TIPPING YOUR STYLIST

Hello All:

If anyone has any suggestions, it would really help!

I am a hairstylist, who gets very frustrated  with my cheap clients!! I know they love me, and love my work. Because they have been with me a long time. It's very odd, because, the ones that are the cheapest are the ones who followed me to the salon I am at now. I was at another salon, owned by family member.

Here's the deal...It doesn't matter what their bill comes to, they always tip me the same $5.00 tip!!! Yes, I wrote that correctly...FIVE DOLLARS!!! 5 NEW JERSEY DOLLARS!!  Worst part, I have a mother daughter duo, and they do the same thing. Just this past weekend. Foils and haircuts. Mother's bill was $120.00 and the daughter's bill was $140.00 and they both tipped me the same five bucks.

And it's really wierd, because there really isn't any way to approach this subject. I don't have the guts to do stuff like: "oh this will get me far" etc...I'm not like that.

So, if anyone can help....please do!

Doozie

Well, asking my boss for a raise is out of the question.  In this field, it doesn't happen.  I work strictly on commission. Which is only 50%. And, that WILL NEVER GO UP. The only time we get a raise, is when the prices go up for the client.  And then, "cheapy clients" STILL will tip the cheap tip they always have been!!! I live off my tips. I buy my gas, grocerys, pet supplies, etc.  My pay check goes right into the bank to pay for my house bills.  And being a single working woman it is difficult.

I was just hoping there was some common and kind way of letting the client know.  Posting a sign is tacky.  A friend of mine suggested this:  Make some new business cards.  And, on the back, put a little note about tipping.  And, give them to these clients.  He feels they are ignorant and not knowing of tipping etiquette.  

Some thoughts...

$120 - $140 is a LOT of money to spend on hair.  These people, your "cheap clients," have the same personal budgetary concerns as you do.  They have to pay for their basic living expenses -- rent/mortage, taxes, utilities, food, gas, clothes, etc, etc... -- and have $120 - $140 "leftover" for hair services?  Maybe tipping more than $5 is just not within their budget.

As you have no control over the base rate (at your current salon), nor over the amount your customers tip, I suggest that you do one of 2 things:  (1) accept that what you are making is what you will continue to make (i.e., don't expect more), or (2) find another salon where you can make more, either through a high percentage commission, a higher base rate, or more customers.  You could always moonlight (hairstylist or otherwise).

In my personal opinion, putting anything about tipping on your business card is extremely tacky... worse even than the slight you feel for getting tips of only $5 from your "cheap clients."

I generally tip 15-20% for all services whether it be my Stylist or Foodserver/Bartender. Most of the time more. I just had lowlights done and it was $70. I tipped her $15 and I wasn't even completely happy with the color she chose. I think my understanding comes from 5 years in the foodservice industry.

Hey, I appreciate all answers. Ya miss read what I wrote. I don't work 2 days a week. Go back and read again.  I am planning on looking for a p/t job at a salon nearer to where I work. I currently work 5 days.  But, am willing to cut down one day, and work that day plus another making it 6 days a week!!  I am tired of traveling to the area I currently work.

Well, yeh, I guess there really isn't any way to let people know what the etiquette for tipping is, with out it being tacky.  Guess I'll just have to suck it up.

In this business, in my state, seems it works the same (pay wise) almost everywhere you go.

Kelly: Well, I am sure you can talk to your stylist about altering the shade next time.  But overall, you like her and are basically happy with her.  Just like when a bartender makes a drink, it may not taste exactly the same as the one before.  Bad comparision...but, what I am trying to say is, work with her. If you go to her regularly, she will kindly help by fixing it.  I always do.  Communication is the key.

Well Kelly,

One thing you need to understand.  This was your first time to her.  You had to tell her your hair history.  I am sure, that there were a lot of things done to your hair?  If so, was this a color correction?  I didn't read your original post.  I will after this. So, if she was trying to correct your color, here's what most don't realize.  It may take more than one time to get it to where you desire it.  Sometimes it doesn't always happen in one visit.  Especially, if all the time consulting was used up, and now she has only limited time.  Right.

You can always go lighter with the color!!

Have you considered opening your own salon, perhaps with someone backing you, maybe a family member or a good friend. Check and see if their is any state funding available in your home area for starting up a business. Just an afterthought, hope it helps.

I don't know what to tell you. Tipping in your industry is a significant part of your income.

I always tip my stylist about 20%. If you can tip a waiter that much, then why not your stylist? I wear my hair everyday, so I'll tip well for good service!!

Clients tips are supposed to be based on good service.  Are you doing everything you should be?  Failing that, there is nothing you can say or do to get your clients to tip more.  Any attempt to do so will blow up in your face. Don't even bring it up...  It's more appropriate for the salon owner to post a sign in a common area of the salon regarding tipping.  Don't post anything at your station.

If your book is full and you want to make more money without working yourself into an early grave, raise your rates.  Speak to the salon owner about a commission change based on higher rates.  If he/she is unwilling to make changes, it may be time to look for a new salon who will.  When/if you change salons, send postcards only to your best clients and leave the cheapskates behind.

 

 

I will add to my original post here...  in general I believe it is appropriate to be aware of and considerate of generally accepted tipping habits, and to select salons and services based on ones total budget which should leave sufficient room for a reasonable tip.  A wordy way of saying "don't agree to a $140 service if your budget cannot go beyond $145."