The Hook Up: The Professional's Point of View

     So, I love doing hair... And nearly ten years ago, fresh out of Cosmetology school, I used to love doing hair so much that I would do it for next to nothing or sometimes even free of charge. My mother would have a fit and say I was not charging enough for my time as a licensed professional. Now remember the key word here is "used to". Since then I have wised up and have come to understand what she meant by 'knowing how much my time is worth'. For the amount of time we as Cosmetological Entrepreneurs spend behind the chair beautifying others, we should be respectfully compensated for our hard work.

     There have been several times I have been asked by relatives or friends to do their hair. Now me being me, I would always make time to squeeze them in. But I can recall a few incidents where it came time to pay and the infamous question spilled out of their mouth, "Can I get the HOOK UP?"  I am sure we all know exactly what 'The Hook Up' is; a break, discount, pay half now and the rest later, a birthday gift, trade, or favor. 'What?' I would say to myself, 'After I have slaved over your nest, now you try to play me?' Surely,I am not the only stylist who has ever been offered this type of propsition. While our family and friends can be our biggest support they can also force us to make some tough decisions in regards to providing them with services. I will never forget while working in one salon the owner had a bold sign posted next to her mirror stating, "NO DISCOUNTS!!! FAMILY AND FRIENDS INCLUDED!" I was like  'wow, that's messed up', but then as my clientele grew, mainly from friends and family, I began to understand why she posted that sign for everyone to see.  
    
     It has not solely been family and friends who try to get a break, but just the other day a young lady entered into the salon  where I work and asked if anyone waxed eyebrows. I let her know I did and would be able to take her in a few moments. She then asked the price of the service and I told her. I couldn't believe what came out her mouth next..."Wow that's a lot, they only charged me X dollars at the other shop Can't you do them for the same price?" I giggled to myslef and politely explained to her that prices vary by stylist, salon and service, and just because one place charges a certain fee does not mean other salons are going to price match. This is not Meijer or Wal-Mart. We are talking about experience, expertise, and individuals who have spent many hours and years inside the classroom and out in the field perfecting their craft. Now tell me would that same person go to the local nail salon and ask for the 'free', or give them $10 now and the rest on Friday. I know that would not happen, so why is it okay to do that to your beautician?For most who picked Cosmetology as their career this is what feeds the family and pays the bills.

So, is it wrong for a sign to be posted for everyone to see? Fellow beauty professionals and clients please tell me your thoughts on 'the hook up'? Is it ever a time that its okay to ask for one? Tell me what you think.