Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: How often do you reevaluate your service menu?

December 30, 2010

We try to keep our service menu updated with the trends. We love to do specialized scents depending on the season, as well as cater to the season’s particular needs. For example, in the winter, hands and feet need much more hydration so we add services catering to that need, whereas in the summer we offer more exfoliation-focused services. We also make sure the clients know we don’t just do “one-size-fits-all” services. Each client’s needs are different, so we cater to their specific needs. - KIMBERLY LONG, Glam Nail Spa, Blue Ridge, Ga.

I reevaluate my service menu at least once a year and sometimes more often if new products hit the market. - MAGGIE FRANKLIN, Art of Nailz at Attitudes, Visalia, Calif.

Every year I look at our service listing and determine if any changes are needed. - STACEY WITHERSPOON, Perfect Ten Salon & Talega Day Spa, San Clemente, Calif.

So far I’ve redone my original menu only once, which was six months after I opened. I took on some new services, like a Minx nail coatings manicure and pedicure, and let go of others that weren’t being taken advantage of, like the spa manicure. - MICHELLE YIANAKOPOLOS, Sweet Chic Hands & Feet at Merlin’s Ultimate Images, Manchester, N.H.

I reevaluate both my service menu and my price list about every two years. - DANA GONZALES-KURTZ, Artistry of the Nail at Salon Shibumi, Portland, Ore.

At our salon, we reevaluate the menu every time we need to reorder menus. There’s always something we want to add or take off. We’ve been doing lots of nail art lately, so we added that to our official menu. - PHUONG MAI NGUYEN, Krème de la Krème Nail Lounge, Long Beach, Calif.

We usually adjust our service menu about every three months. We add services that we’ve started offering, plus we compare prices with other salons in the area. Keeping up with your competition is important. At the same time we’ll evaluate our current prices and, depending on a specific service’s demand, sometimes lower the price to draw in customers who might not have tried that service otherwise. - DEVAN POLICZ, The Nail Policz Tanning & Nail Salon, Waynesburg, Pa.

I’m a product junkie. In my spare time, I check out Internet forums, manufacturer sites, and YouTube to find all of the newest stuff. This habit forces me to reevaluate my service menu a lot. I am constantly adding, changing or even occasionally dropping things. - CLAUDIA IACOVETTO, C-C My Nails, Newcastle, Wyo.

More FAQ

How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?... read more

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment?

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment? I have a client who has done this to me on several occasions. Should I require payment up front from now on? Or a deposit? Or get her to book on the day? Or fire her?... read more

As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?... read more

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?... read more

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do?

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do? Things like: “Don’t I need a base coat?” “Did you put two coats on?” or “You need to go over that again!” I’ve done nails for a long time and I know what I’m doing.... read more

How Do I Guide an Uncomfortable Conversation Into a New Direction?

How do you turn a conversation with a client in a new direction when it’s going into uncomfortable or negative territory?... read more

What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?... read more

Q&A with Patti Biro of Patti Biro and Associates

Q: Im a solo nail tech. What’s the best way to dip my toe into selling retail without a huge cash outlay to start with? And what should I sell? ... read more

Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.... read more

Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits? ... read more

What are reasonable terms for a non-compete contract?

Q: I live in a small town with two other nails-only salons that are not reputable and a lot of full-service salons that don’t do much with nails. I’ve been working for over six months now and just got asked to sign a non-compete contract. I’m curious about the terms of a normal non-compete agreement. The one they are asking me to sign is for three years with a 50 mile radius, which seems excessive.... read more

What do you charge a client with super long nails?

What do you charge a client with super long nails? I have a client who gets acrylics with gel-polish on top. Her nails are triple the length of the average client. I feel like I’m using almost a full bottle of gel-polish and at least double of all the other product. And she never tips. How would you charge? And if I charge her more, how do I tell her?... read more