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| | From:  Starliteny1 (Original Message) | Sent: 10/6/2007 4:24 AM |
The salon I work at has itemized pricing. There is a base price, and very excact add on prices having to do with length, conditioner used, and whether you used the flat or curling iron. They changed to this method, and completley did away with the miscellaneous option or blank slot to avoid both over charging, or descrepancies in indivisual stylist's determinations of price. I think this is not an only fair idea, but easier too. Or so I thought. It seems that I've been the one getting stuck with answering client's inquries on price, sometimes by chance, or sometimes another stylist asks me to help them. Then, when I do, and if I'm not the one getting to do them, the other stylists get mad at me when I quote too low. I try to be fair, and look at the client's hair, and then the computer carefully before answering. For example, today, this woman asked for a price for a blow out, who didn't even want it washed. I gave her the base price, plus an extra $5.00 for medium length hair. The price didn't even include the flat iron. One stylist refused to do her for that price, and made her wait for me. Saying that I wasn't taking into account the thickness of her hair. I don't even know what to charge for thick hair!!! I squeezed her in between a color, and I was glad to do it, being that we've been slow lately. I wonder why??? I guess the issue for me, is that I prefer to simplify my life, and not nitpick over small stuff. I believe that if I'm nice and fair to people, make them happy, they'll come back, and the money will come. I realize that we're on the cheaper side of the industry, but if you work for them, for whatever reason, you should comply with their rules. Otherwise, maybe this isn't the place for you. And hey, that's ok too! Everyone is different, and no one is forcing you to be anywhere. I want to add that we're in an area where the economy is bad, and this particular stylist isn't used to that. She's moving away from here again soon anyway. Well, I told her I'm not quoting anyone prices anymore, I always seem to be wrong. Am I right or wrong with my price estimations? |
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Very good point. Our manager has been accused of "undercutting" us because she wants the clients to ask for her. If you saw her monthly totals in comparison to everyone else's, maybe that's not a bad idea. I love color, and usually when I quote a price for it, I hand them my card. That's not a bad idea for other services as well. I also agree that it's complicated having so many things to concider when charging for a service. But when other stylists ring clients up for something they didn't have, such as for a relaxer when they had a blowout, that's not only wrong but illegal. Then they refuse to do perms because they're not getting a $20.00 tip every time. Well, I've decided to play the game and let them refuse. It'll end up biting them in the end! |
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My opinion is the most important thing is consistency, eventually word gets around, and when someone feels ripped off, they don't come back, plus consistency in work quality too. What good is it, if the job is done well today, but not as good tomorrow? Or kind words spoken today, if attitude tomorrow? We charged 35 for a blow out not matter man/women, long/short........and either way, I typically spend between 15-30 minutes tops. I always get good results, close the cuticle, and have bounce/body/and shine. What does everyone else charge???? I can't believe some stylists would turn down a client because of money, to me, if that's the attitude, they don't belong doing hair, or having the privilage to touch someone's hair. I think of it as a honor every time for each person that sits in my chair. |
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I think the non consistency is the reason why we slowed down conciderably. Private salons have to price higher just so that they could keep their head above water. We're a chain, so not only do they feel that they should set their base price lower to attract new clientel, they also don't have to worry about going under. I personally don't mind because it's not my salon to worry about, but I really think it would be easier if we ran it like the salon you work at did, just so that I wouldn't start sweating when someone asks me a question lol. |
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People dont like chain stores because chains dont care about the individual. I went to get my own hair cut at a chain and i was treated like crap. I run my own little salon and i have loyalty like crazy. I have clients that are so loyal i am the only one who has touched their hair for over 12 years. Donna |
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That must be such a great feeling!!! I am happy that even though I still starting out - less than 1 year - I am finally starting to see a return in the same clients! I have had cleints every week now since March- I hope I can say the same someday! |
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Starliteny1, I worked in a salon just like the one you talk about...I was the manager of a smartstlye in a walmart!!! I was there for about a year and 1/2..and yes it is very hard to explain to customers that the prices are like they are.. Here is what I found and its just my opinion: Everytime someone refuses to do a client for whatever reason..make the time for them, stay calm and smile..you will pick up that person!! and more money in your pocket. its a great place to build your clientel so when you do go out on your own you take your people with you!! Well let me refrase that ...you cant take your people...but they will follow!! Candi cuts, I have been out on my own for a year now...and I am concerned that I am not charging near enough...my cuts dry are 10.00...and a shampoo cut and blowdry only 20.00. I am thinking that my color prices are ok...but I think I need to raise the price on cuts and blow drys? what do you all think? |
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Thanks Tanya, that is where I work! You're right, I have began to look at the whole thing as an opportunity to build a bigger clientel. You never know what the future might hold. I think your decision on pricing should be based on what other salons in the area are charging, the local economy, and profit. In my opinion, I think you should charge at least $5.00 more for the cut. I don't know if you charge by the length, but if you do, I would charge $10.00-$15.00 more for the wash cut and blowdry. |
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Yes I think you can charge more....I am not sure where you live, it is nice to be sensitive to people's wallets, but be sensitive to yours. You deserve to be paid, and for the time you invested, the experience and education. Are you the owner of your own salon?? I know increasing the prices is better done in small increments. How much time are you spending on your haircuts? In my opinion blow-outs should be at least 25-40 dollars on their own. It is an art all to itself, and alot of work. At the salon that I am at we charge 70 for the haircut, it includes the blow-dry. (40 for the haircut-30 for the blow-dry) We spend anywhere from 1/2 hour to an hour depending on the client, and the haircuts usually last them 3-4 months. Don't be afraid to charge more, it's ok. |
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Thanks for the info...I am raising my prices some...In my area I am not going to get the prices you all are getting...I live in Parkersburg WV...an average shampoo cut blow dry is 20 to 30. So I am thinking I need to stay in that area.. Candy, I dont own my own salon but booth rent. My rent runs me 360.00 a month and it covers room, backbar, and a great group of girls to work with...also she hired my mom to do towels answer phones and clean some for us, which is great but she is only there Tue, Wed, and Thurs. Otherwise we get the phones ourselves. I just like booth rental b/c I dont have to pay all the utilities, can come and go as I please, and I dont feel that my rent is too much..in fact for this area it is quite reasonable. |
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I wish I could booth rent, it would be perfect! Here in NJ, that is not allowed. We're stuck giving commission to the owners, and usually the owners feel they have all of the control. :O( Best of luck to you!!!! |
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Candy is right about the increasing the prices. Several owners suggested they should be raised about $1.00 per year. They're even raising our prices effective March 1st, which would probably be the 4th time they were raised in the 9 years they've been open. I understand where you're coming from about your area though, and if you are happy with what you're making, and the salon you rent at, that's most important. It sounds like you have a nice little set up where you are right now, I would like to be in a place like that one day. |
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You will be!! Just hang in there! |
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i work in 2 salons in new jersey.. one in north jersey which am a partner and a spa closer to my home in south jersey ..i live north for 30years and sold my house when the market was great ...so i moved south ... fridays where the worse to drive to work so i took a job as a styliest in this salon closer to home which i hope to own soon.. nort jersey salon I charge $75.00 for a cut and blow.. mens cuts are $45 ..blow outs on womens short hair no iron $35. med to long $40 to $50depending if flat ironning is needed.. now in south jersey pricing is lower $45 to $65 for a womens cut ..men $25...blows $30 and up.. i get $65. for cuts 60 for single color $125. for hi-lites plus.. i like doing single colors with face frame hi-lites.. best clients who need us the most are from the ages 45 to 65.. here's a tip for you.. if a man wants to color his gray hair and he has white or gray eye brows ..color his eye brows not his hair.. instantly younger look ..also if you have to color a mans hair use "for men only " best natural color i'v seen yet you can buy it in most super markets.. Drew  |
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