Bronze Star

I'd really like to hear from both the tanners as well as the salon owners and employees on this one.

Today I'm getting a client ready to tan. After skin-typing we set her initial exposure time at 6 minutes. I'm very strict about my exposure times... and my clients know it. But I've got a tanner in front of me who is notorious for "negotiating" a higher exposure time EVERY time she tans. Seems she wants what she's paying for, even if that means she gets blistering red. So, as I determined her friend's 6 minutes, she starts to interrupt me and goad her friend into trying to get a higher exposure time. I don't budge... I'm sticking with the 6, trying my best to ignore the friend. The girl gets so irritated and finally decides it's not worth the hassle and decides not to tan with us at all. Frankly, I'm annoyed and would love to have a talk with this girl who interrupted and stuck her nose in where it didn't belong.

Advice? What should I have done? Should I say something the next time she comes in? I know that when I stick to exposure times, the owner supports me and backs me up 100%!!!

hotgirl

This is a tough one. I think you have a right to say something- she cost you a client.

Tamar

"Ms. Smith, do you want your friend to BURN?"

"Ms. Smith, would like to pay our liability insurance premiums?"

"Ms. Smith, you're in room 5, NOW!"

Not sure what I'd do besides give her a REALLY mean look. Tough call.

MJ

Laurie,
you did the right thing. It will altimately be your head that rolls when this person is over exposed. Now as for Butinski...TALK TO HER...IF SHE CHOSES TO BE OBSTINANT...then ask her to risk her skins health at another salon. As well as you will ask her to leave if she interfers with you skin care consulting again.
She will inevitably do this again. You are certified and in the business to tan not burn. If they do not wish to follow your recommened schedule to the point they risk BURNING...they need to findd another salon.

YES it is there is skin and thier money HOWEVER, It is also you beds, salon , reputation and insurance. Start explianing the FDA, State code sYadda yadda her eyes will hglaze over and she will either agree and think twice before arguing again or she will leave ..
Either way ..Problem solved.
It is frustrating...just so you know you are not alone in this one!!!
mj

njchica

I would pull her aside the next time you see her (little teacher's trick here) and have a conversation with her.... Explain that you are the trained, qualified professional, not she, and that her rudeness and misinformation is now DIRECTLY AFFECTING your business which is not acceptable...

DO NOT let this one get by without saying anything because she definitely will do it again. Good luck!

Chippp

the women didn't want a tan very bad,, forget about it, but tell big mouth to please LET YOU DO YOUR JOB!

fungirlz

I agree with our teacher here Njchica...
You must take control of her Laurie or she'll continue to step out of line..

Ask her to please not do this.. explain to her that you have her friends best interest at heart here.. and failure to comply with "proper exposure" schedule will result in her friend not getting the BEST TAN in the shortest period of time..

If you end it by saying.. Mary-------
I understand you are excited about your tanning progress..and you wanted to help me out on this.. but look what happend? You helped me out of a new client..and you helped her out of starting on a road to something really enjoyable and good.

Keep it nice..as you don't want her mad and cutting out on you.(Unless she is a real pain).

YOU were 100% right in your call Laurie.

SunCatcher

The same thing happened to me the other day.
I was talking to a new client about our Supernova bed. (this bed is 20.00 per session) Anyway- I love this bed it is a UVA bed with a vibrating mattress. As a matter of fact I think this bed is awesome. And as I am selling this 1 time visit to this new customer, a regular comes in and starts to give her opinion.

She says-
"Well, personally I don't think that bed is any better than the standard 20 min. bed, and truth be told, I would never pay another 20.00 of my money for 1 session on anything."

OUCH!!!!!! This bed for one tans you totally different than a "standard" bed
(none of my beds are standard, thank you)
It also helps you hold your tan longer meaning you don't have to tan as much. So you spend the same amount of money and tan less. Some people prefer this. Myself as well. Well anyway, the lady decided not to tan at all, because although she really wanted to go in that bed,(because we guarantee it won't burn you)
she felt it was to expensive. She left.

I felt super bad, so I called her that evening at home and talked to her for about 10 min. She scheduled an appointment and came in the next day. I gave her a free lotion sample, and some winkease and 1/2 price for her first tan. She was so impressed and loved the bed, she bought a yearly plan and six sessions on the Supernova. Cha-Ching.
I know this does not always happen. I am just thankful I didn't lose a valuable nice customer. If you have this ladies info, I suggest you call her. Hopefully, she will see your kindness and return.