You are probably all going to shoot me down after reading this but I joined this forum especially to say this, I am a fully qualified CND nail technician and started out using the full CND system for acrylics, gels and shellac services but the competition is becoming so fierce in my area that nearly all technicians I come across have started using cheaper brands of UV polish. I got so fed up of being undercut on prices that I myself decided to give these brands a go and I hate to say it but they are just as good. I am under no illusion that they are not copies of the original CND shellac but I have to say they last just as long. So for those who have just started out and maybe cannot afford to buy the full CND system (79 colours) straight off then it can be a cheaper alternative to buy a few cheaper brands of polish to make some money out of then slowly build up your CND collection as you go, I have a mixture of both but my clients never question the brand I use and I have never had any complaints it terms of difference in quality. As long as you are upfront about what you are using if a client asks then I don't see any problem. Sorry guys but it's true, I'll be awaiting the wrath of all the CND loyalists on this forum :sad:
You are right that you are going to get some serious pushback, but I fear you do not understand why, so I'll start it.
I don't think this about being a CND loyalist, (I don't think anyone would mistake me for one!), since the counterfeiters, including BS and CCO, also copy HNH Gelish and OPI. I also don't think this is about the performance of the product. I think this is about the integrity of the individual tech and the profession.
First of all, are you honest and forthcoming with your clients about what you are using on their nails? These products are designed to deceive. Since the counterfeit bottles copy the graphic identity of CND Shellac or HNH Gelish, do you make sure your clients know the difference? Are you telling them when they pick a counterfeit that it is not the name brand and does not have the attributes of the name brand (hypoallergenic, for example)?
Second, do you have the MSDS for these counterfeit brands? Where I am, that is required.
Third, one of the things that distinguish an NSS is that they do not use the proper products. One of the first things I do in upgrading salons is have them purchase proper product. It is naive (at best) to come on a professional forum and advocate using products that don't support professionals. BS and CCO do not provide supporting products, customer service, training and education, or R&D.
Finally, you have a right to do with your business what you want, as long as you are honest about it. But what I hear from you are excuses. To my mind, if you are so poorly capitalized that you cannot afford the basic products of your industry, if you cannot be in business without resorting to counterfeits, you are not ready to be in business.
