Just wondered if anyone has built up their mobile business to be a full time one?

Mine is part time and I am sure that if I worked on it more I could do it on a full time basis. Not wanting to do this now, but when my son goes to school I need to be able to work in school hours which would mean I could work in school hours.

I want to start planning ahead. Unsure of a salon just yet. Your input is gratefully received. x

Tinky Winky I'm trying, I really am!
Finding it so tough at the moment. I only started mobile last month but getting clients is proving really dfficult. I have only had one this week and nobody booked in for next week!
Its so disheartening!

I've been doing mobile 6 years lovey and still building it up, i suppose it takes a long while and lots of advertising to get to full time. Keep going! xx

Well, next week I have 8 daytime clients and 4 evenings booked, which is about average for me. I could be busier, and would like to be, but I'm gradually increasing my client base. It takes time (I've been doing this for almost 18 months now) but I'm at a point where I would really struggle to fit nails around another job 'cos this is all I do!

A lot of its down to word of mouth as well,i.e recommendations from your clients.Once you get a few more clients,maybe give them your business card/price lists to pass onto their friends and family.I'm sure they wont mind,explain to them that youre starting out and that you would appreciate them letting people know about you.I used to do mobile and it did take time to build clients up but you will get there in the end. Good luck.

i would say, give your existing clients half a dozen of your business cards...and ask them if they would pass on a card if anyone comments on their beauftiful nails!!

and maybe run a special offer... free pinky size of cuticle oil with a full set of nails.... do you do nail art?... you could choose ten of your simpler designs that don't take too long to create, and offer one free with the service as a new client... no rhinestones etc. included just a painted design...then if they want a couple of rhinestones to finish off the design you will make a couple of pounds extra that way...

put a couple more adverts in local shop windows, and change the ones you put in regular.. freshen the ad and put in an offer..

none of these things will cost YOU much money

Just keep working at it now, so that when you do make the transition, it will hopefully be easier. I am mobile but only part time (have full time day job). Started Sept last year, and apart from the obviously busier times (ie Xmas) I've only had two regular clients up until now. However, last week I did a manicure on a new client who has already re-booked, and it looks like I may have another lady who will come back for a repaint weekly. So, slowly, it is building bit by bit, and long may that continue....

You are being sensible by planning this in advance and I am sure this will pay off in the long term!

I work between 15 - 30 hours per week currently, depending on the demand. I started last June so have been doing this here for only 11 months. I am very busy in summer.

Problem is I have a loyal client base which I have built up and again I have to leave them behind (third time in two years). However I plan to stay in Yorkshire to build my business and make sure my son is settled in school, my hubby is in the army and I want us to buy a house up there so if he does move after 3 years I have somewhere to live. If I keep closing businesses down I won't ever progress or ever have a good set of accounts to get us extra money for a good mortgage.....Easier said than done though isn't it??!!

Again, just keep at it, it really does take time.
I have been mobile since last May & at first it took off so much I was forced to give up the day job so that I could fit the nails in. However, since Christmas & also with lots of new asian salons popping up it has been pretty dead so have taken on a part-time job too which allows me to carry on with the nails.
I have also branched out more.I now offer spray tanning & am starting to book pamper parties, kids princess parties & even face painting.
I know it can be so disheartening when you look to the week ahead & the appointment book is empty but things can turn around so quickly too.
I will never go back to working for anyone else in a job I hate which is one good thing. I love what I do now & I know I will be doing it for the rest of my career. The next thing I want to do is rent a chair somewhere.I have had a couple of offers but they didn`t feel right, it has to feel right!
Things will get better, you just have to keep faith, I know it can be hard.
Just remember that whenever you get down, jump onto this forum.Knowing it`s not just you can be a life saver!
Work hard & keep your chin up!