Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

A Change for the Better: Is there one part of your job you wish you could change?

June 29, 2012

I wish I could make clients understand I’m not there because I thought it might be fun. I am there because this is my job and no-showing, being late, and constantly asking for “discounts” is super annoying!

Lacy Hood

En Wrapture Salon, Post Falls, Idaho


I wish I could change the lack of quality education in schools and banish all the damaging myths put out there by non-standard salons. Both damage our industry. What is so bad is that both of these can be changed. It just has not happened.

Bri McCloud

Cloud Nine Nails, Athens, Tenn.


I wish clients wouldn’t pick their Shellac off then try to blame me and/or the product when their nails get trashed. They expect perfection but don’t want to follow home-care instructions.

Ashley Martin Hardiman

Salon Zen, Norman, Okla.


I wish I could change the economy to be the way it used to be. My shop was busy and money was good. Now I have to figure out how to keep clientele, how to keep prices stable, and how to stay in business.

Marsee Essington

Nails by Marsee, Mount Pleasant, Pa.


I wish that owners would have to take classes in nails, because most have no experience in the industry. Just because you were a manager at a retail store or fitness center does not qualify you to own a salon.

Nyree Matthews

Hampton, Ga.


I wish I could not have no-shows, no-calls. Just be considerate of me. If you cannot make your appointment, call, text message, something! Whatever happened to treat others the way you would like to be treated?

Tanya Lohmann

Nails by Tanya in Reflections Family Hair Care, Greenview, Mo.


I wish there was a genie to do my daily/weekly/monthly bookkeeping.

Sara Cole

Parisian Nails of Sequim, Sequim, Wash.


I wish product manufacturers would understand how we are at their mercy for our regular products and consistently produce the things we use and have used for years for our livelihood. I am an avid user of a particular brand, but in the past two years they have discontinued several items I relied on on a day-to-day basis. It took three months to get used to different brushes and then the company discontinued all colored acrylics. It makes it tough to do my job with consistent results and offering the creativity my clients expect.

Holly Gregson

VIP Nails, Idaho Falls, Idaho


At our salon we give our clients our personal phone numbers because we aren’t always there. So I would change that people would be considerate and not text or call at all hours of the night with questions and wanting appointments.

Crystal Merrifield

The Cutting Edge Salon, Salem, Ore.


The one thing I wish could change is how you can’t move to a new area without starting all over again in building up clientele. Even moving to another salon 10 miles away means you are starting over from scratch.

Christel Weixelman

Julep Nail Parlor, Seattle

I’d change the size of my room. I currently have roughly 50 sq. ft. Somewhere in the 100-200 sq. ft. size would be perfect — oh, but in my current salon!

 Dana Kurtz

Artistry of the Nail @Salon Shibumi, Portland, Ore.


I would like more regulations to be set in place to make the budget nail bars do the right thing. Also I’d like to have no no-shows. Even when I confirm they sometimes still don’t come! So rude.   

Susie Gaston

Empire Nails, Nail Artistry by Susie Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Australia

Topics:clients

More FAQ

Reader to Reader: Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?

Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?... read more

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?... read more

Reader to Reader: Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?

Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?... read more

How can I get clients to buy retail items?

I don’t know if people’s budgets are to blame but they don’t want to buy products for at-home use. They want you to give it away to them for free. I do have promotions and giveaways from time to time, but I can not afford to constantly give away products. How can I get them to pay for these items?... read more

Why won't people buy products for at-home use, but instead seek freebies?

I don’t know if people’s budgets are to blame but they don’t want to buy products for at-home use. They want you to give it away to them for free. I do have promotions and giveaways from time to time, but I can not afford to constantly give away products. How can I get them to pay for these items?... read more

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?... read more

How do I find a manicurist [employee] who cares about building a business?

I’m tired of nail techs who make only a minimal effort and expect me (the salon owner) to do everything for them. How can I find a manicurist who cares about building a business?... read more

Dear Shari: What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service?

What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service? Is there a standard percentage — like at least 15% is a standard gratuity for dining out? Sincerely, Tipped Off... read more

Dear Shari: What can I do when a salon owner randomly charges me for expenses in addition to my booth rent?

I just began work as a booth renter. It’s my understanding I am responsible to pay only the amount I contracted to pay monthly. However, the salon owner is asking for money here and there to pay for things like beverages, clothing, advertising, etc. None of these things were ever discussed or agreed on previously. Shouldn’t the monthly rent cover the things she wants to have at her salon? Sincerely, Disgruntled Booth Renter... read more

Reader to Reader: Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?

Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?... read more

What Would You Do if Business at Your Salon Slowed Down?

Although it’s not something most nail techs or salons owners ever want to think about, there may come a time when business may slow down. This may be due to a bad economy or other reasons. Have you ever stopped to think what you would do if this ever happened to you? We posed that question to a salon owner, a booth renter, and an employee. Here’s what they had to say.... read more

What is the best way to handle cell phone abuse during a nail service?

What is the best way to handle cell phone abuse during a nail service? Some clients are on their cell phones four to six times during their service. It not only slows me down, but leaves room for contamination of the nail surface.... read more