Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Consultants Analysis

In my 19 months I have tried 4 consultants and I really cannot say I've been 100% satisfied with any of them. I decided to do an analysis of them all.

Installation Consultant
PROS
1. Professional
2. Clean Salon
3. Knowledgeable about SL's
4. Impeccable work

CONS
1. Did not have SL's
2. Slow
3. Expensive (hourly)
4. Far
5. Hard to get an appt

2nd Consultant
PROS
1. Professional
2. Had SL's
3. Cheap - flat fee
4. Ease of appointments

CONS
1. Dining room chair as salon chair
2. Did not wash or style
3. Slow
4. Missed locks in retightening
5. Far

3rd Consultant
PROS
1. Extra fast
2. Clean Salon
3. Styled but lazy

CONS
1. Did not have SL's
2. Unreliable
3. Hard to get an appt
4. Far

4th Consultant
PROS
1. Professional
2. Had SL's
3. Cheap - flat fee
4. Ease of appointments
5. Super close

CONS
1. Computer chair as salon chair
2. Did not wash or style
3. Slow
4. Missed sections in retightening

In looking at this list it basically comes down to wanting a professional, reliable, close, decently priced, fast consultant. I don't think that's asking too much since they are trained consultants. Basically, consultants who work in a salon I feel should be professional and reliable but they aren't. Yet those who work out of there home are super slow and they don't have a very comfortable seating which I was in for hours. Argh!! What makes a good consultant to you that keeps you going back?

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8 comments:

Queen said...

It is hard to find someone who will be 100% of what you expect.
That goes with anything! Jobs, friends, family, food places, etc.
I hope you will find someone who works well enough for you.

Kreyola said...

It's very hard to find the perfect consultant. I have one that is very professional, has a salon chair, and is reliable. On the other hands, she takes long breaks (I remember one time she took a 30 minute break and then additional 15 minute to talk on the phone). But she a sweet hearts and her price is very reasonable for the amount of time it takes to retighten my hair. So you just have to find out what you can’t compromise on and stick with that.

A Sista Who Locked said...

How is it that I was thinking about the number of consultants I have had, then I read your post! I am on my 4th consultant... She seems to be what I want so far (all in one stop shop for color, style, retis, wash, and whatever else), but we shall see how the 1st reti goes. I hope you find someone that you like. I should post about my experiences as you did. Quite interesting..

Bajan Lily said...

I love this post heheheh.
I am so glad you wrote it.
Although I personally haven't experienced slow/slower consultants I am glad you spelled this out in black and white as it will help me to be a better Consultant.

I currently work from home - but I do have a proper salon chair (heheh) and I really appreicate the insight this lil post gives into how my people (clients) might be feeling when they come to my place.

Why do you think the salon people were lazier? And was it a big concern for you when the consultant did not have SLs?

Gigglz said...

@Queen - thank you.

@Kreyola - 45 minute break, I hope she didn't charge you for that.

@ASWL - Really! 4th, I thought you were still on your original. Doesn't she still have you posted on her website. One stop shopping sounds like a delightful consultant. Hope all goes well.

@Bajan - well someone who has SL's and is now a consultant/trainee to me shows that they believe in what they are selling. Granted I understand that it is a great income but its a lifestyel that we are living. I feel that you can speak better from experience. And having SL's is not only about training but being able to answer questions based on experience. Only one salon consultant was slow, but she was paid hourly so why wouldn't she be :-)

Definitely a salon chair makes a difference because as a client you are sitting there for 2 hours or more. YOur clients should be comfortable be able to sit back and put there hands up on the arms at least.

Kreyola said...

@Gigglz No she made sure to inform me that I would not be getting charge for that. Now we on a set price even if she does takes 45 min breaks...lol.

V @ Locks-N-Motion said...

Sorry you had to go through that many consultants... Hoepfully one day you will find "The One" or at least one very close to it.

I kind of understand you wanting a consultant who has Sisterlocks, because I also believe they would be very knowledgeable about them, although I no longer have my Sisterlocks, I'm still glad that I had the experience to share with my clients.

I'm glad that I was a client first for 4 years because I know what clients want and expect. I have had some bad experiences myself and I promised myself when I became Trainee/Cosultant that I would never put my clients through what I've been through.

This is a good post, like Bajan said I'm all about bettering myself as a Trainee/Consultant.

I want my clients to speak out when they have an issue with me because if they don't I will never know whats going on and will not know what I need help with or improvement with.


All in all just do whats best and what works for you, sorrt for the long post :)

Rockin Robin said...

Wow, that sounds a little stressful. I agree, no matter where you go the consultant should be a total professional. Sisterlocks take time so definately a comfortable chair should be a priority! Time management is also very important. It's great you can and are able to do your on reti's. This post has been extremely eye opening for me. I look forward to becoming a consultant and I want my clients to have the best of everything! Since I'm already a cosmetologist I feel that I have a slight advantage, but knowing these things definately adds to the knowledge. Hope you find 'the one'. Peace and blessings to you!

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