All About Spa Etiquette

Many people have asked over the years on many different topics. I took some time as well to put my own input into a few of the many topics that have been inquired about. This one is all about spa etiquette, whether you are brand new to the spa life and just began enjoying the wonderful health benefits or if you are a long time spa-goer, these are some great tips to remember:

• ARRIVING ON TIME: If you’re running late, you lose – spas often can’t push your appointment back more than 10 minutes. Unlike a hairdresser, a spa can not take two clients at one time. We want to give you our undivided attention at Ronnaskin, and therefore, need clients to be aware of  their scheduled appointment time.

• CANCELLATION POLICIES AND CALLING TO CANCEL: We ask that clients call within 48 hours of their therapy session to cancel. It is understandable that once in awhile an appointment might be cancelled or missed due to illness or emergency during our work together. We offer one waiver for an emergency cancel should this happen. However, due to our limited ability to fill an appointment on short notice, our current client schedule does not allow for continual cancellations, rescheduled appointments, or no shows. Because a regular session day/time has been reserved specifically for each client, if a client cancels later than 48 hours, I ask that they honor the fee agreement for their session which has been reserved for them  
• Most spas have a 24-hour cancellation policy, and if you left a charge card number, you may be charged. If you know you’re not going to make it, let the spa know as soon as possible. A therapist might have come in just for you, and if you argue and don’t pay, the therapist doesn’t get paid and they only have however many hours in a day they have allotted for appointments to be able to earn income.
• Be conscious that short-notice cancellations will probably incur a charge, especially if you’ve left your credit card number at booking. Know the spa’s cancellation policies when you book and give as much notice as possible if you change your appointment plans.
• A NOTE FROM ANOTHER BUSINESS: Gaudet Bros has become an intimate studio, with personalized service, and mutual respect. We’ve passed on conventional advertising and allowed our business to grow organically, through word of mouth…your word of mouth. A great buzz has been created for Gaudet Bros and that’s allowed us to stay off the beaten path a bit. We’ve seen a great increase in the number of clients visiting us each month. This increase has lead to us having a waiting list most weeks. It’s made time very valuable, and “no shows” more hurtful to our business. We’ve experienced substantial losses monetarily the last two months because of “no shows”. In a business the size of Gaudet Bros those losses are debilitating in the short term and potentially lethal over the long term. I’ve researched different salon models to find the best practice policy around this and have created something that I feel offers respect to both our business and you, our clients. This policy also includes last minute cancellations and late appointments.Growth requires structure and I hope you will support us in moving forward. Most professional salons do have an cancellation policy in place. But, even if they don’t, be respectful and cancel your appointment if you know you can’t make it. Yes, emergencies do happen and all of us understand, this is not about that at all. This is for those of you who decided to change plans, go shopping, to the beach or just decided you didn’t feel like going to your appointment that day. CALL and cancel and give the salon time to be able to fill that spot. Most salons also have a cancellation list and with ample time could easily fill that spot! Stylists only get paid on what they bring in, you are their paycheck! Be respectful and call. Isn’t this just the easiet concept? One would think so wouldn’t they? I take the time to treat my client the way I would want to be treated if I were to go into a salon. So, the same goes for you as the client. Treat your stylist the way you would want to be treated! Do you want me to talk on the phone while I cut your hair? Do you want my kids running around you and jumping on your furniture? Do you really want me doing your hair if I am sick as a dog? Get where I am going with this? It amazes me at what people think is acceptable in public or a place of business. I can’t beleive this problem needs to be addressed, but it does. Our salon has a cell phone policy because we want our clients to relax. We don’t have a no kid policy because we love them and have lots of little clients. I should not have to tell you to watch your kids if you have to bring them. I suggest you don’t bring them unless they have an appointment. I don’t go to work if I am sick so, if you are sick, then please cancel or let us know, so we can make the best decision for all involved.  We are NOT superheros, we are human and we get sick (usually because one of you came in sick and gave it to us).  PLEASE remember TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED
• MIND YOUR MANNERS: Your cell phone should be turned off–and kept off–while in the spa; using either is a huge no-no. Better yet, leave both at home and make Miss Manners proud. In a relaxation room, conversation is fine as long as it’s in a soft tone and not disrupting someone else’s peaceful experience.
• TEXT MESSAGING (In General): With it you can get a message to someone without causing their phone to ring at an inopportune time, ask a friend a question and let them respond at their leisure, or just shout out a quick greeting to someone without making a big deal about it.  There are, however, a few text-message etiquette tips to keep in mind:
  • Text-messaging is not an alternative to using the phone when calling would be considered rude.  You would not take a call in the middle of a movie, a performance, or a meeting, and likewise, you should not send text messages.
  • Make sure you’re texting to the right phone number! It’s very easy to dial the wrong number or select the wrong phone book entry.
  • Don’t text-message anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing. You never know when someone might be looking over your significant other’s shoulder—or worse yet, when your message might get sent to the wrong person.
  • If you text-message someone who doesn’t have your phone number, start your message by stating who you are: “Hi—it’s Kate (yoga). Chiropractor’s number is: 1-802-555-2020. Good luck.”
  • When you have a chance, respond to a text message with either a text message or a phone call.
  • Just as you should not be answering your phone during a conversation, you should not send a text message when you are engaged with someone else.  If you are with someone who will not stop text messaging during your conversation, feel free to excuse yourself until they have concluded their messaging.
  • You shouldn’t use text messaging when informing someone of sad news, business matters, or urgent meetings, unless it’s to set up a phone call on the subject.
  • If you receive a text message that was sent to you by mistake, reply explaining that you aren’t the intended recipient. You don’t have to respond to anything else in the message.
  • Finally, remember that as with email, you can’t know for sure when the recipient is going to read his or her message—so don’t freak out if your text message doesn’t get an immediate response.
  • Sometimes when your service provider is with a client, their hands are not free and can not reply.
  • Also remember appropriate times of day to text, this would be the same as appropriate times to call. Remember also business hours. In Ronnaskin’s case, if a request is made of when an appointment is, remember you can view on line at https://www.vagaro.com/ronnaskinwestminster or https://www.vagaro.com/ronnaskin-evergreen. Imagine the time it could take to reply to 5-10 people a day.

• TIPS FOR TIPPING: Leaving 15 to 20 percent is customary. Tips should be left at the reception desk, which will have gratuity envelopes and pass them along to the therapist (you may want to check with your spa prior to paying, as most permit cash tips only). Received services from more than one therapist? Leave a separate tip for each one. Also, more often than not, spa staff appreciates when the gratuity is left in cash. At a medical spa, tip the facialist, not the medical doctor. Some spas include gratuity in the price, so it’s always best to check before
• VALUABLES: Though many spas offer locker facilities, leave jewelry and valuables at home in order to avoid any worries or stress.
• PERFUME: Because the emphasis should be on relaxation and because others may be allergic, it’s best not to wear perfume to a treatment.
• TO TALK OR NOT TO TALK: You can talk during the treatment or be still, as you choose. The therapist should follow your lead. If you’re not talking and the therapist won’t be quiet, you can say something like, “I’m just going to zone out/be quiet/rest for a little while.” The therapist will get the hint. In general, try to use a quiet “spa voice” when you talk anywhere in the spa.
• MEDICAL CONDITIONS: If you have any type of medical condition, be sure to mention it when you book an appointment. Certain treatments may not be advisable for you. Also, tell the technician if you’re wearing contact lenses before you have a facial. Let us know about anything that may affect you, including topical or internal treatments for skin that you are using or that make you sensitive to sun and or acids. We want to work with you, but we may not always know or think to ask of everything.
• EATING AND DRINKING: Try not to eat for at least an hour before a treatment, and avoid the consumption of alcohol on the day of a treatment. Drink plenty of water before and afterward, This will make for a more relaxing service for you. When it comes to hydration, that will also ensure the best results in a skin care service.
• CHEWING GUM: Chewing gum is a great way to keep your mouth free from bacteria and to freshen up your breath between brushings.  By following our top tips for chewing gum etiquette, you will keep classy and winter fresh!
  • Chewing gum is like chewing food – do not do it with your mouth open.  This will help you avoid looking like a grazing cow.
  • Following rule #1 in chewing gum etiquette should help you with a common complaint of those who chew gum: do not “smack” your gum loudly.  It drives everyone around you nuts.  Even if they will never say anything.
  • When eating or drinking, discard of your gum and get a new piece afterwards. Do not affix your gum to your plate or cup to “save for later”.
  • While in public, do not blow bubbles with your gum.
  • Chewing gum used to be considered rude, but, is now very commonplace.  Having said that, avoid chewing gum:
    • During a job interview
    • While singing
    • When dancing (it might accidentally fly out of your mouth as you twirl around!)
    • Any instance where you will be in front of people (you’re part of a bridal party, you are giving a presentation, etc.)
  • Chewing gum packs ask you to “dispose of properly” for a reason.  All of those dark grey spots on the sidewalk used to be colorful pieces of gum.  And stepping on a freshly discarded piece of gum causes havoc on your shoes.  For you school kids, do not ever reach under your seat – generations that have come before you have placed their spit soaked gum under there for years.  The proper way to dispose of your gum is to wrap it in a piece of paper (the original gum wrapper is perfect for this) and to throw it in a trash can. Or, you can swallow it in an emergency, but, the health effects of that are debated.  I’m pretty sure it does not stay in your stomach for seven years, like the old wives’ tale states! *Please remember when having a spa service, you are likely laying down. This increases your chances for choking. Your service provider has to focus on that concern and it could be taking away from other focuses. Gum is best thrown out prior to entering the spa environment. 
  • Further Reading: washingtonpost.com
• SPREAD THE WORD: If you have a good visit at the spa, consider telling others, such as friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors about it so they can visit, too. Facebook, Yelp and Twitter are also great ways to leave reviews.

The article below references hairstylists, but it is for all salon/spa personnel:

“You may ask yourself why hairstylists “charge so much” for doing your hair… They don’t get paid vacation, they don’t get paid sick days, they don’t get bonuses for outstanding performances nor for Christmas. They don’t have insurance plans nor do they qualify for unemployment. They sacrifice their family on special days so that they can bring happiness to others. Illness or personal affairs are not excuses for a bad haircut/color. Next time you ask, remember that hairdressers are hairdressers because of the love of doing hair, but that love doesn’t pay debts.” -Author Unknown