Seasonal Salon Employees

By Paula Whitenight

The weather is changing and retail businesses across the country are gearing up for holiday shopping. For the veterans in the tanning industry, you know that it’s also busy season for your salon. Many salon owners are taking on additional staff to accommodate the clientele and maintain excellence in customer service. It's important that your employees understand how much your customers rely on their expertise, guidance and knowledge. To ensure a pleasant experience, it helps to get your employees properly trained and industry certified.

Your staff should spend time with each and every customer. Competent, knowledgeable employees are imperative to assure new and existing clients receive the best your salon has to offer. This takes time and training, which presents a real challenge to salon owners looking to hire temporary help during the busy season. Employees must be able to explain the different types of equipment and the tanning process, while also providing educated advice on session times. Being on the “front line," your customers expect your staff to have the answer for all types of questions about your business. If your employee doesn’t know the answer to a client’s question, that’s OK, too – as it might be better answered by a manager or the owner of the salon. However, an employee must maintain a confident poise when letting the customer know they're deferring to someone else to address the inquiry.

Keep these items in mind when hiring your next employee:

• Make a list of clear, specific duties and expectations for the position you are filling.

• Carefully review applicants to confirm required qualifications can be met.

• Pay attention to work history and industry experience.

• Post expected hours and shifts you are looking to fill to be sure the applicant will be available.

• Follow-up with references and prior employers.

Once the candidate has been hired, take steps to make sure your new employee receives the tools and training required to assist your tanning customers properly:

•  Set a training schedule for your new employee(s). Remember, there is a lot to learn, so take time and care with your training in the beginning and it will pay off in the end.

• Provide detailed information and literature on all services, products and equipment offered in the salon.

• Be specific in job duties that will be expected. Stress the importance of cleaning equipment and eyewear after each use, as well as keeping all walkways, common areas and the reception station clean and clear of hazards at all times. These simple steps will greatly reduce the chance of injury to your customer(s), which could otherwise result in a claim.

• Schedule a time for the employee to take or attend a certification course as soon as possible for overall industry education, which will include skin typing, the importance of using lotions, potential results of tanning, etc. Conveniently, this valuable training tool is offered online at very affordable prices.

• Make sure the employee is well-versed in proper skin typing and exposure time. This is essential in helping reduce any potential risks associated with irresponsible or immoderate tanning.

• Watch, look and listen. Don’t allow any employee to work directly with customers, set sessions or answer questions until they have completed their training and you are confident in their ability to assist the public. An educated staff is your best defense in protection for you and your business from potential claims.

Every employee is a valuable asset to your business. Whether full-time, part-time or seasonal, they may be the first (and last!) contact your customers have with your salon. Making sure your entire staff is well-trained and knowledgeable brings confidence with the information and advice your customers receive. Taking special care and pride when choosing employees for your salon will make your salon shine, all while providing a safe and secure environment for your clientele.

Remember, whenever making changes in your salon, no matter how small, touch base with your insurance agent to update your account information. Keep the lines of communication open, so you won’t be faced with surprises if a loss should occur.

Paula Whitenight is the tanning salon program manager for Universal Insurance, which has been serving professionals in the indoor tanning industry since 1993. For a competitive, personalized quote or additional information about Universal’s exclusive Tanning Salon program, call 800.844.2101 or visit www.uitanning.com.