Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/128780
WHO OWNS THE CLIENT? While nobody owns the person, client information is typically viewed as the property of the salon unless techs work as 1099s or renters. "We don't give our employees access to client information," says Liz Mier, co-owner of Ashley Alwin Hair and Nail Salon. If staf from her salon have client information, it's because they either accessed the information from the salon computers in secret, or they had collected client data on their own. "When a client lets us know the tech has contacted her, we always assure the client that the information was taken, not given," says Mier. "This way the clients knows we didn't violate her privacy by giving out her private information." If a tech is able to contact clients — whether by accessing information, or networking through mutual connections — the question arises about the legality of "taking" all the clients to the new location. "We have a policy that techs can't work within 10 miles of the salon," says Mier, "but any lawyer you talk to will say don't pursue it when the policy is violated." Molinari agrees, "All a person has to say when she goes to court is that this is how she earns money to survive. When she says that, she is going to be able to keep working without penalty." loyal to the experience of enjoying the best atmosphere, the best coffee, the best customer service, and the best provider." Hopefully, when the provider leaves, the clients want to remain in the salon for the other benefits. Molinari says when a provider leaves, clients eventually find where she is working. Clients often try the provider in the new location but return to her salon for the overall experience. "I want the client to return, so I don't like to talk badly about people who have left. In fact, when a client asks where a provider has gone, I tell them. I have had clients leave and return, and I have had techs who leave and return," says Molinari. "They come back because they love the salon." Some owners may prefer to withhold information about where techs have landed. If you prefer to avoid offering the information, respond vaguely with something such as, "She is no longer with us." If clients ask if you know where she is, you could respond, "As far as I know, she stayed local." If the questions continue, advises Mier, say something such as, "She is no longer with us, and we aren't at liberty to say where she is working." Finally, if the client persists, be respectful of the client and answer directly. "The client has the choice of whether she wants to stay with you or find the tech," says Mier. "You always want the client to feel comfortable to return. The best way to do that is to be honest with her." Medical-grade infection control products for salon professionals. Disinfectant Cleaning Solution Lose the Blues ! Go Purple Ultracare® Disinfectant Cleaner Concentrate is the only product you need for complete compliance and thorough protection. t&$0/0.*$"-5064&t;&''&$5*7&t64;&3'3*&/%-: t,&&14:06$0.1-*"/58*5)45"5&-0$"-3&(6-"5*0/4 118 | NAILS MAGAZINE | www.nailsmag.com/fifi/16177 JUNE 2013 235 Ascot Parkway Cuyahoga Falls, Oh 44223 1.800.262.6262 UltronicsUSA.com