What should you ask a new client before booking acrylics or gel?

Ask what’s currently on their nails (bare/gel/acrylic/dip/press-ons), whether they need removal, the length and shape they want (almond/coffin/square), and if they have any allergies to gel/acrylic products. If they want nail art, request an inspiration photo so you can quote time and a price range.

How do you handle “How much for gel?” calls without arguing later?

Give a range and name what changes it: “Gel manicure is usually $35–$50. Removal and nail art are extra depending on what you want.” Then confirm if they need removal and whether they want designs, chrome, French, or charms.

How long should you book for an acrylic full set with nail art?

Plan 90–120 minutes for an acrylic full set, then add 15–45+ minutes for nail art depending on detail (hand-painted, charms, 3D, multiple colors). If they want a complex Pinterest set, ask for photos and block more time so you don’t run late.

What’s a simple deposit policy that works for nail salons?

For longer services like acrylic sets ($50–$100) and nail art ($60–$150), take a $10–$25 deposit to hold the spot and apply it to the final total. State your cancellation window clearly (example: 24 hours) and whether the deposit is non-refundable for late cancels/no-shows.

What do you text a client before their first appointment?

Send: service(s) booked, start time, address/parking, late policy, and 2–3 prep notes like “Please arrive 5 minutes early, remove rings, avoid lotion/oil before gel/acrylic, and bring an inspiration photo for nail art.” For pedicures, add “wear open-toe shoes to avoid smudges.”},{

Customer Onboarding Checklist

New Customer Onboarding Checklist for Nail Salons

New clients pick nail salons fast—usually from a quick call, a DM, or a Google search right before an event. Your onboarding has to get the right details up front (service, timing, allergies, removals), set clear expectations, and lock in the appointment before they call the salon down the street.

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1) First Contact (Phone, Text, DM, Walk‑In) — Capture & Convert Fast

Answer with a booking-first greeting: “Thanks for calling [Salon Name]—are you looking for a manicure, pedicure, gel, acrylic set, or nail art?”critical

Most callers are price- and time-shopping. Naming your main services helps you steer the call into booking instead of a long Q&A.

Use a 30‑second intake: service type, date/time needed, desired length/shape, and current nails (bare, gel, acrylic, press-on).critical

Acrylic fills vs. a full set vs. gel removal change timing and price. You avoid running behind when you know what’s on their nails now.

Ask the “event urgency” question: “Is this for a wedding, prom, trip, or a broken nail emergency?”important

Nail salons get last‑minute calls (“My nail broke before photos!”). This helps you offer the right slot (repair-only vs. full appointment).

Quote a real range and what changes it: “Gel manicure is usually $35–$50 depending on removal and nail art.”critical

Clients use phrases like “How much for gel?” Give a range tied to specific add-ons so you don’t get price disputes at checkout.

Confirm your salon policies in one sentence: late policy + no-show policy + deposit for long services.critical

Long services like acrylic sets ($50–$100) and nail art ($60–$150) hurt you most when someone ghosts. A simple policy prevents conflict later.

Offer 2 appointment options immediately (one soon, one ideal): “I have 5:30 today or 11:00 tomorrow—what works?”critical

People call multiple salons. Giving two choices gets a yes faster and reduces comparison shopping.

If you miss calls often, set up 24/7 answering/booking (ex: SkipCalls) to capture after-hours and during-services calls.nice-to-have

You can’t stop mid-manicure to answer the phone. A 24/7 AI receptionist can book while you’re working so chairs stay filled.

2) New Client Intake (Before You Confirm the Appointment)

Collect full name + mobile number + preferred contact method (text/call).critical

Texts are easiest while you’re with a client. You’ll need a reliable number for directions, reminders, and “running late” updates.

Ask for a photo for nail art, extensions, or “fix this set”: request 2 photos (both hands, close-up).important

Clients say “I want this Pinterest set” or “Can you fix these?” Photos help you estimate time, product, and whether you can take it on.

Health/safety check: ask about allergies (acrylate/gel, latex), cuts, fungus concerns, or diabetes/poor circulation (for pedicures).critical

You work with chemicals and tools. Some conditions change what’s safe (especially with soaking, filing, and cuticle work).

Confirm removal needs: “Do you need gel removal, acrylic removal, or dip removal today?”critical

Removal can add 15–45 minutes and affects price. It’s the #1 reason appointments run long.

Clarify length/shape expectations: short/medium/long + almond/coffin/square/stiletto.important

“Long” means different things to different people. Agreeing on shape and length avoids redo requests mid-service.

Confirm who the service is for (adult/teen) and age if needed for policies.nice-to-have

Prom season brings teens and parents. Clear rules prevent surprises (consent, pricing, and service options).

Record your tech preference and language needs (English/Spanish).nice-to-have

Matching the right tech improves reviews and rebooking. Bilingual support reduces confusion on detailed nail art requests.

3) Booking & Confirmation (Lock In the Appointment)

Book with the correct time block: manicure 30–45 min, pedicure 45–60 min, gel 45–60 min, acrylic set 90–120 min, nail art add 15–45+ min.critical

Time-blocking prevents double-booking and keeps you from rushing prep, cuticles, or top coat cure time.

Take a deposit for long services: e.g., $10–$25 for acrylic set/nail art; apply it to the final ticket.important

Acrylic sets ($50–$100) and nail art ($60–$150) are high-value slots. Deposits reduce last-minute cancellations.

Send a clear confirmation text with: service(s), estimated price range, start time, address/parking, and prep instructions.critical

Clients forget details. A single message reduces “Where are you located?” calls and sets expectations before they sit down.

Explain add-on pricing up front: repair per nail, French tip, chrome, cat-eye, charms, removal, length upgrades.important

Clients often say “Just a simple design” then ask for chrome + gems. Listing common add-ons avoids checkout shocks.

Set your arrival rule: “Please arrive 5 minutes early; 10+ minutes late may shorten the service.”critical

You can’t pause mid-service to catch up. Late arrivals ripple into every appointment after them.

Automate reminders 24 hours and 2 hours before the appointment.important

Prom/wedding season is chaotic. Reminders cut no-shows and last-minute “I forgot” calls.

If you offer online booking, ensure the menu matches real services (gel fill vs. full set) and blocks correct time.important

Wrong booking options cause chaos at the table when the client booked 45 minutes for a 2-hour set.

4) Pre‑Appointment Prep (Your Station + Your Client)

Prep your station for the booked service: sanitized tools, fresh files/buffers, tips/forms, monomer/acrylic, gels, top coats, and art brushes.critical

You can’t leave the table constantly once you start. Having everything ready keeps the service smooth and professional.

Set up your ventilation/dust control: turn on table fan, dust collector, and have a mask available for heavy filing.important

Acrylic and filing dust are real. Good airflow protects you and makes the client more comfortable.

Pull the correct color options: nudes for French, base colors for nail art, seasonal sets (holidays, spring, prom).nice-to-have

Clients change their mind at the table. Curated options speed up choices and keeps your schedule on track.

Send a pre-visit text checklist: “Remove rings, bring inspiration photo, wear open-toe shoes for pedicure, avoid lotion/oil before service.”important

Lotion and oils can reduce adhesion for gel/acrylic. Open-toe shoes prevent smudges on fresh pedicure polish.

Confirm special cases the day before: broken nail repair, wedding party timing, or “need it done before 3 PM.”important

Emergency repair calls happen constantly. Confirming helps you plan product, time, and whether to adjust the schedule.

Check your payment setup: card reader charged, Apple Pay/Google Pay working, cash change ready.nice-to-have

A smooth checkout matters when your next client is already waiting. Payment issues create delays and stress.

5) Day‑Of: Check‑In, Service, and Communication at the Table

Start with a 2-minute consult: confirm service, shape/length, color, and nail art details before you begin removal or prep.critical

Once you start soaking/removing, changes cost time and product. A quick consult prevents “Wait—I wanted coffin!” halfway through.

Do a nail health check and set realistic expectations: lifting, thin nails, bitten nails, or damage from prior sets.critical

Clients may say “Make them look like this photo” when their nails can’t support it. Setting expectations protects your work and your reviews.

Explain what you’re doing during key steps (removal, cuticle work, filing, curing).important

Clear communication reduces anxiety, especially when using the e-file or when the lamp gets warm (“heat spike”).

Confirm add-ons before you apply: “Do you want chrome or a matte top coat? Any charms?”important

Clients often decide late. Asking before top coat saves rework and keeps your timing accurate.

Handle phone interruptions with a plan: silence your phone; use a call-answering system or let calls go to a booking assistant.important

You can’t safely stop mid-application. Missed calls mean lost bookings—especially weekends and before holidays.

Mid-service check: show one nail and confirm the design before repeating it across 10 nails.critical

Nail art misunderstandings are expensive. One test nail prevents a full redo.

Finish with care instructions: dry/cure time, cuticle oil timing, glove use for cleaning, and what to avoid for 24 hours.important

Most chips and lifts happen because clients wash dishes or use hot water too soon. Simple rules protect your results.

6) Post‑Service Follow‑Up + Set Up Recurring Appointments

Take 3 photos (with permission): both hands + close-up of nail art; offer to tag them on Instagram.nice-to-have

Nail photos sell your work. Clients love being featured, and you get content for gel sets and seasonal designs.

Send a same-day aftercare text tailored to the service (gel, acrylic, pedicure).important

People forget what you said once they leave. A text reduces breakage and increases satisfaction.

Ask for the next booking before they walk out: fills every 2–3 weeks; gel manicure every 2–3 weeks; pedicure every 4–6 weeks.critical

Recurring services keep your schedule stable. Clients are more likely to rebook while they love the fresh set.

Offer a simple maintenance plan: “1 free fix within 3 days for lifting/chip” (or your policy) and clarify what’s excluded.important

Clear boundaries reduce arguments and keep your time protected, especially for high-detail nail art.

Request a review at the right moment: text a link 1–2 hours after the appointment or the next morning.important

Happy clients forget to review. A timely ask boosts Google/Yelp and helps you compete with walk-ins.

Create a client note for next time: colors used, base/top coat, shape, sensitivities, and what they loved/hated.important

Remembering details makes clients feel taken care of and speeds up future appointments.

Set them up for easy rebooking by phone: enable 24/7 booking and missed-call text-back (ex: SkipCalls) so they can book while you’re with a client.nice-to-have

Most rebook attempts happen when you’re busy doing nails. Capturing those calls prevents them from switching salons.