Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kirsten Kayser on May 11, 2012 at 1:58pm

If you are just starting out, and you have the opportunity for walk-by traffic and walk in appointments, it's highly recommended that you stay planted during the day. That one or those 2 walk-ins could turn into regular clients! I know a lot of new estheticians that are slow, don't feel like 'sitting around' to wait and see if the phone rings, or if someone stops by unexpectedly. However, this can really make a big difference in the rate of your growth and your income. If that walk-in client comes to you once and the door is locked during what would be considered 'normal business hours' they may assume that you are hard to schedule with, and it is an inconvenience to them. These days, the more available you can be, the better! Try to answer the phone on the first or second ring, try to accommodate the client for what's convenient for them as much as possible (without letting them take advantage of you- this is a whole other topic!). You will be rewarded with more clients, more income, and a thriving business :)

Permalink Reply by Christina Wilson on August 24, 2012 at 2:09pm

Thanks for the advice Kirsten, I had the same question as Cat. I'm using the online app called FourSquare, which encourages more random walk-in appointments. You have to spend a little time plugging into the network, claim your address and the like but it does provide location based alerts to its users that your near them and if you have a special offer for them! Might be helpful. 

Permalink Reply by Deborah Kenney on September 22, 2012 at 7:14pm

I do take walk-ins when available. The first year, I stayed (MT), then just did appt. only for 4 years, and have stayed the last year since getting my esty license. I have picked up several especially brow clients, a few massage clients and an occasional facial. Just today I sold 2 gift certificates to a lady-had I not been there she would have gotten them from the front desk-made an extra $ 10.00, I'll still get the client as he is a regular. Even when I run home, the desk calls me if they get a walkin-some won't wait-nor will they wait for 15 minutes if I'm in a service. On a day by day basis it really doesn't seem worth it-when I could be doing something at home-but over time-yes, I think it is now that the salon has been there almost 6 years, we seem to be getting more walkins and economy seems to be picking up in this area. I've gotten a few calls from people who found me on their phone, internet and GPS, some I can take right away and some I can't. I won't keep a client waiting just to take a walkin.  Some will make an appointment even if I don't have time to take them just then. I think it helps just meeting/talking to you. People are fickle-you just never know. I also think it makes a difference based on your personal life-I'm single with grown children-no ones gonna complain if the house isn't so-so or food isn't on the table. I think it's what works for you.

Hope this isn't too disjointed...

Permalink Reply by Amy Sherman on September 16, 2013 at 11:18am

I one time had a guy walk in and wanted to have a special gift for his girlfriend on valentines day (that night) whom he was going to propose to that evening.  He wanted her to have the full works but NOBODY  wanted to stay and do it for her and make their night special.  So, I sighed, did it, and low and behold, I then did her wedding, her mother-in-law, sold her and her mother-in-law products, sold the entire bridal party on make up, helped her with melasma with her pregnancy and now all of her friends come to me as well as her in laws. Just from staying later for two hours for a walk-in.  Worth every penny.