Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?

December 30, 2013

I always provide a complimentary UV-cured top coat for my clients. This keeps their nails shining until they see me for their next appointment.

Rachael Waggoner
Dazzlin Digits 3D Nails, Lakewood, Colo.


When I do pedicures, I keep a pack of disposable razors handy. That way, when I get a client who has a lot of hair on that big toe, I can just gently shave it off. And believe me, that little finishing touch makes a world of difference on their pretty new pedi.

Amy Payne
Cutting Corner Salon, Tecumseh, Mich.


If time permits I may do free nail art. The clients get a little treat and I get to introduce different art to them. I also treat them to paraffin, warm towels, warm lotions, and extra-long massages — just little things to let them know they are special and appreciated. But the number-one extra that every client receives: going above and beyond the sanitation requirements. I think this is what my clients perceive as the highest value.

Lydian Flash 
Austin, Texas

We offer complimentary coffee, tea, and lattés from our Keurig and a biscotti treat on the side. We also rarely charge for repairs and we always have hand lotion on hand for after a nail service. For birthdays, we surprise the clients with either a complimentary Cotton Candy Hand Treatment, a detox foot soak and massage, or a mini facial cleanse.

Teresa Heppenheimer
Tee’s Nail NV, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada


I clean my clients’ gorgeous rings, earrings, and necklaces. When I’m finished making their hands awesome, it’s a nice touch for their jewelry to sparkle!

Shannon Bess
Shear Style, Beckley, W.Va.

I give a free small bottle of Solar Oil and paraffin dips.

Wendy McCall Bailey
Nails by Wendy, Huntersville, N.C.

More FAQ

Reader to Reader: What's better in the salon: small private rooms or a room with multiple stations?

What’s better in the salon: small private rooms that are one-on-one or a room with multiple stations so people can interact with each other?... read more

Reader to Reader: Should the salon be closed on holidays?

Should the salon be closed on holidays (days when most clients have the day off work) and why?... read more

Any suggestions on how to avoid theft without keeping everything behind bars?

I’m opening a salon and plan on having retail. However I live in a city and have to be mindful of security. Any suggestions on how to avoid theft without keeping everything behind bars?... read more

I’m very concerned about the other nail salons that follow the rules; it makes us all look bad. How can we stop them?

I’m so tired of all of these cheap nail salons popping up all over the place. They are so disgusting inside. The tools and mani/pedi stations are never clean. How does one report them? I’m from Michigan and the state board doesn’t reply back to me. I’m very concerned about the other nail salons that follow the rules; it makes us all look bad. How can we stop them?... read more

Reader to Reader: Who is your best "nail friend"?

For our annual Reader-Written Issue, NAILS asked our readers: Who is your best "nail friend" (AKA another nail tech who you talk shop with)?... read more

Reader to Reader: What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?

What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?... read more

How do you charge your coworkers for services?

Nail techs are a generous bunch, but does that generosity extend to giving free services to salon colleagues? We asked techs: How do you charge your coworkers for services?... read more

Reader to Reader: If you could open a salon anywhere in the world, where would you open it?

If a genie told you that you could open a nail salon in any city anywhere in the world (ignoring money and other practical considerations), in what city would you open your salon and why?... read more

Reader to Reader: Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?

Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?... read more

Should I advertise in the Yellow Pages?

Does anybody use the Yellow Pages anymore? What about the online Yellow Pages? Should I consider paying for advertising in the online Yellow Pages or is my money better spent elsewhere?... read more

What is the best place to recruit nail techs?

I own a salon and spa in Maryland. I have been looking for a nail technician and it has been impossible for me to find one. I have put out ads but I don’t seem to get anywhere. What is the best place to find one?... read more

What can you tell me about Yelp?

What can you tell me about Yelp? Are there any tricks? Should I just ask clients to post reviews?... read more