Business

What does it mean to be an independent contractor?

December 01, 2009 | Bookmark +

The owner of the salon where I work told me I was an independent contractor. She pays me a 60% commission and collects the money from my clients. What does it mean to be an independent contractor?

Answer

According to the IRS, less than 1% of the beauty industry actually qualify as independent contractors. This is because a true independent contractor is brought in to do a single project or service for a company. She does not work on any regular schedule or on an ongoing basis. When that assignment is complete, she leaves and goes on to other projects. Her main source of income is not any one company. It seems likely the IRS would classify you as an employee and the salon owner would be liable for half your social security and other taxes.

— Ken Cassidy is president of Kassidy’s Salon Management Consultants (www.kassidys.com).

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How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?

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As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?

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What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?

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Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.

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Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits?

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