Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: In what ways will you run your business differently next year?

December 27, 2010

Online appointments have really exploded and my clients love it, so next year I will get a better online system to allow my clients to move their appointments and see their history.

VERNADINE KORNEGAY

No Chip Manicure Boutique, Chicago

I’m going to add esthetic services and keep better records. I’m also going to promote my nail and skin care business by doing pamper parties to introduce people to my services and to educate people on what to look for in finding a nail and skin professional.

MARTINE MAYO

Nails by Martine, Omaha, Neb.

I will stop allowing my clients to take advantage of me when it comes time to pay. No more “Can you run my credit card on Monday?” clients allowed!

LACIE PHINNEY

Rockstar Nails by Lacie, Bakersfield, Calif.

I take clients by appointment only. I would like to advertise more and have my clients prepay in order to hopefully decrease last minute reschedules and loss of expected profit.

LISA WASHINGTON

So Pedi SalonSpa, Chicago

I plan to keep better client records, so I can get in contact with clients I have not seen in a while. I also want to improve appointment confirmation and implement better money management, as I spend way too much on new products and have so much stuff that I can’t keep track of it all.

APRIL DAVIDSON

Salon Lucente, Fresno, Calif.

I would like to start a real referral program: one that is advertised to everyone who steps in our salon. The best advertisement is word of mouth.

It has helped me build a better client base then any other advertising. Also I want to start doing reminders via e-mail or text message to help cut back on no-shows. Usually when a client does not show up it’s because she forgot.

CRYSTAL WARNER

Clip-It’s Hair and Nail Salon, Grove City, Ohio

Nail art has become a trend here lately, so I would like to explore every new opportunity in the nail art industry, domestically and internationally. I would like to attend some nail art shows to learn and experience more. Plus I want to be more aware of international market trends.

GUNJAN BHATIA BHUGRA

Gunjan’s Nail Studio,

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

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