Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

What summer specials do you offer?

May 1, 1995

To ward off the summer slump, I run a pedicure promotion called “Do you dare to go bare…barefooted.”  I promote my special in the salon and at the local swimming pool and senior center.  I entice clients with a summer survival kit, which includes lotion, a file, and SolarOil, and a reduced-priced pedicure ($18, regularly $25).  Last summer I gained 40 new clients with this special and rebooked more than half of them.-Allyson Stevens, Le Captain's Salon, Columbus, Ohio

Our manicure/pedicure special for $30 is popular during the summer (manicures are regularly $12-$14; pedicures are $22).  We also offer a free pumice stone with a pedicure and a free hand lotion with a manicure.  Because sheer colors are popular in the summer, we offer $2 off French manicures.  I’m always offering specials to help generate a new interest in new colors.  I like to keep clients updated on what’s going on and to keep things changing.-Rebecca Gregory, Just Nails, Erlanger, Kentucky

I run a yearly special in August on pedicures.  My regular price is $25; in August clients can but as many as they want for $20.  Some of my customers buy a year’s worth.  This special helps me get more pedicure business during the winter months, which usually are slower.-Kandice Astamendi, Performance Nails/House of Arnol, Glendale, California

During summer, I offer my clients specials for those toes that will be exposed in summer sandals.  If my client receives a manicure and pedicure together, I give her free art on her toes and two fingers of her choice.-Kim Matos, Naughty By Nails, Linden, New Jersey

We offer a ½ price French manicure special during the summer because clients like the natural look.  The special is good on natural or artificial nails.-Susan Rogers, Just Nails, Newark, Denmark

To entice new pedicure clients into the salon, we occasionally offer a 50%-off special during the summer.  Once we get the client in, we tell her about our Pedicure Club, which is free to join.  The client is required to get one pedicure every six weeks; after six pedicures, the next one is free.-Traci Suggs, Great Lengths, Columbus, Ohio

More FAQ

How do I announce to my clients that I will be moving to a new salon?

I  just gave my two weeks’ notice at the salon where I work. How do I announce to my clients that I will be moving locations?... read more

The new products I’m using are adding time to each appointment. How do I adjust my schedule?

I have been doing wraps for over 20 years. The products I used to use have changed and the new ones are adding about 10 minutes to my appointment time. I used to be able to get a rebase done in an hour — complicated client or not. Now almost everyone is taking 10-15 minutes longer, so by the end of the day, I am really behind. More clients are asking for nail art now, too. I do my scheduling at the beginning of the year for the whole year. All my clients have standing appointments, so making adjustments in my schedule is next to impossible. How do I fix this? Should I do 1-1/2 hour appointments just in case someone wants nail art or the application requires extra time? Obviously, that would cost time and money. Also, I’m not comfortable with charging someone extra because it takes me longer to do her nails because she is harder on them than others. I am a one-person salon and I don’t take walk-ins, so there isn’t anyone to cover for me.... read more

How do I get conversation going and not sit in awkward silence?

I am naturally a pretty quiet person who doesn’t like to talk much. But after doing nails for a year, I realize that talking to clients is a must during services if you want them to come back. I don’t know what to say besides asking questions basic questions like, “How are you?” and “Do you have any children?” How do I get conversation going and not sit in awkward silence?... read more

What’s the best way to handle friends and relatives who expect free nail services?

What’s the best way to handle friends and relatives who expect free nail services — especially now that I’m working out of my home? I don’t want any hurt feelings, but that’s not something I can afford to do.... read more

Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?

Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?... read more

What should I do when clients have their check prepared for one service, but the price ends up higher?

I have been a nail tech for many years and I’ve never been good at standing my ground with clients. What should I do when they come in with their money (cash or check) already prepared for one service, but actually get a higher-priced service? For example, they need a repair on top of their fill, or if it’s been longer than three weeks since their last fill (which I charge more for). I’ve tried putting up signs but that hasn’t made any difference.... read more

Should I have a TV in my salon?

My question is about TVs in the salon. How do I know what kind of programming to show? In talking to customers, some like it when the salon shows a new movie, others prefer a music channel, and some others just don’t want a TV at all. What’s your advice?... read more

I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Any advice?

I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Most of my clients only get their hands done and honestly that’s what I love doing. I’ve never really enjoyed giving pedicures nor do I think I’m very good at them. A friend of mine is looking to make a change in salons so I thought about renting my room to her and I would move my manicure table into a smaller room in the building. My husband is worried that I’ll lose business to my friend, but I think that I’ll get more business from her and business from being more specialized in one area. Any advice?... read more

Are Facebook contests a good way to get my name out there?

I’m a new tech trying to get my name out there. I have seen a couple of nail techs offer contests on Facebook, such as “like and share and you could win a free manicure.” What do you think?... read more

Is perfectionism on the job a blessing or a curse?

To Be or Not to Be … A Perfectionist: Do you lose all sense of time and place as you do and redo in an effort to create the perfect nail? Or do you regard good enough as good enough? Some nail techs view their perfectionism as a plus, whereas others find it a curse. We asked readers to weigh in.... read more

As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself.

As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself. I have a separate business account. Do I give myself a salary?... read more

At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?

I’m reluctant to apply gels or acrylics to girls younger than 16 because they pick and can’t maintain the nails. At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?... read more