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Biz Talk: When Nail Salons Reopen Should You Charge More?

“PRICE IS WHAT YOU PAY AND VALUE IS WHAT YOU GET.”
-- WARREN BUFFET, AMERICAN BILLIONAIRE AND MASTER INVESTOR

Reunited and it feels so good! We're dreaming of the day when salon doors will be flung open wide to service the nail needy. This day is on the horizon (obviously with a few modifications for the health and safety of the business owner and its patrons). Do you have a pricing strategy in mind for when your salon reopens? Do you need one? After these approximate months of staying home, nail growth is one thing; desperation and DIY experimentation is another. What should you do when your client comes in with quarantine nails that look like a sample set of what-not-to-do? This is the conundrum nail techs face and aim to assist.

LOYALTY IS ITS OWN REWARD
You shouldn’t charge more for the work you put in right after quarantine lifts. Now is not the time for price increases or gouging. It is time for knowing what you need to charge and hold steady on your value. No one is to blame for this tough spell that is our current reality. Anticipate a deluge of clients and handle it all with grace and empathy. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Welcome them back in the best way possible. Afterall, these are your long term clients. Reward loyalty because it flows in two directions. Book strategically to protect your stamina and health, like you would during the holiday crush.

WOAH THERE!
It’s hard to imagine what kind of shape your clients’ nails will be in. Count on most of your work to be new full sets (beyond a rebalance). Your clients miss you and they’ll savor the time and attention. Six to eight weeks of growth is not going to be a fill. Be ready to communicate your reboot services as a full set. Charge for the service accordingly. The first month back, you’ll most likely charge your going rate from back in March 2020 pre-quarantine. Beware of any clients who will be coming in as a new nail do-it-yourselfer. If your client dabbled in doing their own nails and played around with product, it’s likely you’re going to see some gnarly nails. You can’t blame them for trying. You might be tempted to charge a little more for the extra elbow grease but don’t do it! A great way to circumvent this shock and awe moment, always ask for a current picture of the client’s nails to confirm a booking. No surprises, please. Know what you’re getting into and you can reserve the right amount of time.

JUST A FILL? WE THINK NOT.
Even if the client said they did their own nails and say they just need a fill. There is no such thing at this point in time. Everybody’s nails and hair have taken on a crazy life of their own. They may have shortened, filed, and waited things out. Let’s hope you have a ton of clients with bucket loads of patience and self-control. After all this is what we recommended during quarantine for basic maintenance. Plan on a full removal and reorient yourself if you need it. Get to know how much time it will take you to take a set off. It should take about ten minutes. We have a bunch of great online resources if you need a refresher. Hopefully you’ve been able to practice a little while you were away from the salon. Be ready to spend quality time with each of your clients; this first service is about reconnection. Skip the awkward first date vibes. Give them the value they know and love.

**This is an adaptation from our YN Biz Talk playlist on YouTube, “Nail Salons Reopening: Should You Charge More?”

***Follow our YN YouTube Channel and click here to watch the full discussion: