Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

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

May 1, 2008

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?

We teach people how to treat us and if they think you are going to do things for them, I would have you look at who taught them that. Recruiting practices and policies go a long way. Also ask yourself if you have a clear written vision for your business. Do you have written systems people can work from that include operating policies, procedures, and service systems?

You should also include what you expect from them as well as what they want from their career and how much money they want to make. You can hold people accountable to what they say they want more easily than you can for what you want for them, however noble that may be.

Do a minimum of three interviews and have someone else there to get a different point of view. Ask juicy questions about the candidate and her dreams to get a good sense of her. The best place to recruit is a school since you can mold your new tech. I believe that the grass is green where you water it; good people are out there, I promise. — April Poster is a consultant and trainer with Salon Training International

More FAQ

What, if any, are my obligations to my booth renters when it comes to walk-ins?

I own a salon that is part booth rental and part commissioned employees. There has been some question regarding the walk-in process. What, if any, are my obligations to my booth renters when it comes to walk-ins?... read more

What can I do if I have too many clients?

I’ve got a full book of regulars and more people wanting occasional services than I can accommodate. I’ve already added some evening hours and don’t want to add more, but I don’t want to turn people away either. What can I do?... read more

Do you bargain when it comes to your prices?

We’ve all known clients who mention pointedly that the salon down the street charges less. And these days, we may even encounter longtime clients who simply can’t afford the services they did in the past. So how do you respond? We asked techs: Do you bargain when it comes to your prices?  ... read more

Is a booth renter ok without a signed contract from the salon owner?

I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?... read more

Am I entitled to a key as a booth renter in the salon where I work?

I am a booth renter in the salon where I work. The owner said she does not have to give me a key. Can she do that as I own my own business?... read more

Reader to Reader: What is your best salon-related organizational tip?

What is your best salon-related organizational tip?... read more

I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?

I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?... read more

Does the salon owner have to give booth renters a key to the salon?

I am a booth renter in the salon where I work. The owner said she does not have to give me a key. Can she do that as I own my own business?... read more

Reader to Reader: Do you loan products to other techs?

Do you loan products to other techs?... read more

How do I promote myself within a full-service salon when I am the only manicurist?

I’m the only manicurist in a full-service salon and I’m wondering how to promote myself within the salon. What’s a good conversation starter when you first greet a client who’s sitting in the salon? I’m a shy person and I have a big problem talking about my business with clients.... read more

How do I determine my fee for party packages?

I would like to offer packages such as little girls party packages and bridal party packages. Now how do I determine how to base my fee? I would like to have one flat rate.... read more

Should we have clients sign a consent form prior to receiving nail services?

Do you think we should have clients sign a consent form prior to receiving nail services?... read more