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Whether you’re an employee, booth renter, or commission-based technician, there are a few questions that you will certainly ask when considering signing on at a new salon. In Booked Solid: a Nailtech’s Business Guide, salon owner Paula Gilmore has compiled a list of important topics that a new nail technician should focus on in an interview situation. Here are Gilmore’s Top 10 Questions You Might Not Think to Ask a Prospective Employer, But Should.
1. Will I be given a key to the salon? Booth renters should always have their own key. Commission-based nail technicians may or may not. If you are only allowed to work specific hours, this can definitely affect your income.
2. Who collects the service fee from the clients? This may have to do with your status as an employee or booth renter. How are bounced checks handled? Does the salon take credit cards or run in-house customer accounts, and is there a fee for that?
3. What is the business telephone policy? Can you use the business telephone for personal calls and/or for calling clients? Are you required to provide your own phone and listing? Are clients allowed to use the phone? Is there a monthly charge for phone privileges?
4. What type of retail arrangement is in place? Who selects the products offered and maintains the retail area? What is the commission plan for retailing? If the salon does not retail nail care products, can you do it yourself?
5. What kind of marketing plan does the salon have? Hopefully there is an ongoing plan. Will the new employer advertise for you? Are marketing pieces available? Will you be required to participate in salon specials, and is there a shared cost for salon ads? Can you use the salon logo?
6. Does the salon have monthly meetings? When are they and are you required to attend? How does the salon handle problem-solving and disputes? What about customer complaints?
7. What amenities does the salon provide? Is there coffee, wine, munchies, or flowers? What extras are offered (jewelry cleaning, for instance), and who pays for these items?
8. Is any storage area provided? Is there a place to secure your personal items and backup supplies? Will you be required to supply your own storage cabinet?
9. Does the salon offer any in-house services? Can you get other salon services for yourself or a family member and is there a special time allotted for this? Is the any charge?
10. What is the parking situation for customers and nail technicians? Make sure there is ample safe parking. What are the time limits and fees? No client likes to get a $22 parking ticket on top of her service fee.
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Sponsored by Amex
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Sponsored by Amex
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Sponsored by Amex
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Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
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
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
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.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
