Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Is it appropriate to inform my clients that I am going to a new spa to work?

July 25, 2012

Usually employees don’t need to sign a contract, but must follow the standard operating procedures or a handbook of your place of employment. So I would discuss this with your current employer to make sure you are not breaking any rules of your employment. If your employer approves this, I would think it would be appropriate to let your current clients know where you are relocating. But also assure the clients that the current salon will be more than happy to take care of them.

After years in this business, I have realized most clients follow the technician versus the salon. I do hope your current employer will help with this transition. An employer and an employee arguing over a client does nothing but harm. Neither one of you can make the decision for a client. It is the client’s choice in the end.

— Diana Bonn is a nail tech at Identity Salon in Muncie, Ind., and a member of the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology.

More FAQ

What recourse do I have when a customer promises to pay the next day but doesn’t?

What do you do when your customer says to you after you are finished her set of nails, “Oh I forgot my purse at home, can I come back tomorrow and pay you?” And she never comes back. What recourse do you have?... read more

When the owner offers a free service with a manicure, should I be paid my share of the free service since I am doing the labor?

I am working for a salon on a 60/40 split. The salon owner gets 60%. When the owner offers a free service with a manicure, should I be paid my share of the free service since I am doing the labor?... read more

Reader to Reader: How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?

How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?... read more

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

We know you love being a nail tech, but everybody’s got at least one gripe, right? We asked readers to tell us: Is there one part of your job you wish you could change?... read more

I’m thinking about advertising in my local paper. Is this a good idea?

I’ve been a tech for one year and am having trouble building a clientele. I’m thinking about advertising in my local paper. Is this a good idea?... read more

How do I evaluate a booth rental situation?

I’m shopping around for a booth rental situation. What questions should I ask a prospective salon owner? What factors should I consider?... read more

Reader to Reader: When it comes to other techs duplicating your nail art, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery?

When it comes to other techs duplicating your nail art designs, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? (And where do you personally draw the line?)... read more

Reader to Reader: Do you practice what you preach when it comes to having impeccable nails?

Do you practice what you preach when it comes to having impeccable nails? (If yes, always, how do you fit it into your busy schedule?)... read more

Do you object to the term "nail girl"?

We made the switch from “manicurist” to “nail technician” to reflect a more professional image. Yet to some clients, we’ll always be their nail “girl.” We asked nail techs if this somewhat-less-than-respectful term was OK with them.... read more

What are the pros and cons of a booth rental situation?

I’ve worked as an employee, but now I plan to work as a nail tech on a booth rental basis for the first time. I’m wondering what the main benefits and disadvantages of this type of arrangement are, and how I can get the most out of it to maximize my earnings.... read more

Reader to Reader: Should you fire an employee for bad-mouthing the salon?

Should you fire an employee for bad-mouthing the salon (when she thinks no one else at the salon is listening)?... read more

What should I do to get the paying, loyal clients I need?

I am a seasoned nail tech and have just opened a nail salon. I need help sustaining new and regular clients in this economy. I have done many coupon sites (Groupon, Living Social, etc.) to build business and it has been a pain — plus my price point is higher than neighborhood discount salons. I’m not sure what to do to get the paying, loyal clients I need.... read more