Mobile nails?

[Polishista]

Ive read a few dozen threads here regarding doing mobile nails. This seems to be very popular. Is this a viable income? How does one get started? Thoughts? Advice? Words of wisdom?

[curvygirl]

My opinion? Don't do it. It's not worth the hassle. Clients don't keep still as they're distracted by their kids wanting this, that, and the other. You have to lug all your equipment in and out of your car in all weathers. Some clients aren't even home when u get there! Most people think your prices should be significantly lower than salons when in fact you as a service provider are working harder for the money.

Just my opinion...:-)

[Dolly6410]

it takes alot to get started, it's not a case of waking up one day and thinking... right today i'm going to be a mobile nail tech! it takes a long time to build up a regular client base and you need to think of it as a long term investment, it costs alot of money to start up and you won't get that back quickly, you need to pay out for your kit, advertisment, insurances... so on. I think it also depends on what you are like as a person, i love driving, i love being out, i couldn't bare to work in a salon, but then you will talk to people who would hate traveling all day every day and would rather be in one place all day, personal opinion i suppose.

I agree with what is said above but i suppose you get problems in a salon too, people not turning up for appointments, people turning up with children, you just need to be strict and have a set of rules and not bend them for anyone. You learn as you go on, when i first started up i had so many nightmare clients, i didn't dare say anything to anyone as i needed their money and i didn't want to offend them , i just put my head down and got on with it, i look back and i cringe. I once did a brazilian wax with the ladies 3 year old climbing all over my couch, when i brought in my 'no child' rule she soon booked up else where but you don't need clients like that, it's unwanted stress and a real safety hazard.

Another problem i had was people wanting to answer the door or phone whilst i was there, i now say before i start 'would you like to put your phone on silent or on answer phone as you won't be able to answer it once we start, also if you have a door bell that will turn off i'd recommend you doing that'. I make it clear i have a full day of clients too so people know they don't have me for aslong as they want, only how long the treatment takes x

[BeautCuticle]

Can I just ask out of interest, how do you implement a non-child policy?
Do you tell people as they call or have you sent a text around clients?
I am still in the early stage of not wanting to upset anyone so they will keep booking with me! But that's wearing off rapidly! Especially after a client recently had 5 children to look after while getting gels. I have a child myself and would never dream of him interrupting my me time! As much for me as a proffessional providing a service!

[Lucybluebell]

Originally I was going to do mobile but now I'm qualified I've decided to turn a room in a home salon. I think it's easier to have a no child policy in your own home, and be able to turn off doorbell and phone while you are working so no interruptions! ;)
Good luck if you decide to go for a career in nails. It takes a lot of practise, I've only been doing nails for 10 months and have done a lot of practise but I still have so much to learn- but I really love it and I'm so excited about my new business and it's wonderful getting paid for doing something that I love!!!xx

[zm85]

I liked being mobile but it suited me at the time it's a lot of hard work tho the initial set up costs and taking into account your travel time and expenses, product costs etc it's a shame that most people think you should be charging a lower rate when you're bringing a service to them! Late nights, people thinking its ok to contact you at all hours...mobile is becoming more and more popular now and I had alot of regular clients that enjoyed the fact they could get treatments in their own home but equally had a few bad experiences I suppose it's the same in a salon tho. My income was pretty good most weeks and im getting the job satisfaction i love my job luckily the good outweighs the bad!! i'm now on maternity leave and won't be going back mobile but instead looking for somewhere to rent from I've also moved to a new area so starting from scratch with new clients next year and looking forward to the challenge again!!

[New Nailz]

My opinion? Don't do it. It's not worth the hassle. Clients don't keep still as they're distracted by their kids wanting this, that, and the other. You have to lug all your equipment in and out of your car in all weathers. Some clients aren't even home when u get there! Most people think your prices should be significantly lower than salons when in fact you as a service provider are working harder for the money.

Just my opinion...:-)

Sorry, Disagree!

I am mobile. It depends on the individual....and personally I don't mind it. If you know what treatment you are doing on your client, you don't need to take all your aquipment, only what you need!

Appreciate it is your opinion though. But I don't mind it myself :)

[curvygirl]

Sorry, Disagree!

I am mobile. It depends on the individual....and personally I don't mind it. If you know what treatment you are doing on your client, you don't need to take all your aquipment, only what you need!
Appreciate it is your opinion though. But I don't mind it myself :)
No need to apologise hun, it's only my opinion,based on my my past experiences (am now no longer mobile, work from home based salon) I only did nails but still had to take a portable mani table, pedicure stool, 2 lamps, all my polishes, glitters and Swarovski crystals etc etc. I found clients took liberties. Maybe I was too soft, but have none of the problems I had when mobile. I tell clients I'm not insured to have children and pets (I have had a client bring her DOG!) in my home salon. I just wasn't cut out for it... X

[Becky_simon]

Sorry, Disagree!

I am mobile. It depends on the individual....and personally I don't mind it. If you know what treatment you are doing on your client, you don't need to take all your aquipment, only what you need!

Appreciate it is your opinion though. But I don't mind it myself :)
I agree with this poster, I'm mobile and love it!

[New Nailz]

No need to apologise hun, it's only my opinion,based on my my past experiences (am now no longer mobile, work from home based salon) I only did nails but still had to take a portable mani table, pedicure stool, 2 lamps, all my polishes, glitters and Swarovski crystals etc etc. I found clients took liberties. Maybe I was too soft, but have none of the problems I had when mobile. I tell clients I'm not insured to have children and pets (I have had a client bring her DOG!) in my home salon. I just wasn't cut out for it... X

Sounds abit of a nightmare, carrying all that!

I work from home too, but haven't a proper room to do my work. Wish I had a room in my home to use. But looks like I will be doing mobile for a while. Good job I don't mind it haha

[xxJackiexx]

I started off mobile , but 5 weeks ago I took a room on to rent . I much prefer having my own room . Mobile just wasn't for me lugging stuff about , unpacking , setting up , packing , more lugging and so on :) So much happier in my room no lugging stuff about and my back is far happier now too :) x

[curvygirl]

Sounds abit of a nightmare, carrying all that!

I work from home too, but haven't a proper room to do my work. Wish I had a room in my home to use. But looks like I will be doing mobile for a while. Good job I don't mind it haha

It was truly awful, the last straw was when I went to do Swarovski toes on a client at home. This takes btwn 2.5
and 3 hrs normally, but she was looking after 2 nieces, 1 nephew and their dog. She was up every other minute, tending to the kids, answering the phone to the kid's mum to reassure her they were ok. The dog kept running thru the pedi stool and table, he ended up catching the power lead for my CND lamp and desk lamp, sending them both flying! We managed to do one foot in 2.5 hours, when she had the cheek to ask how much longer I was going to be! I told her calmly that I couldn't work like this and packed my things away, explaining that she would need to come to my salon at home the following day for me to do the other foot.

End of my mobile career...! X

[carrie_bee]

It was truly awful, the last straw was when I went to do Swarovski toes on a client at home. This takes btwn 2.5
and 3 hrs normally, but she was looking after 2 nieces, 1 nephew and their dog. She was up every other minute, tending to the kids, answering the phone to the kid's mum to reassure her they were ok. The dog kept running thru the pedi stool and table, he ended up catching the power lead for my CND lamp and desk lamp, sending them both flying! We managed to do one foot in 2.5 hours, when she had the cheek to ask how much longer I was going to be! I told her calmly that I couldn't work like this and packed my things away, explaining that she would need to come to my salon at home the following day for me to do the other foot.

End of my mobile career...! X

Argh!! :-/ I assume she didn't come along? These tales make me need botox for the extreme brow furrowing they cause ;)

[New Nailz]

It was truly awful, the last straw was when I went to do Swarovski toes on a client at home. This takes btwn 2.5
and 3 hrs normally, but she was looking after 2 nieces, 1 nephew and their dog. She was up every other minute, tending to the kids, answering the phone to the kid's mum to reassure her they were ok. The dog kept running thru the pedi stool and table, he ended up catching the power lead for my CND lamp and desk lamp, sending them both flying! We managed to do one foot in 2.5 hours, when she had the cheek to ask how much longer I was going to be! I told her calmly that I couldn't work like this and packed my things away, explaining that she would need to come to my salon at home the following day for me to do the other foot.

End of my mobile career...! X

Oh my! :/

[Lucybluebell]

It was truly awful, the last straw was when I went to do Swarovski toes on a client at home. This takes btwn 2.5
and 3 hrs normally, but she was looking after 2 nieces, 1 nephew and their dog. She was up every other minute, tending to the kids, answering the phone to the kid's mum to reassure her they were ok. The dog kept running thru the pedi stool and table, he ended up catching the power lead for my CND lamp and desk lamp, sending them both flying! We managed to do one foot in 2.5 hours, when she had the cheek to ask how much longer I was going to be! I told her calmly that I couldn't work like this and packed my things away, explaining that she would need to come to my salon at home the following day for me to do the other foot.

End of my mobile career...! X
This is awful! I be definitely made the right decision!
If one of my clients specifically needed me to visit them at home I would but I'm much happier having my home salon, my room is all set up and I have quite a lot of stuff. I really don't fancy carrying my table, lamp and everything else and it's summer at the moment. I imagine in the winter it would be even worse. Also all the time taking setting up, packing away and travelling would be precious client time lost (and costly petrol)
I'm glad you girls that are mobile are happy doing it, but it really wouldn't be for me.

[curvygirl]

Argh!! :-/ I assume she didn't come along? These tales make me need botox for the extreme brow furrowing they cause ;)

She came the next day to have her other foot done. Ironically, she found that time really relaxing and wondered why she hadn't come to my home based salon sooner!

[zm85]

This is awful! I be definitely made the right decision!
If one of my clients specifically needed me to visit them at home I would but I'm much happier having my home salon, my room is all set up and I have quite a lot of stuff. I really don't fancy carrying my table, lamp and everything else and it's summer at the moment. I imagine in the winter it would be even worse. Also all the time taking setting up, packing away and travelling would be precious client time lost (and costly petrol)
I'm glad you girls that are mobile are happy doing it, but it really wouldn't be for me.

This is the reason I couldn't go back to mobile now lugging everything around, time it takes setting up, packing car and fuel costs. there is still alot of money to be made but you are losing valuable time and could be fitting in more clients this is what ive taken from it. but it was right for me at time and I quite enjoyed it (mostly!) but i feel like ive served my time lol...and you're right winter is the worst!! I once had to run after my folded spray tan tent rollerbag in tow after I lost grip of the handle on a rainy windy night trying to feel my way in the dark back to my car.... Many more experiences like this some of the other stories in this thread made me giggle it's not funny at the time or where health and safety is concerned but some of the things mobile techs have to go through we should get a medal!! ;)

[Dolly6410]

Can I just ask out of interest, how do you implement a non-child policy?
Do you tell people as they call or have you sent a text around clients?
I am still in the early stage of not wanting to upset anyone so they will keep booking with me! But that's wearing off rapidly! Especially after a client recently had 5 children to look after while getting gels. I have a child myself and would never dream of him interrupting my me time! As much for me as a proffessional providing a service!

sorry i took so long to reply! i have it on my price list, on my website, i warn people when they book in, i just say 'unfortunatly due to health and safety i am no longer allowed to carry out treatments whilst children or animals are in the room' and then they usually say 'oh christ i don't have any of them' and then i laugh and carry on and book them in, or they say 'oh ok i'll sort something out' OR in worst case they will go 'oh well thats the whole reason i want you to come to my house because i have children...' and give you a massive speech and then i say 'sorry but behind every rule is someone that sued', then that makes them hush :wink2:

No need to apologise hun, it's only my opinion,based on my my past experiences (am now no longer mobile, work from home based salon) I only did nails but still had to take a portable mani table, pedicure stool, 2 lamps, all my polishes, glitters and Swarovski crystals etc etc. I found clients took liberties. Maybe I was too soft, but have none of the problems I had when mobile. I tell clients I'm not insured to have children and pets (I have had a client bring her DOG!) in my home salon. I just wasn't cut out for it... X

yeh if people kick up a fuss blaming your insurance is the way forward! sorry but i'm laughing that someone thought it was ok to bring their dog to your HOME salon, how rude, although thinking abit more i know people who would do this... :eek: people don't think about the fact people might have allergies, i have dogs myself and if people come to my house (workmen and so on) i'm constantly saying 'are you sure you're ok with dogs????' i'd never dream of taking them to other peoples houses.

[curvygirl]

sorry i took so long to reply! i have it on my price list, on my website, i warn people when they book in, i just say 'unfortunatly due to health and safety i am no longer allowed to carry out treatments whilst children or animals are in the room' and then they usually say 'oh christ i don't have any of them' and then i laugh and carry on and book them in, or they say 'oh ok i'll sort something out' OR in worst case they will go 'oh well thats the whole reason i want you to come to my house because i have children...' and give you a massive speech and then i say 'sorry but behind every rule is someone that sued', then that makes them hush :wink2:



yeh if people kick up a fuss blaming your insurance is the way forward! sorry but i'm laughing that someone thought it was ok to bring their dog to your HOME salon, how rude, although thinking abit more i know people who would do this... :eek: people don't think about the fact people might have allergies, i have dogs myself and if people come to my house (workmen and so on) i'm constantly saying 'are you sure you're ok with dogs????' i'd never dream of taking them to other peoples houses.

Exactly! Would u take your dog with you if you had a nail service booked at a salon on the high street? So why did she think it was ok to bring a dog into mine! X

[<3nails]

This all sounds so familiar.I'm based in a salon,but I'm new so I take all the work i can get.A lady called me up and wanted gel mani and pedi, at her flat because she has a baby,so I had to carry everything with me(on the bus:eek: ).Wile I was doing the treatments she felt like she should bathe her baby and put cream on his bottom,she was also making rice with noodles.I also done her pedi sitting on her carpet,it felt very d.i.y and her baby wanted to touch my products:Scared:
I'm not sorry I went as I made some nice money,but I much prefer the salon.

[lisasnails]

My opinion? Don't do it. It's not worth the hassle. Clients don't keep still as they're distracted by their kids wanting this, that, and the other. You have to lug all your equipment in and out of your car in all weathers. Some clients aren't even home when u get there! Most people think your prices should be significantly lower than salons when in fact you as a service provider are working harder for the money.

Just my opinion...:-)

I would so have to agree with you!!! Been there done it for 5 years and hated it!!

[lisasnails]

I would so have to agree with you!!! Been there done it for 5 years and hated it!!

Actually sorry I meant it I began to hate it towards the end after all of the reasons people have mentioned but at the start it wasn't that bad as I was flatting and constantly moving so it just suited me best at the time, now I have a home based salon and would never dream being mobile again even though clients still ask me I would rather loose a client then drive to their house, save my stress levels and health over money :)

[BeautCuticle]

sorry i took so long to reply! i have it on my price list, on my website, i warn people when they book in, i just say 'unfortunatly due to health and safety i am no longer allowed to carry out treatments whilst children or animals are in the room' and then they usually say 'oh christ i don't have any of them' and then i laugh and carry on and book them in, or they say 'oh ok i'll sort something out' OR in worst case they will go 'oh well thats the whole reason i want you to come to my house because i have children...' and give you a massive speech and then i say 'sorry but behind every rule is someone that sued', then that makes them hush :wink2:

Thank you 😊 I definitely need to do this after the lady with 5 children! I think the purpose of working around mums busy schedules is that I a flexible on evenings and weekends, they dont seem to understand that Really.
X

[<3nails]

I must admit is fun in the salon as well,lot of things can happen.Especialy if you are based in the town centre like me :
Guy trying to jump off window | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=4435749972347&saved)

but 'You can't beat home madee' lol!

[daniella]

I dont like doing mobile nails.But dont have a choise till i make money to make my
room donwstair in to a beauty studio.Also mo..bile nails is hard work so ask good money.
I am starting cosmetology school in aug.I wil be dowing models at ther home to begin with.
Then i make a space in the corner of my living room .
Place room shreens around it so i can work from ther till the studio is done.
De studio is a small space bud it has have his seprid door to enter from outsite.I cant wath.
I am so don with mobil it breaks you up you cant never do as menny peeps.if you was in one.place.At it take so.much mmre of your time .

[Mobile Manicure]

Sorry, Disagree!

I am mobile. It depends on the individual....and personally I don't mind it. If you know what treatment you are doing on your client, you don't need to take all your aquipment, only what you need!

Appreciate it is your opinion though. But I don't mind it myself :)

I'm mobile too, have been for 10 years and love it. However it won't make you rich if you're just doing nails and pedis. It suits me as I work around school hours. Some weeks are manic busy and I'm fully booked. Some weeks I've only got 2 appointments:Scared:

I don't think it's an income you can rely on. It will differ from week to week. If you're after a steady income I wouldnt advise it.

[Dolly6410]

sorry i took so long to reply! i have it on my price list, on my website, i warn people when they book in, i just say 'unfortunatly due to health and safety i am no longer allowed to carry out treatments whilst children or animals are in the room' and then they usually say 'oh christ i don't have any of them' and then i laugh and carry on and book them in, or they say 'oh ok i'll sort something out' OR in worst case they will go 'oh well thats the whole reason i want you to come to my house because i have children...' and give you a massive speech and then i say 'sorry but behind every rule is someone that sued', then that makes them hush :wink2:

Thank you �� I definitely need to do this after the lady with 5 children! I think the purpose of working around mums busy schedules is that I a flexible on evenings and weekends, they dont seem to understand that Really.
X

i constantly get text from people saying about 'i have a baby so can't get to the salon', i have some clients i know as soon as they put their children to bed i know they will stay in bed so i don't mind going in the evenings, but others i've had to say 'it didnt really work last time so you will need to book in for when the childs not there'. i'm sorry to anyone whos got children but i'm 23 and majority of the time i hate them! on the rare occasion i find a child i like, i have a few clients with lovely, polite, calm children, but most of the time its a no! haha if i'd wanted to work with children i would have chosen to be a primary school teacher :lol: x

[MeToYouNails]

As someone else said, you don’t just wake up one morning and decide to be mobile.
You don’t just have to do nails but run a business too. You need to know about Banking, Tax, Stock Control etc.
I set up my mobile business to offer a premium service to working ladies. I worked in a office for 17 years and I found it increasing more difficult to get evening and weekend appointments.
Children can be an issue and at the start is is difficult to say something to someone you have just met, however as with every other situation I have had to deal with, it gets easier in time.
I do not allow children to be near the table as there is electricity and chemicals, I do however allow the children to participate in some areas, like helping Mummy to select the colour from the wheel.
There are various times throughout the service I ask if my client needs to attend to the child/dog/goldfish/Husband and when it get to the point where they have to be glued to the chair I inform them that I will do ‘certain’ things for them, if required.
Being Mobile has it’s challenges; Yes my bag is huge and heavy, Yes my table is also heavy, Yes I may have had problem clients......but, I have the most amazing clients with a wide a varied background, I have the most scenic drives to work, I get to see my clients children grow up, I get pictures drawn for me, I get new songs sung to me, I get to play with their pets and then I get to go home to my nice quiet house!
Being a Mobile Nail Tecnician is the best job in the world!
I will admit I am slightly biased though, as I have just been voted Scratch Star, Mobile Nailist of the Year 2012! :D

[girly nail geek]

these are some mobile horror stories ive been mobile about a year and so far so good although im sure i will come along my own horror story at some point :eek:

its not always easy but if you know what treatment you are going to be doing u can take along just what u need and ask in advance if they have a table to save taking ur own ... its been mentioned a few times on here but an ironing board with a towel over and a couple of dining room chairs are perfect :)
i have a few clients who have small children i tend to book them after kids bedtime which is around 7pm for most of my clients
good tip on mentioning at the start of the treatment about not being able to get the phone etc once we get started that way from the off set they know what is expected and less chance of a drama

good luck if you decide to become mobile i really enjoy it but its still fairly new to me so we shall see lol ...

[Arty*Rox]

As someone else said, you don’t just wake up one morning and decide to be mobile.
You don’t just have to do nails but run a business too. You need to know about Banking, Tax, Stock Control etc.
I set up my mobile business to offer a premium service to working ladies. I worked in a office for 17 years and I found it increasing more difficult to get evening and weekend appointments.
Children can be an issue and at the start is is difficult to say something to someone you have just met, however as with every other situation I have had to deal with, it gets easier in time.
I do not allow children to be near the table as there is electricity and chemicals, I do however allow the children to participate in some areas, like helping Mummy to select the colour from the wheel.
There are various times throughout the service I ask if my client needs to attend to the child/dog/goldfish/Husband and when it get to the point where they have to be glued to the chair I inform them that I will do ‘certain’ things for them, if required.
Being Mobile has it’s challenges; Yes my bag is huge and heavy, Yes my table is also heavy, Yes I may have had problem clients......but, I have the most amazing clients with a wide a varied background, I have the most scenic drives to work, I get to see my clients children grow up, I get pictures drawn for me, I get new songs sung to me, I get to play with their pets and then I get to go home to my nice quiet house!
Being a Mobile Nail Tecnician is the best job in the world!
I will admit I am slightly biased though, as I have just been voted Scratch Star, Mobile Nailist of the Year 2012! :D

I can so relate to this, Ive been mobile now for 20 years and I still love it, you do sometimes need the patience of a saint though lol, ive seen some of my clients children grow from tots to teenagers and into young adults. I think though one of my biggest mistakes over the years is not having a seperate phone line at home or simply just using a seperate number for my clients to use as it bugs the hell out of me when I get calls late at night, ive had clients call me as late as 11.30pm !! So my advise would be to use a seperate business number :)

And MeToYouNails huge congratz on being voted Scratch Star, Mobile Nailist of the Year 2012! :)

[Becky_simon]

I agree with this poster, I'm mobile and love it!

Just wanted to add to my previous post really.

Still stand by what I said about liking being mobile, but I wanted to say a few things:
It's the easiest way to set up business and the least expensive, and a good starting point to get a foot in the nail world before you take the leap working from home, renting or running your own salon.
Yes it hard carrying everything around and it does play on your back, especially lugging your table around and doing pedi's.
Of course you don't fit as much work in being mobile compared to running your own place Etc with the setting up and packing up!

I work mobile but at the moment I am not making much profit but that's because I'm new to it. I do think being mobile is suited if you need a second income, my husband is the main earner In our family.