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 do I fire a nail tech?

I have to fire one of my nail techs. I’ve never done anything like that before. Any advice?... read more

When asked by a client, how do I justify my higher prices compared to a discount salon?

How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services rather than go to a discount salon?... read more

Any advice on firing a nail tech?

I have to fire one of my nail techs. I’ve never done anything like that before. Any advice?... read more

How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services?

How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services rather than go to a discount salon?... read more

How do I reach teens and tweens?

I’m having trouble reaching the teens and tweens. They don’t seem to want to come in and get services done, especially enhancement services like gels and acrylics.... read more

Do you discuss politics in the salon?

Many of us were taught in nail school that a few topics of conversation are off limits — including politics. But given the drawn-out and hotly contested nature of the election season we just passed, the subject was hard to avoid. NAILS asked readers: Do you discuss politics in the salon?... read more

Reader to Reader: How do you fire a client?

How do you fire a client?... read more

How do I recruit nail techs in California where it seems there is a smaller and smaller number getting their licenses?

There seems to be a smaller and smaller pool of nail technicians getting their licenses in California. I’m having a very hard time finding nail techs. Any suggestions?... read more

How do I increase my business? The discount salons have taken business right out from under us.

My problem is I’ve had no increase in business. When I advertise, I get no calls. The discount salons in the area have taken our business right out from under us.... read more

Reader to Reader: Is having a salon website a must in today’s environment?

Is having a salon website a must in today’s environment?... read more

Dear Shari: How can I get people to get regular pedicures and try nail art?

How can I get people to get regular pedicures and try nail art? Sincerely, No Regularity... read more

Dear Shari: How do I build my nail business in a full-service salon that is made up of booth renters?

I am a booth renter in a full-service salon with no receptionist. We are all responsible for our own appointments. With so many hairstylists renting in the same salon you’d think my book would be full but it’s not. I get very few client recommendations from the stylists and they are usually one-shot deals. I understand they have no obligation to talk up my services with their clients, but you’d think that as part of a team they’d want to do so. The salon owner has brought up the subject at almost every quarterly meeting but it has made no difference. I don’t service the stylists’ nails because they do their own or have acrylics done by techs they’ve been going to for years. Any suggestions? Sincerely, Baffled... read more