Business

How do you keep operating costs down?

November 01, 1999 | Bookmark +

Readers respond: How do you keep operating costs down?

Answer

It’s not easy, but it can be done. I always try to buy either from the manufacturer, a nail company, or a large distributor. By buying at these places, I obtain the most-used materials in my salon – acrylic, monomer, cotton, non-acetone, pure acetone, files, buffers, etc. – at a good price, keeping my operating costs down. A great place to find good deals is at a beauty show, but I cannot always attend. Another way I keep operating costs down is by not wasting any materials.

Leticia Gonzalez

Letty’s Unas y Algo Mas… (Lares, Puerto Rico)

We try to be as cost effective as possible. Some of the many things we do to save money include buying in bulk, as well as purchasing products from hair and nail shows. Instead of tossing out the peanut-shaped foam pieces that are used in boxes, we use them as toe separators. We also use old files to de-sharpen new ones. I personally use old orangewood sticks as props for my nail art. I glue the tips on the sticks and place them in a foam board so my clients can see the various styles I offer.

Tina Daubenspeck

Sanibel Beauty Salon (Sanibel, Fla.)

Since I work out of my home, I don’t have to worry about paying overhead, and that also cuts down on utility costs. I work by myself, so I don’t purchase a lot of supplies. That means I can really splurge on the products I do buy, which is certainly a plus when it comes to my clients. They really notice the little extras.

Carol Beauchesne

Body Comforts (Southwick, Mass.)

I have four children and a household to maintain, so I usually recycle acrylic product containers. The can usually be used to store nail art supplies. I also use empty tip containers to hold the rhinestones I use for my nail art. When working on clients, I use a sable brush instead of cotton to clean and disinfect their nails. Not only do I use less disinfectant, I also spend less money on cotton balls.

Annette Golz

Nails By Annette (Montgomery, Ill.)

A good way to cut down on costs is by buying items at shows. They usually have very good deals, and it’s a good way to try new products. Also, I offer clients soda, and I always try to recycle the cans.

Jessi Stalder

Sun Tannery (Lincoln, Neb.)

Besides making sure the salon is spotless every day, we do your own heavy cleaning once a week. We vacuum, dust, mop, and clean everything, including our sinks and filters. We also do our own laundry (the salon has a washing machine and dryer) and we answer the phone. In terms of products, we purchase from several distributors, and a few of them give us discounts.

Cynthia Albin

Wendy’s Beauty Connection (Ilion, N.Y.)

 

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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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