A reader writes:
I work at a barbershop that’s beneath the sales space lease mannequin, so I’m a sole proprietor.
How do I professionally inform folks to cease coming in sick/bringing of their sick children? Ought to I show an indication at my station as effectively? I don’t perceive how a haircut is so essential if you’re sick. Not solely do I hate how being sick feels, I dwell with my 86-year-old grandfather and it’s not in my agenda to get him sick. It’s additionally very inconvenient and places my job in danger due to having to reschedule purchasers.
I had a dad or mum deliver their tremendous sick child in on Christmas Eve. He sat within the entrance the whole time, however was there for some time as a result of I lower the dad and brother’s hair too. The children got here in midway by way of dad’s haircut, so I felt obligated to complete his haircut and the opposite brother wasn’t visibly sick so it put me in a bizarre spot the place I felt I may solely flip down the one. Ideally, I wouldn’t have lower any of their hair, however folks simply don’t appear to have any consideration for others. It’s occurred to me so many instances this previous yr.
Truthfully, if folks are available sick I feel it’s truthful to refuse service and cost a no-show payment. Even when they gave me 10-minute discover and simply let me know they have been sick, I wouldn’t cost. I don’t know if that’s the way it works although. I’m simply bored with folks getting me sick. It has occurred so many instances not too long ago, and it’s virtually at all times from children.
The best approach to deal with that is when individuals are making appointments. Whoever takes these appointments ought to reiterate your insurance policies earlier than ending the decision: “We ask that you just reschedule for those who’re sick or anybody coming with you is sick. Please name if that occurs and we’ll get you rescheduled.”
If folks schedule on-line, have the same coverage posted there. Hell, there’s scheduling software program that may require purchasers to examine a field confirming they’ve learn and comply with comply with the coverage earlier than the appointment could be confirmed.
If you happen to occur to be the form of barbershop that has an electronic mail listing of purchasers and/or social media, you can additionally promote this coverage there. It gained’t attain everybody, but it surely’ll assist to get folks fascinated about it.
Whether or not you could have the flexibility to do any of these items as a sole proprietor in a store you don’t personal is a unique query. However I’d wager you could have colleagues who would add their voices to yours in pushing for it.
You’ll nonetheless in all probability get purchasers who are available sick or with a sick child anyway, as a result of individuals are thoughtless. In these circumstances, are you keen to say, “I’m sorry however I can’t do the appointment when you’re sick/with a sick little one right here — I’ve to watch out as a result of I’ve an at-risk member of the family. Let’s get you rescheduled”? If you wish to provide a reduction for the rescheduled appointment, that may assist from a shopper relations perspective, however you don’t need to.
For the sake of thoroughness: you’ll in all probability lose some purchasers over this. Some folks will likely be outraged that they confirmed up and are getting turned away (though that’s much less probably for those who warn them concerning the coverage when scheduling them). So that you’ll need to resolve for those who’re okay with that.
