Reader to Reader: Do you charge family members for nail services?

Answer

I have two sisters and a niece whose nails I do. My brother-in-law owns a frame store, so my sister barters with me. My other sister brings presents for my two children and my niece helps me with babysitting. Any other family member needs to pay. - Kathleen Collado, The Finishing Touch, New Rochelle, N.Y.

I give gift certificates to family members for Christmas or birthdays. This way, they are aware of the limits and that the services are worth something. It is also a great marketing tool because they talk about the treatments to their friends. I’m fortunate that my family doesn’t take advantage of this. Last year for Christmas, I gave everyone a certificate for unlimited manicures and pedicures for the year 2001. - Pauline Fleming, Aesthetics by Pauline, Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Yes! My family is very understanding where my business is concerned. I have a commission salon and the salon’s income comes from services rendered as well as my own. If I provide a service, it must be paid for. I believe family members should show respect for one another for the growth of a business.- Chaun Peterson, Millennium Nail Salon & Spa, Idabel, Okla.

I give any relative a discount, which is 15%-20% off the regular service price. The exception to this is my mom, who I do not charge at all. With both of us having crazy schedules, it gives us some quality one-on-one time and me a chance to pamper her. - Nancy Horanzy, Beauty Works of Suffield, Suffield, Conn.

No, I don’t charge family members, but they usually bring me a coffee or smoothie as payment.- Kathy Wheeler, Northwest Salon, Las Vegas

I usually do not charge my immediate family members, but they are aware of the cost and give me a portion of the price. I feel like I owe it to my family to let them reap the benefits of my expertise and in turn they send many clients my way. - Ange Fleming, Hokes Bluff Hair Center, Hokes Bluff, Ala.