A client in my chair at Salon 22 in Portland told me to quit doing free consults and I still think she was wrong
This was about 4 months ago. Woman named Dana, been coming to me for 3 years. Sits down, I start asking about her hair history and what she wants, no clock running. Just talking. She cuts me off and says "you know you just gave away 15 minutes for free, right?" I laughed it off. She kept pushing. Said her sister is a stylist in Seattle and charges $25 deposit for every consult, even the regulars.
I disagree. Hard. That 15 minutes is why Dana trusts me with her color. That's why she sent me her coworker and her daughter. If I nickel and dime every chat, I lose the thing that makes people come back. I know plenty of stylists on here will say I'm leaving money on the table. Maybe. But I've been behind the chair 11 years and my books stay full.
Dana still tips 25% and still refers people. So who was right here? Anyone else run their consults this way or am I the last one doing it old school?