Brandy1

Most places charge a monthly non activity fee or something like that.

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JensSunQuest

Thats what I am asking..... as a way not to get as screwed by this new law could you initate something like that in your salon? Visa was just the most basic example I had..... But I would definetely come up with a system like that! And POST IT everwhere.....they might get alittle but not all!!

Sherin

It's against the law here to do that.

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War does not determine who is right, war determines who is left.

Neon Beach

~bum~

Neon Beach

~p~

suncountry

I agree, there has to be some kind of limit to this...

If your prices increase over the years, then it should only be worth what it was purchased for with a % deduction each year it remains unused.

Did you honor it Neon?

Neon Beach

I wasn't in at the time, and the employee knuckled under and took it. But I don't think this law has passed yet, and even if it has would it be retro-active?

ADONIS

I don't see what the big deal is? I mark all my gift certificates and coupons with expiries to help weed out the people who will use them and won't. Most will look at them after the expiry and throw it out, others will try to use it, and regardless of the date on them I accept them. If someone purchased a gift certificate from two years ago, they gave me money, in effect to hold towards merchandise or a service for them. Seems unfair that I decide you didn't buy fast enough so I'm keeping your money? That's bad customer service, they won't buy from you again, and you know they'll all tell their friends not to purchase from you either, no doubt stating something like "They stole my money".
I figure if someone wants to come to my salon with an expired coupon, or gift certificate, it means they're there to purchase, and I now have the chance to wow them, make an additional sale, or yeah, they could just use it and leave. The way I look at it, even if they just use it and leave, the next time someone mentions tanning, they won't be trashing my salon, but will more than likely recommend it, resulting in further business for me. Sometimes it's much better to look at the big picture, and not be so selfish and narrow minded towards your clients. (Not saying you guys are, but some people I come in contact with sure are!) I train my staff to let customers know that the coupon/gift certificate has an expiry but teach them to say "I'll let this one slide for you though" or "You're a valued client here, so I'll accept it!". The smile that appears on people's faces when they think that they're that special to you, that they're someone in your business, not just another name, will keep them coming back to you over and over. Put yourself in your customers shoes (regardless of whether you agree with them or not) and think what you would like the person behind the counter to do for you.

Neon Beach

Problem arises if a salon happens to have changed ownership. Or plans on selling. does they seller now have to reduce the price by the outstanding number of GC's from 6 years ago?

Use it or lose it I say!

ADONIS

I just opened my second tanning salon, (which I took over from a previous owner, and renamed Extreme) and I have had a person come in from 4 years ago, with a gift certificate, which yes I honoured. As I said, if you can get them through the door, you then have the potential for a new life long client. I'd rather take my chances they stay after I honour their $25 gift certificate, then tell them know, and they become a loyal client of a competitor. That $25 could turn into thousands from that client over the next few years, not to mention the potential spin off of friends, and word of mouth, which could be priceless. I give away hundreds upon hundreds of dollars in free tans, gift certificates etc. each month, just to get people through my door, and trust me, at 200 clients a day, it works. Old gift certs are just like the passes I give out, or at least I don't really see the difference.