The competition

[roseblanc]

Ok, so where I live there is this 1 salon that EVERYONE goes it (which is about 30mins from town). This salon uses MMA products, dirty tools, and "fake gel" (L&P with UV top coat).

I feel compelled to tell my clients (since they have all been there before) about why to NOT go back there. But at the same time, I don't want it to look like I'm bad mouthing the other salon so that these clients will come back to me because that's not the case. I'm truly concerned about the state of that salon and the women that go to it.

In Quebec there are no regulations or licensing required to open or work in a nail salon. It's sad really, so these "dirty" shops can get away with murder and no one can do or say anything about it.

So how do I tell my clients about this without it looking bad? Yesterday I told a client "I'm not saying to come back to me, but it's in your best interest that you don't go back to there"

Hubby told me I shouldn't have said that. But how else can I say it to show that I genuinely care about these woman and show that I don't see them as another $ sign, and that this not just a tactic to win over more clients.

Any advice on this is truly appreciated!

 

[Zingara]

Why not put a leaflet together, that clents can take at their will, telling them exactly what good nails and good standards are about?

Focus on the positive, not the negative side, but the message should still get through!

 

[roseblanc]

That is actually a very good idea. I would have never thought about that. But at the same time the topic usually comes up in dicussion when I'm doing their nails because they will have cuts and ROF's all over their nails from this other salon and they'll tell me "Be careful of the cuts" or "Why does it feel like my fingers are on fire when I go to the other place?" or even "Why are my real nails all thin and yellow?" The leaflet is good for them to take home, but what do I say while in the middle of my service when they are asking me about this? I think no matter what I say, it's gonna look bad from the client's point of view... or am I wrong?

 

[min11]

I'd agree, a leaflet that your clients can pick up and take with them detailing your safe practice and the downside to MMA and unsafe practices, maybe if you already do an after care and price list leaflet you could make it a part of that. I always pick up leaflets in salons.

In your bit about the other salon you mentioned fake gel as in L&P with a UV topcoat. Thats quite a popular service as it can mean less buffing and a very durable high shine but I'm not clear if you see it as a sign of a poor service?

 

[geeg]

I say kill them with kindness and lead by example. You won't need to say anything. People aren't stupid .. they will see and feel the difference. And they will like it.

As for the gel thing, allot of techs do this now using L&P and a gel finishing gloss .. the difference is, Min, we call it L&P with a gel finishing gloss not Gel to try to hoodwink them into believing L&P is something that it is not. Remember some have been conditioned to think gel is a safer option for their nails then having them trashed at the NSS with L&P ... so now the NSS call their L&P, Gel!

 

[min11]

I say kill them with kindness and lead by example. You won't need to say anything. People aren't stupid .. they will see and feel the difference. And they will like it.

As for the gel thing, allot of techs do this now using L&P and a gel finishing gloss .. the difference is, Min, we call it L&P with a gel finishing gloss not Gel to try to hoodwink them into believing L&P is something that it is not. Remember some have been conditioned to think gel is a safer option for their nails then having them trashed at the NSS with L&P ... so now the NSS call their L&P, Gel!

Ah makes sense to me now Geeg, thanks! Seems to be my week for gaps in thought processes :o

 

[roseblanc]

Thats quite a popular service as it can mean less buffing and a very durable high shine but I'm not clear if you see it as a sign of a poor service?

I do agree with you, it's not a sign of poor service. But they are charging $25 for regular acrylic enhancements, then they do L&P with UV Topcoat and claim it is true Gel and are charging almost $50 for that service. I should have been more clear about this - They are ripping their clients off. Even I do L&P with UV topcoat but I charge the same price as my acrylic... not double! They are taking their clients for a ride because those poor women don't know any better.

Let me just add on, when I bring out my gel my clients look at me and ask "now what is THAT?" and I tell them "the REAL gel" not the L&P with UV Topcoat, and then they get mad at the other salon for ripping them off. I guess that in itself is a good sign.. makes them realize that they are being played by the other salon.

 

[adelekeegan1]

I do agree with you, it's not a sign of poor service. But they are charging $25 for regular acrylic enhancements, then they do L&P with UV Topcoat and claim it is true Gel and are charging almost $50 for that service. I should have been more clear about this - They are ripping their clients off. Even I do L&P with UV topcoat but I charge the same price as my acrylic... not double! They are taking their clients for a ride because those poor women don't know any better.

This happens here too. I just explain what has been done and leave them to think.

The whole NSS thing gives me quite a bit of business and the fact that I do not use an electric file (at all) let alone on the natural nail, and have a hygienic salon speaks for itself.

They tell me that they are not going back so I don't have to say a word really.

 

[roseblanc]

the fact that I do not use an electric file (at all) let alone on the natural nail

I'm sort of the same way. I don't use an e-file for the most part. I will only use it for 2 seconds to blend when I'm doing a fill and then its back to the good 'ol nail file from there on.

 

[adelekeegan1]

I'm sort of the same way. I don't use an e-file for the most part. I will only use it for 2 seconds to blend when I'm doing a fill and then its back to the good 'ol nail file from there on.

When you say blend - what do you mean? I am used to the term blending for tips , but you say this is at the rebalance

 

[1999judy]

I think the best thing to do about NSS is ignore them as much as possible...give your clients the best advice and service possible and not worry what they are doing.

 

[roseblanc]

When you say blend - what do you mean? I am used to the term blending for tips , but you say this is at the rebalance

Yes rebalance.. lol - it's still early here! What did I say?... Blend... lol. Sry.

 

[geeg]

I think the best thing to do about NSS is ignore them as much as possible...give your clients the best advice and service possible and not worry what they are doing.

I agree 100% Judy. Place your energy where it does the most good which is on your own business and making it the best it can be. Not worrying about what the other folks are doing ... why waste any energy on that?

 

[adelekeegan1]

Yes rebalance.. lol - it's still early here! What did I say?... Blend... lol. Sry.

I was confused by what you termed 'blending' with an electric file - could you explain please ?

 

[Bagpuss]

The way I see it is this... these places are not your competition...becouse they are not in your league.

 

[An*Gel]

The way I see it is this... these places are not your competition...becouse they are not in your league.

That's exactley what I was thinking... my advice is bite your tounge!!

As much as you'll be just dying to tell your client why she shouldn't go back, I wouldn't say anything bad about another salon.. it will make you look so much better and if you show the client your way of doing things, then believe me you won't need to say any more.. it won't take the client long to work it out for herself :hug: