Is it just me but....how many times has this happen to you?  You have an appointment with your stylist, and you arrive there on time, but for some reason your stylist is running 5..No..10..No..30 minutes behind schedule. I wonder if the stylist or salon ever stops to think what's going on in the customers mind (who is waiting). Hmm...let's see.  They're probably thinking:

• Why am I waiting so long; are they talking on the phone?
• I can't believe that I drive 30 minutes for this.
• Every time...they always have an excuse why they're running late.  
• I know they're not taking a lunch now!
• I don't think this salon is very professional.
• I know that other person didn't just go in front of me!
• No tip for them today.
• Why isn't anyone letting me know why I'm having to wait? 
• I like it here..but not that much!

These are just some of the things that customers think about when they are waiting!  So the "rule of thumb" is to be very aware of your client's appointment and be on time.

For all you stylists reading this, here are some helpful tips for being "On time".

1. What is "on time"?  People who are always on time are really people who arrive early every day..except when things just go wrong.  And hey...things will go wrong.
2. Get enough rest.  Sometimes if you have a problem getting up early, maybe you should try going to bed earlier.
3. Give yourself a realistic amount of time between appointments.  I think this is truly a big problem today, because everyone is so concerned about booking, and double booking appointments just to get that money. They sometimes forget that each customer needs time for the service, and the conversational experience. 
4. Be open to your salon owners preferences.  Does your salon manager/owner want you to be in at a set time everyday?  If so, you should make it a point to "make it happen".
5. Communication is key.  If you're running behind schedule, let the customer know personally what's going on.