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I was wondering how other stylists deal with the issue of family and friends. I have a hard time charging my immediate family for cutting their hair, and when it comes to color I just ask for the cost of my supplies. In the past some insisted on paying me, I understand that they might feel like they are taking advantage, so I decided to say 50% off my normal price. But there are those that always still over "tip'. And others that that firmly adhere to whatever I say, and I wonder if the come to me for the way I do their hair or the price. Plus then I feel guilty accepting the "over
tipping" when others don't even offer. I know this is my profession, and I should charge for my services, but some of my family I truely want to do this service for them because of things they have done for me. Then there are those that just expect it. on my husbands side that expect it. Any suggestions on how others handle thisdeal with this?
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This is a very interesting question and all too common to me. I've been in the business 15 years and I've had problems with family and friends who expected to get free service. When I refused to give it, it got to the point where they wouldn't even speak to me or they started going to other beauticians that they had to pay anyway. I saw this as unfair because I only make money from doing hair. I looked at the fact that the persons who wanted free service all had jobs. So I started to view things this way; Each client that sits in my chair is my boss so they have to pay me for the work I do for them. Then I asked myself, "What would each of my family members and close friends do if they went to work, and at the end of the week the boss says, "Sorry, I can't pay you this week?" How would they handle it? How would they be able to pay their bills? It would be quite difficult if they even managed to pay for anything at all. So why do we allow them to do it for us when we work for them. It's the same concept. Anyway, some time ago I came up with a family discount percentage. 25% off any service. For some of my close friends, a 20% family discount. I think this is fair. Some of my family and friends always send me new clients, so they next time they come I would try to give them something extra as an incentive. So I do give more at my discretion, but I dictate when that would be and who I would give it to. The only persons I do not charge are my mother and my daughter. In my business, family are the ones who tell everyone about me. They are the ones who become guinea pigs whenever I want to try something new. Now, at those times I do it free of charge and they love it! They are happy for the regular discounts because I don't have to do it. Some services take more product than time so I just prepare to lose a bit on the amount of money that goes into my pocket when it comes to family. Some services take more time than product, and so I'm able to put a little bit more back into my pocket when my family and close friends get those types of services. So it balances out in a way.
I hope I was able to help. I'm here if you need me again. God bless you and your business!! |
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| | (1 recommendation so far) | Message 3 of 9 in Discussion |
| From:  Isp1231 | Sent: 4/21/2008 4:18 PM |
For me when it comes to chargeing fam & friends my rule is you must be blood related or married to someone who is to get the family discount. The only people that I do not chagre are my hsband and boys (of Course), my parents and my husbands parents( which he never comes to me and she only like once or twice a yr, thank God). Other wise I take about 15% or so off of my reg. prices. I have never had and issue and I am thankful for that, if anything I tend to feel guilty for charging but as the yrs have passed I am over it. As far as them tipping that is their way of saying thank you! I do not believe anyone tips anymore unless it is deserved!! So you must deserve it!! This is business and more people need to learn how to seperate the two. Also if you feel you owe someone for something they have done for you, go ahead and give them that service for free, and if they tip again that is above the service and never included or expected. Hope this helps I know its hard but it is your business not just a hobby. Aloha! |
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This is really something that's up to you. It's your time, your money. I don't have many family and friends expecting free services all the time, mainly just extended family (my mother doesn't even live near me). I give a few free services to my boyfriend's family once in a while, but only when it's not during "business hours". That's the time when I need to make my money! If they choose to come in when I'm scheduled to work, and want me to do them, they have to pay. I don't own the salon, and I'm allowed one immediate family member for free every month. My boss gave me a hard time when I colored my bf's neice's hair for free after I was clocked out for the day, because she's not immediate family. I explained that our relationship is different from other families. I used to live with his family for 5 years before we got a place of our own. I don't have children, she is kind of like my child! I'm glad to do it, because I do owe them for giving me rides to work when I needed it, and everything they have done for me. I don't have a problem doing someone's hair at the salon after hours, or at home, just as long as it doesn't affect my living, and too much of my free time. |
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Someone once said to me, Those who love you want you to do well............they shouldn't have a problem paying you........... I use to have a hard time charging people, because I always want to help, or i felt the prices are high............but over time, it gets easier......... this is our job after all |
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| Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! You are all right! |
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Hi there... Sorri I am late over this.. But ur right everione is right.... It will get easier over time... But I do still feel I LIKE HELPING PEOPLE... I have grown to USE BETTER DESCRETION Now... I discern who realli apperciates it when I help them out... verses who expects it.... And then I charge.... But Here is one wai of looking at it to help rid teh guilt feelings when charging people.... DO PEOPLE GO TO THE STORE LIKE WAL-MART AND SAI -- THIS IS TOO MUCH... HOW BOUT I PAI --BLAH BLAH BLAH AMOUNT? HOW BOUT NO.... AND ONE OTHER WAY I LOOK AT IT AND RESPOND WHEN PEOPLE TRY TO NEGOCIATE WITH ME... I am like I am sorry I GOT 3 KIDS TO FEED AND THIS IS MY LIVELY HOOD HOW I PAY MY BILLS... If You don't got it... I am sorry I can not help You.... Just draw a line for your self and realize when it is alright to cut someone a break and when it's not... I do still belive in giving back rather to family or community invovled... But It helped me to stop feeling gulity about what I need to charge |
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My opinion, I don't give them a specific price, they know what my prices are so as long as they give me something around the price of the service they rcvd, then I am cool with it. A free "b" every now and then. But use your discretion and don't let them use you. They can't go anywhere else and get their hair done discounted, so don't allow them to abuse the fact that u are related.
Renee' B.
------Original Message------
From: Candy_Cuts
To: Salon Talk
ReplyTo: Salon Talk
Sent: Apr 22, 2008 4:24 AM
Subject: Re: what to charge family and close friends
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
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