Referrals and repeat customers are what makes or breaks a beauty salon. From the front door to the back entrance it needs to be about the customer. That is why you are there and that is how you will stay. However you also need great stylists and great beauty equipment to coincide with your excellent customer service.
Make sure you are ensuring a repeat customer that they are there for pampering the minute they walk through the front door. Greet them with a smile and thank them for being there. Be genuine when you offer to go the coat racks with their coat instead of pointing it out. Offer a drink or a magazine. Have a comfortable waiting area and don't make them wait too long. Tanning services are great in beauty salons as well. This gives a customer the best of both worlds while treating themselves to a total makeover.
By the time a client sets foot in a salon chair they should already feel good about being there. Then it is the stylists turn to be friendly and listen to the client. Take the time to truly hear them and care about what their needs are. They are after all paying you for it. Ensure good communication and make them feel at home.
Don't rush on the shampoo wash either. A good shampoo statistically makes or breaks a career. By nurturing and creating a good atmosphere in the shampoo portion of the visit can fully relax a customer or turn them off completely. As long as you have comfortable salon equipment they will feel right at home and can relax while you do your thing. Don't chat with the person next to you about what party you went to last night, talk to the customer and let them enjoy the experience.
You don't need golden coat racks or fancy spray tan machines to stay in business. You need to be caring and give your clients just what they want which is good service. If you do this you can guarantee that they will return. Your business will flourish as they will tell others how great Chattanooga salons are. You will never have to worry about a shrinking economy with quality beauty salon customer service.