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SEARCHThis month we asked nail techs: Do you have a set price list for nail art? Why or why not?
Yes, I do have one set price list; I find it easier that way. Before I had a set price list, I found that clients would sometimes want more time for nail art than I had booked, and some would book for a longer time and then change their mind upon arrival. So I charge one set price regardless if it’s a 30-minute or an hour-long appointment. If it’s a two-hour appointment, I charge for two appointments. It's worked out better for me this way.
— Loni Preato, Dalonnie’s Hair and Nail Studio, Las Vegas
I do have a set price list for certain styles. Most people are visual and need to see the difference between $1 per nail and $10 per nail. Also, pricing designs helps me to better book my time. I rarely overbook because I give myself enough time to complete them.
— Crystal Clark, Nail Yeah!, Raleigh, N.C.
I charge $3 for two nails, $5 for four nails, and $10 for ten nails. That would be for stamps, extra colors or glitter or hand-painted simple designs — as long as I can fit it into the time I have scheduled. Quite often I practice different nail art designs that I like ahead of time so I can see how long it will take and if I can make it look good. It is amazing to me how sometimes a design can look simple but it is really not (and vice versa.) Therefore, because of the extra time it takes as well as the additional products and tools that we need, I think it is important to charge. It was difficult to start, but I posted the nail art prices on my regular price list and now my clients are used to it. If a new client asks for art, I just quote the price up front and they are usually fine with it.
— Kathy Dent, Salon Glow, Reno, Nev.
I do have a set price for nail art. For example, Supreme Nails are $65. This includes a full set of nails with two blinged/3-D art nails with a polished design. Although I could probably charge at least $100 per Supreme set elsewhere, here in the Midwest ladies typically don’t spend that much money on nails. If you don’t use what you learn, you lose what you learn, so I like to keep my 3-D nail art sharp and offer it to ladies at an affordable price. This way I can start new trends out here in Nebraska and keep my clients’ nails hot and poppin’!
— Eva Jenkins, Extraordinary Nails by Eva, Bellevue, Neb.
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