Anyone have more than 1 self employed nail tech?

[Misty Eyebrow Artist Crew]

Just wondering if it works ok having more than 1 nail tech in the salon? They'd have their own clientele and work space and do their own advertising ect, suppose it's much like a hairdressers?
I currently have 1 girl but just thinking about bringing more in or to share the days x

 

[Nemo]

There are 7 girls working with me on a self employed basis. We all use the same computer system and update availability and authorise our own bookings. I made it clear from the start that we are not in competition with each other. We are a team and we work as a team. The happier the clients, the more rapidly my business will grow and the busier all the girls will be. Getting the right people is the hard part! Good luck x

 

[Misty Eyebrow Artist Crew]

That sounds great! Thanks x

 

[Baggybear]

There are 7 girls working with me on a self employed basis. We all use the same computer system and update availability and authorise our own bookings. I made it clear from the start that we are not in competition with each other. We are a team and we work as a team. The happier the clients, the more rapidly my business will grow and the busier all the girls will be. Getting the right people is the hard part! Good luck x

If it is ok I just have a few questions on how this works.

Do you all charge the same prices?

What happens when you want to do an offer? Do you all have to agree and do the same offers for the same prices?

What about treatments offered - can you chose to train in & offer something the others don't do?

Are clients only re-booked with the same therapist and therefore each therapist has their own clients or do clients get booked in with any therapist that has availablity?

What about walk in's - who gets them are they shared out equaly/randomly or you don't take walk in's?

You say... "I made it clear from the start that we are not in competition with each other"? How can each seperate business not be in competition (as each self employed therapist is their own business.

You also say... "The happier the clients, the more rapidly my business will grow and the busier all the girls will be". Sureley they ALL want to grow and have a busy business just like you do but some therapists are going to be busier than others and that has to bring competition as it's just a natural response to up your game when someone else looks to be doing better than you.

 

[squidgernetball]

Good questions @Baggybear. I've often wondered this when beauty therapists have a self employed beauty therapist working with them.

This is why I employ beauty therapists but rent my rooms to therapists that are nothing to do with what I do x

 

[Misty Eyebrow Artist Crew]

There's a lot to think about....it makes me wonder though as there's plenty of nail techs in surrounding salons and people doing it mobile who are still in competition. Suppose though not sure how it would work if clients come into the salon to book or even phoned my number wanting nails, who would I offer the appointment too?! X

 

[Baggybear]

There's a lot to think about....it makes me wonder though as there's plenty of nail techs in surrounding salons and people doing it mobile who are still in competition. Suppose though not sure how it would work if clients come into the salon to book or even phoned my number wanting nails, who would I offer the appointment too?! X

The way I see it, the main awkward issue is pricing.

If the same prices......
As a self employed therapist you set your own prices so how can 7 self employed therapists all have the same prices?
Do HMRC actually accept these therapists as self employed if they are not setting their own prices?
Do they have to use the same products?
What if they want to get a more expensive or better quality product - can they up the price of service to cover their costs?
What happens when just 1 therapist wants to do an offer to pull in more clients or push a certain treatment?
What happens when 1 therapist decides to train in the latest treatment but the others don't want to?
Can 1 therapist offer a treatment that the other therapists are not trained in or are choosing not to offer?
How are walk in's shared out?

If different prices.....
How do clients choose between the 7 therapists if they don't have the same prices?
Are the price lists clearly displayed so that it is obvious that there are different prices for different therapists?
If differing prices there will be 1 who is the cheapest & 1 who is the most expensive, do you really think these 2 people are working in a team for a common goal?
If these girls are charging different prices are they paying different rent? A percent split for example.
If it's a set rent will the cheapest therapist be ok paying the same rent as the most expensive therapist.

I am mobile and yes there are lots of other therapists out there offering the same treatments that I do, some in salons, some home salons and some other mobile therapists, we are in competition of sorts. I am my own business and I choose if I want to do an offer or if I want to change my prices and I choose when I want to work or not *and I refuse clinets appointments if I want to (I choose my to take clients on my book or 'sack' those I don't want). I wouldn't like to be told I have to charge a set price or I have to work set hours or I have to take xyz client, I want to run my own business the best I can for my circumstances & we all know that things can change at the drop of a hat (especially if there are children involved).
I would love to have others to work with, to talk beauty with, and to encourage each other along BUT I don't think I could do that with someone doing exactly what I do, it would need to be someone doing the treatments I don't do so as to offer clients a wider choice of treatments and so we both knew who would get what clients (for example I choose not to offer some treatments that I am qualified in because I don't enjoy doing them - semi perm eyelash extensions, gel & acrylic nails etc.. and there are other treatments I choose not to even train in as I have no interest in them). I think it would be extreemly competitive if I worked with someone else who did the same treatments as me as I would want to do the treatment and have the client & if anyone says they don't want the clients then they are lying, even when your busy you still want those extra clients for your business and that is when you start to think about employing someone under you and expanding your business.

*(think about the situation with 7 self employed under 1 roof - what if they all went on holiday the same time? It is their choice when to work or not, what days & hours to work and a landlord has NO say in that at all).

 

[RED STAR]

The same problems arise with 'chair renting' in hairdressing....
I have worked within a salon where the 'landlord' gets in as many 'renters' as possible.
More 'renter's = more revenue.
Often, there ends up being more hairdressers 'renting' than the client base requires.
This is when the problems start...... DOG EAT DOG.....

Stylists 'gather' round the reception desk, REVVING their engines....ready to GRAB the next client through the door.......
The quickest ...thickest skinned stylist to the door....gets the goods!
Resentment sets in with those who feel less inclined to GRAB.
The bitchy comments begin..... the 'team' breaks down.

I would love to hear from anyone who has managed to find a way of making self employment work within a salon, as employing is such a huge responsibility and expense nowdays.

 

[squidgernetball]

I think the only way it can work is if you have therapists offering different things x

 

[Misty Eyebrow Artist Crew]

Maby an acrylic nail tech alongside a gel....il have a good think, thanks ladies x

 

[Nemo]

If it is ok I just have a few questions on how this works.

Do you all charge the same prices?
All the girls chose the set their prices the same as mine as I always charged a higher price.

What happens when you want to do an offer? Do you all have to agree and do the same offers for the same prices?
If I want to do an offer, I ask the girls if they want to be included in it. Some do some don't. Sometimes the girls ask me to promote them on a quiet day with an offer. We can all set offers just for us. We communicate so we all know what the other is doing. We all come under the one business umbrella on FB as I have a massive following do can reach more people but the girls share the posts on their personal FB pages.

What about treatments offered - can you chose to train in & offer something the others don't do?
We all specialise in different things. We've done lots of different training. The computer system is set up with individual treatments associated with certain therapists.

Are clients only re-booked with the same therapist and therefore each therapist has their own clients or do clients get booked in with any therapist that has availablity?
Clients are encouraged to book with 'their' therapist, however, we all work part time so accommodate the clients availability rather than when we're in unless the client want someone specific then they wait till their therapist is free. I have a waiting list so lots of my clients have one of the other girls if they can't get me. I wouldn't be annoyed if they chose not to come back to me and the girls would be the same.

What about walk in's - who gets them are they shared out equaly/randomly or you don't take walk in's?
Walk ins go to whoever is free. There has never been an argument! If two girls are free they work it out between them.

You say... "I made it clear from the start that we are not in competition with each other"? How can each seperate business not be in competition (as each self employed therapist is their own business.
We are all working for the same goal. To make clients happy. The girls rent a desk by paying a % of their earnings to me. None of them do any work privately as they earn more working with me. They are 'allowed' to of course, but non of them want the hassle. They all have another jobs some beauty related and some normal every day jobs.

You also say... "The happier the clients, the more rapidly my business will grow and the busier all the girls will be". Sureley they ALL want to grow and have a busy business just like you do but some therapists are going to be busier than others and that has to bring competition as it's just a natural response to up your game when someone else looks to be doing better than you.

'My' business has grown. I'm the brand. Always will be unfortunately. My outgoings have also grown as I know rent a premises. Clients know the girls work for themselves, they also know that the girls have my support, knowledge and experience to make sure everyone is happy. Some girls are busier than others, but none of them begrudge the busy ones their clients. Most of it comes down to availability rather than skill. If there is a problem with skill, we address it and learn from any issues.

When people wanted to come and work with me, I didn't just say yes to everyone. The mix of girls is brilliant. They're all local, mums, love beauty, respect how far I've come in 'my' business and want to be a part of it. Every one of them is different in personality though. Their commitment is first and foremost to family then to the business. That's why I chose those girls to be a part of the team. We all have the same values. We love our jobs and respect each other. If one is running behind, another will take over and see to the client waiting. The girls sort out sickness cover between themselves. If someone is struggling, we all help. We all have our own keys and can come and go as we please. They even bring their little girls in for a treat when they know no one is working. It's a lovely place to be! The girls and I trust each other. We're not out to stab each other in the back. At the moment, everything is working out brilliantly. One day that might change but I obviously hope it doesn't x

 

[Nemo]

The way I see it, the main awkward issue is pricing.

If the same prices......
As a self employed therapist you set your own prices so how can 7 self employed therapists all have the same prices?
We discuss it and decide between us. It only confuses the clients if everyone is a different price doing the same thing. I originally wanted the girls to have a lower price than me as they weren't as experienced but none of them wanted to do that, so it was at that point we decided to set ever price the same if we were doing the same treatment with the same products.

Do HMRC actually accept these therapists as self employed if they are not setting their own prices?
We are setting our own prices. We just agree to all be the same. Invoices are done and all declares when I do my end of year.

Do they have to use the same products?
We don't always use the same products but I chose people to work with me that had the same ethics. No cheap rubbish, only good quality brands.

What if they want to get a more expensive or better quality product - can they up the price of service to cover their costs?
If one of the girls wants to up their price due to a higher outgoing that's fine. The price lists will be adjusted to specify brands and clients made aware of the differences when booking.

What happens when just 1 therapist wants to do an offer to pull in more clients or push a certain treatment?
That's not a problem. We advertise the offer exclusively with so and so for a specific treatment.

What happens when 1 therapist decides to train in the latest treatment but the others don't want to?
Then they train in it and I'll add it to the service menu. It's not a problem. Only one of our therapist does lash extensions. She only works 6 hours a week. None of the other girls are remotely interested!

Can 1 therapist offer a treatment that the other therapists are not trained in or are choosing not to offer?
Yes, we all specialise in different treatments. One of our girls is trained in threading but doesn't enjoy it so doesn't do it. There are other girls that thread.

How are walk in's shared out?
The girls just work it out. There has never been an argument!

If different prices.....
How do clients choose between the 7 therapists if they don't have the same prices?
They do have the same price unless someone wants to do a special offer.

Are the price lists clearly displayed so that it is obvious that there are different prices for different therapists?
Yes, we list everything very clearly.

If differing prices there will be 1 who is the cheapest & 1 who is the most expensive, do you really think these 2 people are working in a team for a common goal?
Every client has a different budget and we cater for all budgets. We don't want to turn anyone away.

If these girls are charging different prices are they paying different rent? A percent split for example.
If it's a set rent will the cheapest therapist be ok paying the same rent as the most expensive therapist.
% split was the fairest way to do it.

If one of the girls doesn't want to do something or someone then they don't have to! There's enough of us to work it out. There are times when there's only one of working and that's fine! All bookings go online so if no one is in, then a client can't book. If we all go at the same time, we put the closed sign on the door and not worry about it! We have team meetings and talk to each other about everything. I know no one can believe how good all 7 of us work together but we honestly do!! We have 2 'competitors' that don't work in the salon, we still refer clients to them if none of us are free and visa versa. We do it publicly on FB too. There is enough business out there for everyone!!

I am mobile and yes there are lots of other therapists out there offering the same treatments that I do, some in salons, some home salons and some other mobile therapists, we are in competition of sorts. I am my own business and I choose if I want to do an offer or if I want to change my prices and I choose when I want to work or not *and I refuse clinets appointments if I want to (I choose my to take clients on my book or 'sack' those I don't want). I wouldn't like to be told I have to charge a set price or I have to work set hours or I have to take xyz client, I want to run my own business the best I can for my circumstances & we all know that things can change at the drop of a hat (especially if there are children involved).
I would love to have others to work with, to talk beauty with, and to encourage each other along BUT I don't think I could do that with someone doing exactly what I do, it would need to be someone doing the treatments I don't do so as to offer clients a wider choice of treatments and so we both knew who would get what clients (for example I choose not to offer some treatments that I am qualified in because I don't enjoy doing them - semi perm eyelash extensions, gel & acrylic nails etc.. and there are other treatments I choose not to even train in as I have no interest in them). I think it would be extreemly competitive if I worked with someone else who did the same treatments as me as I would want to do the treatment and have the client & if anyone says they don't want the clients then they are lying, even when your busy you still want those extra clients for your business and that is when you start to think about employing someone under you and expanding your business.

*(think about the situation with 7 self employed under 1 roof - what if they all went on holiday the same time? It is their choice when to work or not, what days & hours to work and a landlord has NO say in that at all).

 

[surf girl]

'My' business has grown. I'm the brand. Always will be unfortunately. My outgoings have also grown as I know rent a premises. Clients know the girls work for themselves, they also know that the girls have my support, knowledge and experience to make sure everyone is happy. Some girls are busier than others, but none of them begrudge the busy ones their clients. Most of it comes down to availability rather than skill. If there is a problem with skill, we address it and learn from any issues.

When people wanted to come and work with me, I didn't just say yes to everyone. The mix of girls is brilliant. They're all local, mums, love beauty, respect how far I've come in 'my' business and want to be a part of it. Every one of them is different in personality though. Their commitment is first and foremost to family then to the business. That's why I chose those girls to be a part of the team. We all have the same values. We love our jobs and respect each other. If one is running behind, another will take over and see to the client waiting. The girls sort out sickness cover between themselves. If someone is struggling, we all help. We all have our own keys and can come and go as we please. They even bring their little girls in for a treat when they know no one is working. It's a lovely place to be! The girls and I trust each other. We're not out to stab each other in the back. At the moment, everything is working out brilliantly. One day that might change but I obviously hope it doesn't x

So if a tech helps another tech out by taking over a client who gets the payment? The one who's customer it was supposed to be or the one who did the work?

 

[Nemo]

The one who's customer it was. It works both ways!!

 

[surf girl]

The one who's customer it was. It works both ways!!

Aw well that's really lovley