Taking Appointments . . . . .

[shellybobs]

Hi all, Of recent i have just been booking people in as and when ladies want their nails doing as most of my clients dont book a follow up appointment (even though i ask them). Im mobile and at the moment feel im just doing treatments around other people and not suiting myself. - I really want to get out of this habbit and start having set days/evening for treatments. How do all you other mobile tech manage this????? I also have another gripe!!! I get a lot of people calling me for example 5.30pm asking me if i can go do them a full set of nails, i politely ask when would you like to book me and they reply in saying NOW!!!!! I really dont like letting people down however i would never ring an hairdresser and expect an immediate appointment. - This week for me has been so stressful i just need ideas from any of you so i can manage it better. (Especially now i have a 7 month old) x

 

[Polished10]

Work out the hours that you want to work then in your diary cross out the days/times you do not want to work. It really does help you not to then book people in when you don't want to.

If your clients aren't booking up a follow up appointment, next time they ring to book in I would tell them you are already booked for the day/time that they first ask for, then at their next appointment say 'would you like me to book your next appointment now so that you can get the day & time you want?' Same again for callers who expect you to go straight away, tell them you already have another appointment but offer them another day.

They will soon start booking in advance if they can't get the times they want.

 

[geeg]

Work out the hours that you want to work then in your diary cross out the days/times you do not want to work. It really does help you not to then book people in when you don't want to.

If your clients aren't booking up a follow up appointment, next time they ring to book in I would tell them you are already booked for the day/time that they first ask for, then at their next appointment say 'would you like me to book your next appointment now so that you can get the day & time you want?' Same again for callers who expect you to go straight away, tell them you already have another appointment but offer them another day.

They will soon start booking in advance if they can't get the times they want.

Exactly what I would do.:green:

 

[Artsy Canadian]

I also agree with the above
Know your boundaries, and train your clientelle.... before they train you.

I've had a few clients in the begining not want to re-book....then I got really busy and suddenly they had to wait and extra week or 2 for an appt......they know better now.

 

[Bev Rose]

Definitely allocate ONLY the days & times you want to work & stick to it. If a client whines, as they do...just offer them an alternative.

When a client comes to me for their nails, it's very rare & I mean VERY rare I don't get a follow up booked in. I use a sales technique called 'The Alternative Close' - this takes away the chance for a client to say no to an appointment (by asking them an open ended question), as they are too busy thinking about the alternative days I have suggested...here's an example......

'Ok Mrs. Smith, I need to see you again in about two weeks, so would Thurs or Friday suit you best?'

Usual client reply.....'Oh, Thursday is better for me'

'Do you prefer morning or afternoon?'

Client: 'Mornings really'.

'That's great, so Thursday morning at 9.30am. I'll pop that on an appointment card for you, look forward to seeing you then.'

I just find this such an easy thing to say & they don't feel pressured and you are asking an 'opened ended' question - that's one they can't reply to with either a YES or a NO

She's happy as she's got the day & time she prefers and it's very rare they don't show up.

Give it a go - you'll be surprised how easy it is and you'll get your diary full in no time.

Good Luck hun xxx

 

[JANEY K]

i also agree with the idea above and the idea of a computerised booking system ..ive got one on my comp ..its quite good ,easy to use and keeps me on the right path what days i want to work re-books adresses appointments ect.. and timings and i agree with the quote train the clientelle before they train you.

jane x

 

[Anna Lee]

I also have a 7 month old baby and is in a similiar situation with you. All my clients book in advance now although when I first started they never used to.

This is how I managed to change them.

Call your clients about a week before you know their appointment is due. Say:

'Mrs xxx, I realise your in-fills is due soon and I'm just calling to let you know that my appointment book is being filled up very quickly this/next week. Would you like me to book you in so you can definately get an appointment?

I have found out that usually they say yes and try and arrange a time with you there and then. By doing it this way, it also gives them a feeling that you actually care about them enough to contact them so you can fit them in.

When you do meet them at that appointment. Kindly remind them that you're becoming very busy and if they could arrange their next appointment time with you to avoid being disappointed.

hope this helps. xx

 

[JANEY K]

if you want shelly i can send you the link for the appointment organiser in a pm to you.
jane x

 

[Missy G]

I take last minute bookings..not now appointments..but in a few hours, purely the fact that Im trying to build a client base up and I hate turning people away ,Im thinking of the £££s,and Im also working hours I wasnt on planning to do,but when I book their infills I try to work them round me.

 

[shellybobs]

Oh yes please - everyone has been so helpful with this thread, Thank you all x x x x

 

[BKY]

I used to work any day and any time but now I am quite definate in what my working hours are. I do Mon through to Thurs for appointments and I have my work mobile on mon to fri 09.00 to 18.00, so I dont get phone calls late at night. I also dont accept text messages for appointments or cancellations. My clients understand that they dont work all day every day so why should I!!!!!! I do still get some trying to call late at night and text but, you cant ring your dentist or text your dentist so they have to understand, This may seem quite harsh but I have a life and my kids also need to spend time with me! HTH

 

[redsadie]

Work out the hours that you want to work then in your diary cross out the days/times you do not want to work. It really does help you not to then book people in when you don't want to.

If your clients aren't booking up a follow up appointment, next time they ring to book in I would tell them you are already booked for the day/time that they first ask for, then at their next appointment say 'would you like me to book your next appointment now so that you can get the day & time you want?' Same again for callers who expect you to go straight away, tell them you already have another appointment but offer them another day.

They will soon start booking in advance if they can't get the times they want.

Hiya

For what it's worth, this is what I would do too.

I do have a question though (not sure if it should be a different thread - I have done a search and can't find the answer), because once I qualify I will only be doing evening appts. and saturdays as I will still be 'working the day job' until I build up my client base enough to leave. Would you say this too, to maintain a professional appearance or would you let the clients know you work a different job during the day? Same goes for when clients will ring during the day and I'm at work so can't take their call.

Many thanks

Sarah. xx

 

[Peter Pan]

Hi all, Of recent i have just been booking people in as and when ladies want their nails doing as most of my clients dont book a follow up appointment (even though i ask them). Im mobile and at the moment feel im just doing treatments around other people and not suiting myself. - I really want to get out of this habbit and start having set days/evening for treatments. How do all you other mobile tech manage this????? I also have another gripe!!! I get a lot of people calling me for example 5.30pm asking me if i can go do them a full set of nails, i politely ask when would you like to book me and they reply in saying NOW!!!!! I really dont like letting people down however i would never ring an hairdresser and expect an immediate appointment. - This week for me has been so stressful i just need ideas from any of you so i can manage it better. (Especially now i have a 7 month old) x

been there flower - you have to be strong and tell them that you only work x- y - and if they want you to go at z time there will be an extra charge (£10-£20) there is very few times i will go NOW - i will tho for like the bride thats been let down by her booked appt with another tech that let her down - stick to your guns flower, otherwise they will walk all over you and take advantage of your good nature