As those of you who follow me on Twitter know, I got my hair cut yesterday. It was a good experience and I’m pleased with the way it turned out. While I was sitting in the chair, however, I noticed something strange on my stylist’s mirror.
I should preface this by saying that the entire shop was set up so that stylees would face the stylist’s mirror. So this wasn’t something I caught out of the corner of my eye.
My stylist had a post-it on her mirror, probably written by someone else. It read:
Pen: Your weekly selling goal is $135.
Pencil: You still have $109 left.
I glanced to the mirror on my left. She’d done a bit better and was down around $90. The lady to my right was doing quite well and only had $65 left.
When I saw the first note, I thought it was a mistake and she wasn’t supposed to display it. But as I glanced around the shop later, every stylist had a sticky note on her mirror, in plain view of each client.
I can understand keeping the tallys somewhere where the staff will see them often. Perhaps behind the register or in the back? I just don’t know why they’d want the clients seeing them.
As I left, she suggested I buy their shampoo, which is currently on sale. I used the excuse that I’d bought shampoo last week (which is about right) since I get mine for less. There was a part of me that felt sorry for her and hoped she’d reach her selling goal, but I don’t think the note was there to inspire pity (if it was, that’s sad in itself).
What strange messages have you gotten from stores, salons, or people you’ve hired?
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Wow. I guess it makes sense that stylists would have selling goals, but I’m shocked that they’d display their specifics ones like that!
I went to a neighborhood haircut place about a week ago–it’s the kind with a nice $8.99 price. My stylist offered me a shampoo, style & products, and I just thought she was eager–maybe she also was trying to meet a goal.
Hopefully she was both. I’m just glad that I’m not involved with library patron quotas. Even then, it’s free so I wouldn’t feel bad about suggesting someone take an extra book.
Libraries have quotas?
@Jessica,
Surprisingly, yes. The goal is to increase circulation by helping people find more relevant materials. So if people want a particular book, you help them find related books.
i cant believe they were in plain view of the customers! i dont think that is right. You should of said something i mean its not a huge deal but i would of just said i didnt find it very appropriate.
That is just really weird and unprofessinal! I mean, it’s different somehow when McDonalds posts a goal that they are supposed to get you your meal in so many seconds-then they are showing you how they are striving to improve their service. This is showing you that the stylists are encouraged to sell you something you may not need.
Just weird.
@Erin, I thought about it but it’s not the stylist’s fault. And I didn’t see a manager around to mention it. I expect the stylist doesn’t like it any more than I do.
@Jenn, excellent point there. If the posted goal is something good for me, I’m all about it. I hate places like car lots where I’m a sales target. I don’t mind people asking me to buy things when I know it’s their job…I just say no. But I don’t want to see it posted unless it’s good for me.
I am goal orientated to the point that I sometimes have personal goals all over the place… some I have in “code” so no one else will understand.
I think the stylist may have just been following the rule of the salan by having her goal posted; along with the other sylists. I think it may have also been there to send a message to the client:
“HELLLPPPP!”
OMG – Mrs M – that is terrible. Fair enough have targets but you don’t want your customers to feel as though they’re just part of that financial target – especially when you’re trying to get them to buy add ons.
I’m glad you like your new haircut though.
Wow, that is incredibly tacky! I’ve never once been to a salon that tried to sell me stuff. I’ve had that happen at spas, but never salons, and certainly never as tackily as that!
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