“Hi I’m Jeri. I have been doing nails for over 20 years and I specialize in the restoration of your natural nails and spa pedicures. I also offer Shellac and Axxium nails. When your current nail tech goes on vacation, here is my card, you can give me a call.”
Jeri Wood
Beauty Brands, Shiloh, Ill.

“Hi, my name is Tracy Newkirk and I’ve been a manicurist for 20+ years. I take sanitation classes yearly. I specialize in natural nails and pedicures, which I can customize to meet your time and financial needs. I love, love, love doing custom artwork and playing with all the bling bling! I’m passionate about my business and try to educate my clients as much as they would like. If you have any questions or would love to experience the U TOE PIA touch, give me a call.”
Tracy Newkirk
U TOE PIA (Your Toes Perfected In Appearance) in Salon Del Monaco, Fresno, Calif.

I always have my nails on, so I just nicely ask what number floor they need and as I push they see my nails and ... there’s always a client!
Claudia Arroyo
Glitternails Art Studio, Modesto, Calif.

I usually compliment their nails and then hand them a card and tell them, “I would love to do your nails. I specialize in spa pedicures and pampering you.” Then sometimes if we have time I show them a few pictures of my work on my phone.
Julie Perry
Strands Hair & Nail Salon, Brookhaven, Miss.

I have my big toes Minxed most of the time and my nails are always done. So I often have people comment on my toes and I tell them I specialize in hybrid manicures like Shellac and Jessica’s Geleration in Kenneth Village in Glendale. I give them a card and tell them to call me anytime to have their fingers or toes looking great.
Kandice Astamendi
Performance Nails by Kandice in Chrissy’s Salon, Glendale Calif.

“Hi, My name’s Melodie. I own Tickled Pink Nail Salon. We ­specialize in manicures and pedicures and making our clients feel like royalty. I would love the opportunity to pamper you a bit. Here’s my card with a 50% discount offer on the back. Come see me, you’ll be so pampered you’ll be tickled pink!” Depending on the situation and where we are in at the time I will offer to go ahead and get an appointment set up. (I keep my appointment book in my purse and on my phone.) Also, the discount I offer on the back of the card will vary according to what our specials are at that time and how slow the season is.
Melody Hand
Tickled Pink Nail Salon, Clayton, N.C.

The best advertising is me — my hands and nails. I look at her and always compliment something. It  doesn’t necessary have to be the hands. It could go something like this: “I like your bag — and your hands. I can see that you take care of yourself and if you want I would love to do your manicure sometime.” If she’s a nail biter I say something like; “I love your bag/shoes; I’m crazy for shoes and nails. Oh I see that you may be a nail biter? Do you know, I was one before so I know for sure I can help you quit, if you want.” I give her my card. Usually I write something on the back, giving her a 10% discount on the first appointment or something so she feels special. And on my business card I show her where to find pictures and information about me and my work.
Harrine Bravin
Ines Nail-Lash, Nybro, Sweden

My nails are always done so I like to play hand model and whip out my phone, have my hand at my face, or play with my bracelet or ring, especially when I know there’s someone close by or watching. Nine times out of 10 I will get a comment and I’ll say, “Oh thank you so much, here’s my card. Come see me.  I love doing nails. You have pretty hands!”
Lynette Guzman
Nail Creations by Lynette in Karen’s Place, New Boston, Mich.

When the opportunity is right I will shamelessly tell them to come in for a free manicure or suggest one for their wife, sister, or friend. Then they are usually hooked.
Sav Marie Durham
Savvy Esthetiques, Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada

I’ve actually been as abrupt as “Oh my gosh, your nails make me sad! Here are some pictures of what I can do for you.” And once I actually said, “Holy crap, those nails are atrocious!” That was to a client 30 years ago. I still do her nails today. But mostly I just say, “Gosh, I love the color of your nails. Is that Young Nails Purple Dawn (or whatever)?” I’m usually right, then I’ll ask if she’s from our area and if she’s happy with her nail tech. If she says yes, then I say, “Well you should be! She does a great job!” I then notice if her toes are done and suggest she get her tech to do them and if she doesn’t do toes, I’d be more than happy to assist her. Usually I’ll show her my toes. Then, if she says no she’s not happy with her tech, I’ll hand her my card and tell her how amazing I am and what a wonderful salon I have! I just small talk and feel their humor out.   
Lisa Anderson
Avanti Salon, Sparks, Nev.