Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

How to Stretch a Buck in the Salon

Jennifer Perdue, owner of Details Nail Salon, offers tips on saving including having a "favorite recipe" party instead of taking the staff to a big, noisy restaurant.

by Staff
August 1, 2009
How to Stretch a Buck in the Salon

 

1 min to read


To trim spending, Jennifer Perdue, owner of Details Nail Salon, Bloomington, Ill., tries to use stock she has on hand instead of investing in the latest thing. “For instance, I will enhance the pedicure scrub I already have with a favorite essential oil before buying a newly marketed item — as long as it doesn’t diminish the effectiveness or experience of the service.” She suggests these other budget-friendly ideas:

1. Look for opportunities for co-op advertising. Ask your favorite product manufacturer or nearby salon to co-op with you.

Ad Loading...

2. Instead of taking the staff to dinner at a big, noisy restaurant, create an intimate at-home “favorite recipe” party where everyone brings a dish. This also builds relationships.

3. Instead of paying a cleaning service, have a pizza party once a month while you do a thorough cleaning of the salon.

4. Instead of stocking three or four bottles of each new polish shade, fill 1/4-oz. polish bottles and retail those to clients with an excellent net profit.

5. Give perks to existing clients (i.e. credit for referring people, birthday month retail discounts, etc.) instead of advertising in the local newspaper.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Business

A row of styling stations at JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon
Business|Articles|Mar 3, 2026

Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty

When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Nov 27, 2024

Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express

The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Oct 22, 2024

Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.

Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.

Sponsored by Amex

Business|Articles|Sep 6, 2024

Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business

Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.

Sponsored by Vagaro

Business|Articles|Aug 6, 2024

5 Things I Won't Do as a Nail Tech

This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.

Ad Loading...