In the event of an audit or to resolve conflict, the first item the IRS or a judge would look for is a written contract. With no written agreement in place they would declare that you have an employee-employer relationship. That could mean you would owe back taxes, penalties, and interest for the time period being audited. It is clearly the salon owner/landlord’s responsibility to provide a legal contract for her renters to sign. A contract protects both sides involved in the arrangement if done correctly. Without it, you have nothing to stand on if the owner walked in tomorrow and told you to leave. You have nothing in writing to protect you or her. – Ken Cassidy is president of Kassidy's Salon Management Consultants (www.kassidys.com)
Business
Is a booth renter ok without a signed contract from the salon owner?
September 1, 2009
More FAQ
What’s the best way to recruit techs for a new salon?
I’m opening a new nail salon and am having a hard time finding nail techs besides myself. How did you find yours? I’ve tried Craigslist, cosmetology schools, and beauty supply stores. Any suggestions? — Jen McClain, owner, Completely Polished (www.completelypolished.com), Cranberry Township, Pa.... read more
What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?
A complimentary glass of wine, an extra-long foot massage … these are the small gestures that keep clients coming back — and sending their friends to your salon. We asked techs: What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?... read more
Should the salon owner do nails herself?
Should the salon owner do nails herself ?... read more
Services For Teenagers
I’ve gotten requests from a few moms to add services for teenagers to our menu. I don’t mean the “little princess” 12 and-under service, but the 14 to 18 set. Their input has been that they will get their nails done more often, but can’t justify the full, luxury spa experience. I’ve been thinking about doing a “teen night” each week with really basic mani/pedi options (no massage, no callus care, etc. — just shaping, light cuticle work, polish and lotion application) that focus on trendy colors and options for spirit manis in school colors, etc. What do you think is the best way to address this demographic?... read more
How do you react to negative feedback?
Reader to Reader: How do you react to negative feedback about your business on social sites like Yelp and Facebook? Do you respond publicly or privately?... read more
Starting a Salon
I’m just about to graduate from esthetics school in Canada. I would like to open a small salon that focuses mainly on pedicures. I’m at a loss as to where to start, beginning with what products to use. I would like to offer at least two different product lines. I would like my pedicures to make a difference (detox, make feet feel relaxed and smooth and happy). Any suggestions?... read more
Is it Better to Buy?
Is it better to buy?... read more
Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?
Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?... read more
Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?
Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?... read more
What’s the most unusual place you did nails?
From funeral homes to a Swedish castle to the great outdoors — those are just some of the places you’ve done nails for your clients. We asked readers to tell us the most unusual place they did nails.... read more
I’m an employee on commission and I’m paying for product. Is this fair?
I’m an employee working on commission. My salon has us pay for the product that we use. If, say, we charge $25 for a fill, they deduct $3. Then we get 50% commission on $22 instead of $25. So pretty much we only get 40% in total since 10% is taken off the top to begin with. On a busy day my product costs can be more than $25, so basically I am not getting paid for an hour I worked and one service I did. Is this a common practice and do you think it’s fair?... read more
Do I have to have a website in addition to my Facebook page?
I’ve got a Facebook page that I’m pretty active on, but I don’t have a website for my nail business. Do I really need a website?... read more
