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

What recourse do I have when a customer promises to pay the next day but doesn’t?

What do you do when your customer says to you after you are finished her set of nails, “Oh I forgot my purse at home, can I come back tomorrow and pay you?” And she never comes back. What recourse do you have?... read more

Is it appropriate to inform my clients that I am going to a new spa to work?

Is it appropriate to inform my clients that I am going to a new spa to work? I’m an employee. I signed no contract. I would tell them if they wish to follow I will be at XXX but if not there will still be someone to take care of them at this salon.... read more

When the owner offers a free service with a manicure, should I be paid my share of the free service since I am doing the labor?

I am working for a salon on a 60/40 split. The salon owner gets 60%. When the owner offers a free service with a manicure, should I be paid my share of the free service since I am doing the labor?... read more

Reader to Reader: How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?

How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?... read more

A Change for the Better: Is there one part of your job you wish you could change?

We know you love being a nail tech, but everybody’s got at least one gripe, right? We asked readers to tell us: Is there one part of your job you wish you could change?... read more

I’m thinking about advertising in my local paper. Is this a good idea?

I’ve been a tech for one year and am having trouble building a clientele. I’m thinking about advertising in my local paper. Is this a good idea?... read more

How do I evaluate a booth rental situation?

I’m shopping around for a booth rental situation. What questions should I ask a prospective salon owner? What factors should I consider?... read more

Reader to Reader: When it comes to other techs duplicating your nail art, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery?

When it comes to other techs duplicating your nail art designs, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? (And where do you personally draw the line?)... read more

Reader to Reader: Do you practice what you preach when it comes to having impeccable nails?

Do you practice what you preach when it comes to having impeccable nails? (If yes, always, how do you fit it into your busy schedule?)... read more

Do you object to the term "nail girl"?

We made the switch from “manicurist” to “nail technician” to reflect a more professional image. Yet to some clients, we’ll always be their nail “girl.” We asked nail techs if this somewhat-less-than-respectful term was OK with them.... read more

What are the pros and cons of a booth rental situation?

I’ve worked as an employee, but now I plan to work as a nail tech on a booth rental basis for the first time. I’m wondering what the main benefits and disadvantages of this type of arrangement are, and how I can get the most out of it to maximize my earnings.... read more

Reader to Reader: Should you fire an employee for bad-mouthing the salon?

Should you fire an employee for bad-mouthing the salon (when she thinks no one else at the salon is listening)?... read more

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