Question about handling walk-ins during a sudden rush at State Fair weekend

I was working last Saturday during the State Fair in Dallas and got slammed with 12 walk-ins in under an hour. My system fell apart fast and I ended up rushing cuts I shouldn't have. How do you guys manage the clock when it gets that crazy without sacrificing quality?

2 comments

2 Comments

johnson.jesse17d ago

Man I feel you on that "system fell apart fast" part. That's rough, 12 walk-ins in an hour during State Fair is a nightmare scenario. I've been there where you start rushing cuts just to keep the line moving and then hate yourself for it later. Best thing I ever did was prep a few extra things ahead of time when I knew a big event was coming. Even just having your station stocked double what you normally do helps buy you a few minutes. Also don't be afraid to tell people there's a wait. Better to have them grumpy for 15 minutes than leave with a haircut that looks like a lawnmower hit it.

phoenix_carter17d ago

Prep your station like a hurricane's coming and just tell em straight up it's a 30 minute wait.