5 Great Tips for Salon Receptionists

July 21, 2018

Think of your receptionist as the face of your salon; they’re the first person a potential client sees when they visit your salon, and the last person after they’ve had their service. Ergo, your receptionist has the power to make your client feel like their visit was worth it.

A good receptionist knows everything about the salon. They’re kind, courteous and professional. And they’re also trained on the best ways of increasing the salon’s revenue through up-selling salon services and products.

In short, your receptionist is an important member of your staff.

However, not all receptionists are the same. Here’s what you need to train your receptionist in, so they can do their role justice!

What Your Receptionist Should Know:

1. Greeting Clients

There’s nothing more annoying than a receptionist who doesn’t respond or walks away from her desk when a client walks up. Train them to greet the clients with a genuine smile, and not to leave that person hanging.

2. Don’t Abandon Clients at the Desk

Even if the phone is ringing! If the receptionist is talking to a client and something else requires their attention, their first priority should be to deal with the client at the desk first, then do the rest of their work. If the phone is ringing, let it go to voicemail. If someone is calling the receptionist, tell them to wait.

3. Be Positive in Conversation

If a client enquires about a certain service and it’s not available, train your receptionist to give alternatives to that service, rather than just say that it’s not available any longer.

For example, a client needs a haircut from a special stylist at a certain time, but it’s not possible. The right response from your receptionist should be “(blank) is free on Tuesdays and Thursday at (given time). Are these times good for you? (Blank) does not work on Wednesdays”. This sounds much better and more professional than “Sorry (Blank) doesn’t work on Wednesdays”.

4. Ignoring Other Clients

Talking to a client when another walks in? Your receptionist should acknowledge the new clients with a nod and a smile, along with the statement “Hello, please have a seat. I’ll be with you shortly”. Ignoring clients is a big no-no, since potential clients become irritated if you do not acknowledge them.

5. Discussing Salon Business and Clients in Front of Others

While it’s tempting to discuss and rant about your life at the job, train your receptionist to not do so in front of the clients. Not only is it highly unprofessional, it’s also off-putting. People come to your salon to relax; not to listen to your problems at work.

Improve Your Salon with Our Help!

Salon Income Booster has all the insight you would need to improve your business. From useful marketing ideas to techniques to increase your beauty salon revenue and more, we offer all to help you improve your business.

Our Blog