Conquering Consultation Madness
Sometimes consultations are smooth, speedy affairs. Other times, they’re absolute disasters. To make sure that you’re getting more of the former and less of the latter, take stock of these consultation-specific tips! And, of course, if you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with Babe HQ at 888-840-BABE (2223).
Maintain an organized salon schedule.
An organized salon is a calm and efficient salon, and this reflects on both stylists and clients. Help everyone in the space feel as centered and collected as possible by managing your salon schedule to account for longer-than-expected appointments, lunch breaks, and general breathers. The most important feature of an organized salon schedule? No double-booking!
Focus on one client at a time.
Don’t attempt to conduct a consultation for more than one client at a time. Even if they’re friends or siblings, including another customer in your consultation will divide your attention and compromise the quality of your service. Don’t put yourself in a position where you inadvertently cater more to one client than another, or let your decisions for one client bleed into the next. That being said, it’s perfectly fine to let your client bring a friend or sibling (or whomever) to their consultation so long as they are simply observing or offering moral support.
Have all tools and materials ready beforehand.
Consultations involve some explanation and demonstration, so know what you’re going to cover, and have everything on the scene before your client walks through the door. This could include a Color Swatch (currently featured in our March-April promotion), hair extension samples from various different methods, hair care products, etc. This will allow you to focus on the consultation process, and not on the whereabouts of all your supplies.
Go to the appointment with no expectations.
Even though you’re the experienced party in the hair extension consultation, you’re not the one who calls the shots. Ultimately, it’s the client who determines the success of any service, so it’s their expectations that you should focus on—not your own. The only thing you can do is establish the limits for the service (that is, what is or is not possible in a given situation). So don’t push your ideas onto your client, but rather phrase your opinions as recommendations. Allow the expectations to emerge and evolve gradually over the course of the consultation—as a dialogue between yourself and your client.
Be upfront about all costs, liabilities, and procedures.
Again, consultations are designed to lend clarity to an otherwise complicated process—don’t skip or skim over the necessary discussion of costs and risks. Help your client to be as informed as possible so they can make an assured decision. This will help you in the end, too, as you’ll be able to better meet their expectations and achieve a successful end result.
Gain your client’s explicit approval.
To make sure there are no gaps in communication, and to protect your investment and reputation, have your client literally sign off on all the details of the procedure beforehand. That way, should they come in afterwards complaining about some detail, you can refer back to this agreement to settle the dispute. Revisit the agreement on the day of the service, too, to absolutely ensure that you and your client are on the same page.
Have more consultation tips? Leave them in the comments below! The more the merrier.
