Showerthought: I gave a free haircut to a regular and it backfired

Troy Smith · 2026-04-17T17:35:06.560024+00:00

Heard a guy at the shop say a free cut builds loyalty, so I offered one to a client who's been coming in for a year. He started asking for free trims every two weeks and got upset when I said no. Anyone else have a 'nice guy' move blow up like that?

the_linda6mo ago

Ugh, that's so frustrating! I think the advice you heard missed a key point. A freebie should be a rare thank you, not a regular thing. Setting that expectation from the start, like saying "this one's on me," makes it clear it's a one-time gift.

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blair_martin6mo ago

Yeah, the "rare thank you" thing is key. I had a client try that after a free bang trim. Now I only do free stuff on their actual birthday month, and I say it right when I book them. Like "Hey, your cut in July is on me for your birthday." Makes it a clear event, not a new normal.

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adamk956mo ago

Honestly, that "free cut builds loyalty" advice is so bad. Tbh, some people just take a mile when you give an inch.

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