WAHM Forums

Hi girls,
Has anybody else had a problem with women chain-smoking throughout the spa? I've had it happen about4 times in my 2 years, but each time I couldn't wait to get out of there! This last one, I brought my brand new lap boards that everybody has been using, and one lady melted hers with cigarette burns! It was my first spa using them and it's ruined! I'm so sad.http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley19.gif

These spas take way longer because they keep breaking to smoke. Any ideas how to handle this? I'm from Calgary and it's a smoke-free city now so it always catches me off guard when people are still smoking around me. But I don't feel like I can tell them they can't smoke in their own home.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Johanna

Have you thought for those who smoke, maybe have the spa in the evenings outside? That way they can smoke during the spa. Or you can suggest no smoking during the spa since you are trying to teach them how to destress and cleanse their body... If they get up, the stress comes back to them and they wouldn't get an hour of well deserved stress free pampering.

As for the lap top being burnt by the cigarette was just down right rude!

I only had that happen once and it was recently. I couldn't believe when I got them up to go to the sink to do SOH and they decided to go out for a smoke instead. The spa only lasts an hour!!!

If you are runninng into it alot, I would suggest telling the hostess upfront that if she has friends who smoke, they should plan to do it before/after the spa. With the new spa stations format, they can go outside to smoke while everyone is finishing with skin care and the foot stations. Tell them that while you are doing skin care with them. Get it out of the way so they dont' interrupt your spa. They are doing themselves, and you, a dis-service by leaving to smoke during the spa.

Sam

You could also say you don't want smoke around your products, and even bring up the fact, if this happens again, that you've had cigarette ashes burn your lapboard, etc. I'm sure most people would be understanding... just let them know that the smoke smell gets into the neckwraps, etc. and then it causes extra cleaning for you, and you don't want any ashes, smoke, etc. getting intermingled with the products..

Personally, I've yet to have this happen to me however if it did, knowing me, I'd likely tell them "now, no smoking allowed during the Spa ladies"(but say it in a light-hearted-joking kind of way)...or something to that effect! I wouldn't want to offend a smoker.

The station spas would likely be your best bet for smokers. This way they can sneak out for a smoke and it is likely not to disrupt your flow too much.

Good Luck!

I agree with the above-I also think its very rude to just start smoking in a closed area KNOWING there may be someone allergic or sensitive to smoke-let alone the dangers of second hand smoke. ITs not a bar atmosphere and they should at least ask before they start puffin in your face.

Sorry to be so "angry" sounding, but that is just inconsiderate of you, your products, and your demonstration, and your time.

Whew.....sorry-thanks for letting me vent.ha

OK, I absolutely agree that this was extremely rude behavior! Don't bash me here http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif, but I am a smoker.... and here is what works for me. Usually my hostess knows that I smoke (when I take a quick break between set up and the start of the spa) and if she smokes, she will usually join me. This gives me the perfect opportunity to discuss "breaks" for the smokers during the spa. As a fellow smoker, this is usually very well received and I'm also able to "sell" during these breaks..lol.

As none of you smoke, you would simply just need to hostess coach around it, hopefully you would know prior to the spa if your hostess smokes. The station spa really helps, but if you are doing the traditional spa, a great break is between the relaxation and the facial. Even though you don't smoke, if you can join them outside, this is a great time to get bookings! and even recruit! I have gotten 5 personal recruits on "smoke" breaks because it gives you casual time for conversation. Just my 2 cents http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley9.gif.

I have included in my hostess letter that all spa's are non smoking. I have never had a problem. The smoker's just run out for a smoke break but I haven't had it hold up the spa as the "nonsmoker's" usually yell for the smoker's to get back in because they are holding things up!

Thanks guys. Those ideas are great! I appreciate a smoker's perspective too. I didn't realize I was losing out on business by not joining the smoke break! Haha!
-Johanna