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Lesson 4 – Client check-in on the day of the appointment

Lesson 4 – Client check-in on the day of the appointment

This lesson is part of the free online course The Esthetician Practice Series, focused on real-world operations, client communication, and revenue development. The course presents how a beauty practice truly functions — from the first client interaction, through front desk coordination, to management and professional training systems.

The program consists of 30 concise lessons released daily. Each lesson addresses specific real-life situations that occur in everyday practice and can be implemented immediately.

The curriculum is divided into three core areas:

  • front desk operations and client experience
  • beauty practice management
  • educator development and training structure

You may follow the lessons in sequence or revisit selected topics at any time. All materials are available free of charge.

Client check-in on the day of the appointment

The first seconds after the client arrives

The moment a client enters the practice influences their comfort level and overall perception of the space. The front desk should respond calmly and without rushing. A brief greeting and a clear explanation of what will happen next are sufficient.

The greeting should be:

  • brief
  • calm
  • clear
  • free of unnecessary conversation

Examples:
“Good morning, welcome.”
“We’ll begin your appointment shortly.”
“Please have a seat — we’ll call you in just a moment.”

Extended conversation at the front desk is not necessary.

Verifying the appointment

After greeting the client, confirm:

  • full name
  • scheduled service
  • appointment time

This prevents scheduling errors.

Example:
“You’re scheduled today for…, at…”

client check-in at front desk in a beauty practice reception area

Preparing the client

If preparation is required before the service, the front desk should provide brief instructions.

Examples:
“Please have a seat — we’ll bring you in shortly.”
“We’ll invite you into the treatment room in just a moment.”

Detailed explanations are not necessary at the reception area.

Communication with the treatment room

The front desk should inform the treatment provider when the client has arrived. The message should be short and clear.

Examples:
“Your client has arrived.”
“She’s ready for her appointment.”

Aligned communication helps appointments begin on time and reduces operational confusion.

Managing delays

If a delay occurs, the client should be informed calmly and clearly.

Examples:
“Your appointment will begin in just a few minutes.”
“Thank you for your patience.”

Lack of communication increases tension and reduces client comfort.

Front desk conduct

The front desk should maintain:

  • calm demeanor
  • organized workflow
  • concise communication
  • situational control

Avoid:

  • private conversations in front of clients
  • visible chaos
  • rushing
  • loud or unstructured communication

The atmosphere at the front desk shapes how the entire practice is perceived.

The end of the appointment

After the treatment, the client returns to the front desk. The front desk should know:

  • whether to schedule a follow-up appointment
  • whether products were recommended
  • whether post-care instructions were provided

This information should be clearly communicated from the treatment room.

Client check-out

The front desk should:

  • ask about scheduling the next appointment
  • offer available dates
  • prepare recommended products if applicable
  • process payment
  • close the visit professionally

Examples:
“I recommend scheduling your next visit today.”
“Let’s check availability.”
“Would you like us to prepare the recommended product?”

Farewell

The closing of the appointment should be calm and professional.

Examples:
“Thank you for your visit.”
“We’ll see you at your next appointment.”
“If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.”

Common mistakes

  • no greeting
  • chaotic check-in
  • failure to communicate delays
  • not offering a follow-up appointment
  • rushing the closing process
  • lack of coordination with the treatment room

Recommended client flow

  1. greeting
  2. appointment verification
  3. preparation
  4. transition to treatment room
  5. post-treatment check-out
  6. follow-up scheduling
  7. payment
  8. professional farewell

Quick overview

Stage Action Result
Arrival Calm greeting Client comfort
Verification Confirm appointment details No scheduling errors
Communication Inform treatment room Smooth appointment flow
After treatment Schedule follow-up visit Client retention
Closing Professional farewell Positive final impression

 

The way a client is welcomed on the day of the appointment directly influences their comfort and perception of the entire practice. A brief, calm greeting, accurate verification, and clear communication about what happens next maintain order and reduce tension. Consistent coordination between the front desk and treatment room improves timing control and overall flow.

The closing moment is equally important. Offering a follow-up appointment, preparing recommended products, and ending the visit professionally increase the likelihood of return visits and create a structured client experience. A consistent check-in and check-out protocol supports operational stability, reduces mistakes, and reinforces professionalism.

This lesson is part of the free series The Esthetician Practice Series, which explores daily front desk systems, client communication, and operational organization within a beauty practice.

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Educating the beauty industry for 20 years
Educating the beauty industry for 20 years

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