Business

What's The Best Thing You've Bartered Your Services For?

May 1, 1996

I got my nail technician’s chair, my client’s chair, and a hydraulic lift chair reupholstered, as well as matching drapes plus some; plants in exchange for two free full sets, fills, and nail art for a client for five months.

Elaine Howe

Elaine’s Nail Boutique

Laredo, Mo.

I ran into a former client who was working as a waitress, and when she told me she hadn’t been back because she couldn’t afford acrylic nails anymore, I jumped at the chance to offer her a free set and fills in exchange for referrals. I also threw in free airbrushing. Was I excited when I. got four new clients in the first week alone! Now she can afford her nails and I have a larger clientele.

Sherri Parker

The Upper Hand

Farmington, N.M.

My husband jokes that there isn’t anything I won’t barter for! I’ve bartered my services for a house-keeper, art classes, a math tutor for my son, weekly massages, and I even had my house painted.

Reneé Ruder

Italienne Salon at the Oaks

Bakersfield, Calif.

One of my clients is a photographer, and she took boudoir pictures of me for my fiancés birthday. She also blew them up, mounted, and framed them herself. In return, I’m doing her nails for free until my bill of nearly $500 is paid off.

Michelle Omps

Bangz Salon

Winchester, Va.

Having been a booth renter for close to 17 years, the most important thing I’ve bartered for is the services of an accountant. Though I’ve enjoyed other trades such as haircuts, a new phone line, and jewelry, nothing compares to that one day a year when my client walks in the door with my books all categorized, typed, and ready for Mr. Tax Man. This saves me lots of headaches!

Janice Reams

Nails, Please!

Houston, Texas

Once a month I treat myself to an hour massage given by one of my clients who is a massage therapist. In exchange, she conies to my salon for free manicures and haircuts. What a great trade! With doing nails so many hours in a row, my neck and back muscles need the occasional TLC. She also refers her clients to my salon to get their hair done.

Judy Jewell

Judy’s Nails ’N Stuff

Silver City N.M.

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

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