How would you transition from providing eye protection to requiring eye protection?

[Ezliving_Jim]

Have you ever asked a former client of your salon why they left your salon for another? Probably not, and neither have I... because when they leave you, they vent to the new salon.

We have always had our EFT members complete an extensive survey (1-10 scale) as part of the cancellation notice. We score very well. They also write down why they are canceling. Most are moving away from the area.

Not one single person has ever said they won't tan with us because we require that they have their own personal eye protection. Zero. Zippo. Nada. There is no downside to doing the right thing here.

I have had many clients tell me they never used the community eyewear left in the rooms at other salons and, amazingly, these other salons never even tried to sell them eyewear that they would use. Most did not understand the importance of using eyewear.

Every client shows us their personal eyewear before they are allowed back to their room.

You can read more about my experiences on this topic here.

I stand by my comments. It is unfortunate (for your clients) that you are not teachable.

[Beachbum110]

Man... Are you serious? You are tooting your own horn because you "score very well" on a exit survey??? A survey that is required to stop taking money from someone's account... Hmmmm, I might not be "teachable", but I certainly know a dumb comment when I read one.

Of course they are going to say nice things they want a clean break and to stop a monthly payment. I'm sure the #1 reason people quit Bally's was the same thing "I'm moving away" so its a clean and easy break from a contract.

You should be real proud of your exit survey polls... and if you beat a 4th grader in a spelling bee, be sure to hang that certificate in your salon as well

This whole thing started because I expressed our policy and my personal opinion and you decide to take a few cheap shots... Well to further my "publicize ignorance", you're a "Big ****"... how's that for "unprofessionalism".

[Ezliving_Jim]

You brought up the question of surveys and I simply responded. You hate a survey you have never seen while at the same time you have never surveyed your clients.

There is no incentive for deception with our surveys. Clients can cancel anytime they want after a minimum 4 month term. The survey is not a requirement for cancellation.

We also regularly survey our active clients on various questions. Our clients appreciate being asked for their input. I recognize a positive response skew. Our focus is on addressing any response areas that are anything less than positive to improve operations.

We also have an in-store anonymous drop box and an email address for comments, suggestions or complaints.

This is straying from the topic here: the unprofessional practice of continuing to use community eyewear.

[esunshine]

I agree with Jim 100%.
NO ONE uses the supplied eyewear thats in the basket at the foot of the bed. They SAY they do, but they don't. (not to mention that most if not all have the strings missing so they aren't APPROVED anymore, anyway because if it came with a string, it has to be used with the string!) only approved eyewear like Sunsets(also 3$) or Sunclips (I sell for 5$) have no strings.
People WILL use what they own and if you explain to people why it is so important to own your own you will find not 1 person who balks at buying a pair. Come on, its 3$, not 30$! ( and a 2$ profit)
If you know they own a pair and they forget them, slide them a pair of winkese free of charge, otherwise, make them show you before they go in the room, for their own safety. Get rid of the community eyewear.
I have almost 800 customers and they ALL own their own eyewear. Thats 1600$ Profit I have made on goggles. Thats 3 months rent at my place. I'll take it and sleep better at night knowing I have done what I can to provide a safe tanning environment for everyone!
What it isn't , is nickel and dime-ing!

[LambertJohn]

Lying about "insurance requirements" is always a good fallback in this industry, too.

Lying about anything is wrong, especially when it has to do with your business. It's not a good foundation to build a customer-centered business like tanning on. Integrity is.

[Brenda at Eye Pro]

Eye Pro provides a kit to help you transition your salons in a professional way. I also have an article in the April issue of Island Sun Times, quoting a number of Tan Talkers on how they made the switch--

http://islandsuntimes.com/DigiMag/IST_APR08.html

Feel free to email me your mailing address if you would like more information at no cost--mark it "Making the Switch" and send to brenda@eyepro.net.

Brenda Fishbaugh
Owner, Eye Pro, Inc.
Makers of Wink-ease disposable eyewear (full disclosure)

[unity]

This is a somewhat funny thread. Using SCARE tactics to rationalize MAKING people buy eyewear. Its as effective as MAKING people buy lotion. Even if they buy goggle, that does not mean they will use them. Eyewear is a "sub" industry of tanning, they want to push you to sell all the eyewear you can.

Someone please show me a FEW article that PROVE community eyewear is dangerous. Noting speculative, we have enough of that in this industry!

[baytanningsalon]

Just an update - started selling the eyewear last week and so far no negativity. Used the insurance/health schpeel and so far everyone has been responsive. Have sold about 150 pairs of eyewear! Thanks for all the input!

	Insurtec

[eileen]

Jim how do you explain to your customers that you are unable to sanitize your goggles properly but you are able to sanitize your beds properly?

[DaveA]

Good Idea about the paper bands. Where do you get them?????

Thanks Dave