Timewasters Heeeeelp!!!

[worthit]

Hi Everyone,

I don't know whether this is a valid question but here goes anyway

I seem to have a lot of time wasters that phone me up with no intention of booking I had one the other day she asked everything except my knicker size I think then she didn't even book anything with me which is sooo annoying.

How do you all deal with it? is there something I can say to hurry them off the line without being rude ofcourse

Any advice gratefully received:hug:

Kate xxx

 

['chelle]

To be honest I think you need to look at it the other way, ie how can you get these callers to take the extra step and book an appointment. Sometimes you will get other salons calling to find out what you are charging etc, but if this is happening frequently its unlikely they are all local salons.

I completely agree its frustrating when you spend time with people who dont book appointments, but this is going to happen from time to time, an occupational hazard if you like!! The best way to deal with them is look at how you can turn these enquiries into clients. Some you'll win, some you wont, but I wouldnt be looking at these with a view to getting them off the phone or you could be throwing away potential regular clients.

I find that if you spend time with people and seem interested in finding out what they want, ask all the right questions etc, those people are more likely to come back to you in the future. When you've gone through all the details of your services etc, do you try and get them to come in? I always end these sorts of calls with "Would you like me to book you in for a free consultation?". I've never had to do just a consultation as most people at this point will just book in for the treatment (at which you do the consultation obviously!), and some will say no thanks.

Just one of those things hun, but try and turn it into a positive rather than a negative!

 

[hippy-chick]

you do get potential rivals ringing up for your prices but they usually slip up by using technical words that only professionals use.

but I would do as chelle says and take more control of the conversation and ask for their details so you can send them information out ie " why dont I pop a treatment menu and our special offers into the post for you, or have you got an email address?". rivals will start to splutter and call themselves Mrs Jones or summat, and not give a first name.

I also like the idea of offering a free consulation.

I often turn the conversation around and ask what they like and then give a few personalised suggestions, they then think that you are giving themselves something special.

i got a call from my receptionist this week saying a new client had booked in but sounded upset, she gave me the number and I spent 15 minutes talking to this person (on my bleeding mobile to her bleedin mobile) to see if she was OK. this poor girl has obviously not spoken to anyone about what is troubling her.

 

[sj1973]

Excellent advice Chelle and Ann.....i suppose you could also think that these potential customers are starting out there business and want to prob you for all the information they can get??.....its not right but people do say call others to see what offers/prices they are asking xx

 

[hayls]

Just answer the questions they wanna know hun, it is a pain in the butt when they dont make an appointment with you, but thats the way it goes!

There are alot of tech's in our area set up using a Rio Kit to do nails and charging £10-£15 for it, there is nothing we can do to stop them, but when we quote a price that is double or triple what these numpties are quoting 9 times out of 10 they will go to them instead of us!

And of course Rivals will phone you up to see how much you charge and what is on your list of treatments!

Dont worry about it, you never know they could phone back and book an appointment! xxxx:hug:

 

[worthit]

Thanks everyone for the good advice it's very frustrating but i will try what you've suggested but I think as you say there are other people out there just trying to find out about what we do it just takes a lot of patience

Thanks again

Kate xxxx

 

[Cec]

Like the other have said, see it as an opportunity to get a new client. You never know if she rings in another day, or tell about you to friends etc... When I first started, 10 years ago, I always asked my clients why they came to me. Some had had heard of me from others, but lots of them told me this: "You were the only one who sound nice at the telephone!" or "You sound like you knew what you talked about!" and yet another said this: "My friend called you some weeks ago, you advised her not to get enhancement (I don't remember why), but she said I HAD to go to you!"

As long as you need new clients you HAVE to be nice and take the time to talk with those who call in.

C.

Hi Everyone,

I don't know whether this is a valid question but here goes anyway

I seem to have a lot of time wasters that phone me up with no intention of booking I had one the other day she asked everything except my knicker size I think then she didn't even book anything with me which is sooo annoying.

How do you all deal with it? is there something I can say to hurry them off the line without being rude ofcourse

Any advice gratefully received:hug:

Kate xxx