wording on door sign?

[Proud New Momma]

Hi everyone! I've stumbled on a small roadblock, and was wondering if y'all had any ideas.

When a client calls for their first appointment, right after giving them directions to our studio, I advise them that as soon as they see the big inside front door open, that's our signal that we are ready for them to approach the door. (First-timers especially either tend to be late or very early, and I wanted to prevent any 20-minutes-early surprises.)

However, some of my clients who've been with me a little while tend to forget, and they come up to the door as soon as they arrive, and I'd like to make a gentle reminder sign that I could put on my front door that says something to the effect of "thank you for kindly waiting in your vehicle until the front door opens, or until 5 mins prior to your appointment, whichever comes first." Or something. Any ideas?

(I'd also like to partner this with a gentle request for them to remove their shoes in the entryway before we proceed back to the studio.)

Thanks in advance!
Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[Zilog32]

I lock my front door when I'm in treatment, as I am the only one there at the time, and I don't want someone wandering around the chiro clinic, and I have to leave my client to deal with said person.

I found a open/closed sign at business depot with a clock face on it. I printed up a sheet that said "Massage Therapy. Massage in progress, I will be available to unlock the door at:" And then I set the clock for the time that I will be out. I then used the sheet I printed to cover up the word closed. I also tell them when they book their first appointment to not come early, that the door will be locked.

I also try to leave 15 minutes in between each client minimum so I do have time to get out before they show up. Doesn't work for the really early ones, but then that's what the sign is for

 

[Tornedeaus]

I found a open/closed sign at business depot with a clock face on it. I printed up a sheet that said "Massage Therapy. Massage in progress, I will be available to unlock the door at:" And then I set the clock for the time that I will be out. I then used the sheet I printed to cover up the word closed. I also tell them when they book their first appointment to not come early, that the door will be locked.

Hey Myrrha, did you read that tip on this site?? I did that at my old space, the wording was almost identical. I cant remember if I had mentioned that idea on MassagePlanetL or not. Since I moved though, I dont have the clock sign. Now I have a small sign on the front door of my office which says, "This door will be unlocked 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment."

I put 30 minutes between clients. After I wash my hands, the next thing I do is unlock the front door. I have a small area where people can stand out of the weather if they come early and the door isnt open. It isnt big, but it is out of the weather. It is only occationally I have a client come so early they are standing out there.

Jyoti, do you have a porch area by your front door? Would it be possible to put some nice wooden lawn furniture (if you dont have it already) out for your clients to sit while they wait instead of having to stand or go back to their vehicle?

As for taking off shoes, why not have a coat rack and a bench by the front door. Some people cant put tie shoes on standing up. If you dont have a place to sit so they can put their shoes back on by the door, they may hesitate to take their shoes off right away.

 

[Aloishus W]

No I didn't get it from this site, but I still can't take credit for it I inherited the idea from the therapist I took over from. Reworded the sign a bit made it look a little prettier.

One way to encourage people to take off their shoes, maybe to add to the sign asking people to remove their shoes. Also you may want to buy cheap slippers to provide for people.

 

[Stone 8]

I use a sign from office max (open on one side, closed/will return clock on the other) Not very pretty, Im thinking I need to jazz it up a bit, now! People are funny, though. Even though the door is locked, I have a sign up, and they are 20 min early for their appointment, they will still knock on the front door, and some will cup their hands to peek in! (sometimes I lock up during lunch)