celtic sun

Have to block enough time for everyone to go the whole time

We've always just asked them how long their session was for last time, then we know how long to book them.

glowtanning530

That seems like something that would be a huge PIA when you see 120+ a day

parrot head

Now, that says it all.

Tan&Laundry

I do all walk-in appointments and it seems to work pretty well. I think once my business gets some steady, regular clients I will consider making appointments available for my tanning beds.

Heidi_sunshine

Very interesting posts. I just purchased my salon this year in May and the previous owners did appointments. We transitioned to walk in's only. It was not all that difficult and only required we showed the customers respect and explain why we were doing it. 99% understood and are happy customers to this day. If you transition to walk in's only it is my opinion you may lose customers, however the benefits of walk in only will in time outweigh the loss. We were always pleasant and cordial and explained why we are doing it. It seemed to ease any discontent with the customer. We are 100% customer-centric and treat everyone who walks thru our doors like gold (because they are). As a small salon we cannot compete with the big chains around here in the same ways they compete (economies of scale, big ad budgets, ect), so we do what we can do THE BEST. 1. Customer Service 2. Cleanliness 3. Education. So within this context the transition to walk-in's only seemed a little easier.

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Heidi -

Black Sun

I only allowed for one customer..she was special. Tanned everyday between two jobs, so it was important to get in-out, always on time, always called ahead if unable to make it, always top end bed, always a spender...so I always blocked the time for her...

sunbreak

Both... Some clients are always in a hurry and will walk out if they see a lobby full of people. I explain that scheduling an appointment only guarantees that you get the NEXT available room (we don't have the luxury during busy season to leave a room vacant in hopes that the appointment shows up (on time).
Scheduling avoids the client waiting extended periods for their room. :)

Black Sun

YES! Though more 80-ish...You take appointments and write them down on the index/customer card you keep filed on the counter...

gateway201985

In our business model, we are supposed to be by appointment only. However, my spa only sees about 30-50/day (currently) and is increaseing for the busy tanning season. I am interested to see how everybody mentions the walk in is the way to go. We offer so many services that it is better (overall) for the client in multiple services in a regime to be able to leave one service/unit and move to the next room. I tell my consultants to book the appointments, and if we get walk-ins to accomidate them as best as possible. We ask them to have a seat and enjoy a glass of water, coffee, or wine while they watch our tv (displaying our promo service for the month!). Our clients however MUST make appointments for airbrush so we can ensure enough staffing for the day to accomidate.

Mannytan

Hmmm I had never considered getting rid of my appointments but I can see the benefits in doing so but my question for everyone is how big of a salon do you have? 12+beds? 8-10 beds? Smaller? If you're a small salon (less than 8 beds) wouldnt you have a long wait during the peak hours? I'm just curious.