The reception area within a salon or spa typically includes a designated lounge area for clients and guests to wait for their appointment to begin. Let’s be real—the notion of waiting is not something anyone would list as a favorite activity, but there are a few ways to ensure your guests have a way to make passing the time more pleasant. To soften the annoyance and ensure your guests have a favorable experience, follow these next few tips.
- Have Refreshments.
Offer complimentary drinks and snacks because let’s be real—who doesn’t enjoy snacking when they’re bored? Providing refreshments is a great way to leave any guest with a positive impression of your business. Set out a bowl of candy, serve fresh baked goods on a plate atop the receptionist desk, have a mini fridge stocked with water, or go the extra mile and include a coffee bar. Every option shows thoughtful consideration to the comfort of visitors and none require staff. Help yourself is enough to impress. - Provide Entertainment.
Encourage active waiting by supplying a few sources of entertainment. A TV or two to watch, soft background music to listen to—that isn’t elevator music mind you—or a collection of magazines and coffee table books to enjoy. Just make sure all reading materials are up-to-date. No one likes to see a pile of outdated magazines they already flipped through a decade ago. - Add a Children’s Play Area.
Don’t forget to have some form of entertainment for kids to keep them occupied. Have a designated area for kids to go equipped with a bin filled with toys and games for them to play with. Include children’s books within reading materials. Play cartoons on one of the TV’s. - Offer Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Provide free Wi-Fi for your guests as it has become an expected yet highly appreciated amenity within establishments these days. You can even go the extra mile by outfitting your reception area with lounge seating or occasional tables that have built-in charging capabilities. This will enable guests to keep their mobile devices charged while they wait; increasing the level of entertainment they have access to in your waiting area. - Bring Nature in.
If possible, place your waiting area close to a window for guests to enjoy the view. Seeing the outdoors and life passing on the other side of the glass is soothing and helps kill time. If nothing else, adding some art pieces depicting landscapes and nature scenes will do the trick.