rebook/rebuy those too. Good luck!

You have 100% right. I do it also this way. Top service and More service up from Standart is always better as 10 % Off ....

 

[Carole.B]

Like Gigi said, the best thing you can do for your business is offer a professional, quality service. And give your regulars a stack of cards to carry with them.

I have always thought that discounting your service is a bad idea, in my opinion. It may bring you clients, but are they the clients you want? Are they clients that have the money and are willing to spend it on great service? Are they reliable, loyal and responsible clients?

It took me a long time to build my business, but I think it was worth not sacrificing my ideals. My only advertisement has been word of mouth, which is the best anyway. If you want to offer some kind of incentive, I would offer something ON TOP of the service they are paying for, rather than discounting anything. Example: free lotion with client referral, free nail art with a rebooking, add a paraffin dip or otherwise upgrade their service (standard mani to spa mani) if they book more than one service at a time. This way, you always get the money you deserve, and it also introduces clients to your high end services and products, increasing the chance they'll rebook/rebuy those too. Good luck!

Excellent advice.
I am opening my home salon in September and want to build my business with loyal and reliable clients, so i am going to remove any offers and try to build my business through word of mouth and advertising..xx

 

[persianista]

I have a very large clientelle of about 50 a week. Most are regular 5 week intervals. All are word of mouth as I dont advertise. I was taught a long time ago never to discount my work or in any way devalue myself. It was sound advice.
It takes a long time in one place to build up. Good service, creative work and fresh eyes on each visit is what worked for me.

 

[mobile]

you are very lucky to have 50 clients a week how many hours are you working?

 

[Anna Lee]

you are very lucky to have 50 clients a week how many hours are you working?

She is not lucky.

She has probably worked very hard, put in a lot of time, effort and dedication into what she does to have a decent client base.

In the nail industry, there is no such thing as 'luck'. Words can easily deceive people, but you can not lie with skill.

Our reputation is only as good as our work.

 

[persianista]

Sorry should elaborate that I'a hairdresser not a nail tech, hence 5 week intervals. I work approx 65 hours a week behind the chair. I worked in the same area for about 16 years now and have owned salons for about 10 years. To build a giant clientelle you have to be consistant in your work, pretty nice all the time and constantly update your skills and your clients look. Advertising doesnt really work for hairdressers so I always concentrated on keeping the clients that I have rather than chasing new ones and my clientelle grew from there.

 

[laura16]

i have just done an introductory offer to local businesses so hope something will come of that

What was you introductory offer for local businesses if you don't mind me asking. Only I haven't been doing nails long and am trying to build up my client base and I haven't tried that

Thanks, Laura x

 

[glitz and glam]

Hey laura, well its a bit of a shot in the dark but thought id try it as people talk to their customers/ clients!! so even if the staff dont take up the offer they might mention me if there ever on the subject, obviously hoping it does get me clients.
I just sent a introduction letter explaining who i was, wot i did ect. did a special offer price on hollywood toes with a closing date on it with a couple of pics of my work on it. it clearly states that it is for local staff.
sent them off end of last week so will let you know how i got on.

Think im gonna have to go back to basics and do a massive leaflet drop.

gonna keep my customer service and proffessional manner in top form and hope that word will spread.

Thanks all for your thoughts, its very hard not to offer out discounts when your so hungry for a successful business. im looking at expanding my qualifications so i have further treatments to offer and can do packages, does anyone find that a good way to get new clients?

 

[persianista]

I cannot stress enough that it can be a terrible mistake to discount your work. Gettin excited about new treatments and products will get your clients enthused and interested. Its far better to have fewer good, high spending clients than hundreds that want something for nothing. Plus in terms of job satisfaction its far better not to churn out high speed cheap jobs. The groundwork on your clientelle is done now, so its worth thinking about what sort of tech(?) you want to be, and the clients you would like to have.