The Benefits of Saying No and Other Tough Salon Situations Made Easy

Listen up Beast Tamer’s! As a skilled waxing expert you know how to handle even the most sensitive areas with ease, however, when it comes to dealing with people, let’s face it there is  no rulebook. From reaping the rewards of saying “no” to mastering the art of navigating tricky conversations with clients, you’ll find these pro tips will boost your confidence as a salon owner, and bring a world of benefits to your salon. 

 

Tip 1: Embrace the Power of “No.”

What if in this case, saying “no” really meant saying “yes?” Yes to setting clear boundaries. Yes to maintaining your level of standards. Yes to ensuring the best possible experience for everyone involved? So how do you politely say no and not piss people off? Check out these tips from Harvard Business:

 

• Know Your No: Identify your priorities and distinguish what matters to you from what doesn’t. You must have clarity with yourself before you can have it with others. 
• Be Appreciative: Embrace requests as compliments, when people seek your help, view it as a testament to their trust in your skills. Learn that you can appreciate their requests without having to say yes.
• Separate the Request: When saying no in a business situation, emphasize that it’s about the request, not the individual. Offer a solution that is a better fit in your professional opinion. 
• Explain Your Thinking: Having a reason matters. So if you feel the request doesn’t align with your skillset or is in the best interest of your client, honesty about why you are saying no is important. 

 

Tip 2: Be the Voice of Reason

As the wax pro, prioritize building trust with your clients and have the courage to provide them with the honest guidance they need—even if it’s not what they want to hear. Instead guide them towards realistic treatment options that will deliver the desired results. 

 

Tip 3: Handle Customer Complaints Like a Boss

Think of this as an opportunity to problem-solve and make a challenging situation something positive for all involved. Approach each situation with empathy, active listening and a commitment to finding a solution. This is your chance to wow your clients with excellent customer service. Some tips include:

 

• Listen carefully.
• Let them vent until they are done—without interrupting.
• Show empathy for their concerns. 
• Thank them for letting you know how they are feeling. 
• Sincerely apologize even if you are not the cause of the problem.
• Get the facts.
• Offer a solution.