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.

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