Hi Alica,

Thanks for your response, it was very helpful. A few more questions: What is a good square footage for a nail salon with eight manicure stations and six pedicure stations? Is $3,100/monthly + taxes too much to pay for a 1,600-sq.-.ft space rental? Basically I just want to know what's typical.

Thanks,

Corey

Hello again Corey,

I had these same questions when I was in the idea stages of opening the salon. While searching I came across a website that had salon equipment. It also had a packet of information on salon planning. The packet includes salon planning tips, a planning schedule, and a new salon checklist. The information is designed for a hair salon that also offers manicure and pedicure services. You can easily convert the information and use it in your nail salon. This is a great starting point for any salon to get ideas on space arrangements.

The monthly rate per square footage is a little harder to answer. It depends on where you live and where the salon is located — the amount changes from city to city. A great tip I found is to call other places with buildings of the same size in your area and compare the amounts. This will let you know if the amount you are being offered is normal for your city. I hope this helps.

—Alica, Upscale Nail Bar & Boutique, Griffin, Ga.

You might also be interested in purchasing NAILS Salon Start-Up Guide. It’s $12.95 and covers how to write a business plan, budgeting basics, finding a location, buying equipment, writing a service menu, and more.

—NAILS Eds.