Going Mobile

[EveNails]

Hi everyone *waves*

I am about to become a mobile tech using Creative L&P (for now,while I continue to study,fabric & gel) I just had some questions...

1. How far should I travel out? - I'm in West London but I've had people from Essex wanting to see me,should I charge extra and go?

2. I havent got a mani station yet-do I need one?...I do pedicures which I think would be more comfy for myself if I had a little fold up stool or something but when doing hands should I have a mobile table and TWO chairs?. I did my auntie's on her sofa with no table and I was huuuuuuurting after! :sad:

3. I want to have a late call out charge, I've been asked by potential clients if I'd have appts at 9pm (when they finish work etc)- I'm thinking of charging £20 plus treatment-do you think I'm being unfair?

4. Where can I get a suitable case?- I want one with holders for bottles and diff segments etc

5. I just got my insurance certificate through- should I keep a photocopy on me, I dunno for the "fussier" client?

I'd appreciate any wisdom you can give :Love:

Evenn x x

 

[sharong]

Hiya
I started off as a mobile technician and whilst I am no longer in the business as Ive taken a break I hope the following helps. Other geeks will give you good advice aswell but at the end of the day I would say its what you find works best for you and business:

- I decided from initially setting up what I would be prepared to travel as I had child commitments aswell - I decided I was prepared for a 20 minute journey and advised clients that subject to the distance an extra charge would be added to the treatment. They were happy with this and I think as long as you stipulate before you make the journey what the cost of the travelling will be so there is no sudden surprises then it is down to the individual to decide. Sometimes the ones that you have to travel further to can be the ones likely to be good regulars as they might not have many other local places!

- I would definetly advise on a mobile table of some description as I started off using friends or families dining tables or anything available and ended up with bad back aches afterwards and lots of problems which ive had to pay a specialist to sort. Posture is really important and whilst it may seem that it is another item to load and unload it will be worth it in the long term and I personally feel it looks more professional aswell.

- I never had a late call out charge but most of the appointments were from
6 -8. I would definetly charge something for late appointments after 9pm - I suppose you could look around and see if any other mobile techs locally charge a rate and if so how much - always useful!!

- Not sure about cases - I had one of those aliminum cases that opened up with shelves and sections - I found exactly the same one as they were selling at the local beauty wholesalers alot cheaper in the local B&Q store. I kept in the case the varnishes, tools, files etc I then had a holdall for all the other essentials such as creams, towels,etc

- I personally didnt keep a copy of my certificate with me (I would have probably lost it) I just had details about the contact numbers for my insurances in my diary and on my phone.

It is all trial and error with all these things and depends alot on the clients aswell.

Good luck
Sharon

 

[Suzy Q]

Hi!

I'm doing my VTCT in Nail Treatments at the moment and have only recently bought a portable manicure table, 1 chair, 1 stool and mag lamp from www.hofbeauty.co.uk (I think) for £199. Before that, I just used an ironing board, and that worked out fine for me! Just cover it in white towels, and it works ok. The House of Famuir (hof) manicure furniture set will be £199 until the 31st of May. I think it looks pretty impressive!

Sue

 

[EveNails]

so much for your advice...I just needed a little guidance...:Scared:

I'm so glad I asked!

Though if there are any more suggestions please do throw them my way, I'm sure you'll see more of my Q threads pop up :o

Evenn x x

 

[Northern Nails]

hi Evenn,

Give salonsupplies.com a try, i bought my stool and table from them and found them to be the cheapest....i have an hydrolic chair good for the height at the table and a portable folding table.

 

[wondernail]

I got some fantastic aluminum cases from B&Q and they were cheap and they really look professional.

On the insurance front...I have my insurance through the Guild and they state that you should never show your insurance certificate to clients...because as they put it the more unscrupulous clients will make up a story and sue you....

How true this is I do not know??

Personally I have never charged extra for coming out late at night to see a client, only because I never thought about it!! I do think it is a good idea though.

 

[clairep10]

Hi
Bought my table from Woolworths it's a picnic one£14.99, trolly was from B&Q £24.95. Going to spray the trolly in funky colours (one day...)
I am phoning about the insurance myself tommorrow, going with designer nails, £34.50, that's good value i think.
Just been doing my leafets and after care handouts, off to do a poster for there local shops now.
TTFN
XXX

 

[EveNails]

Who knew??...B&Q it is then!

Thankyou sooooooooooooooooooooo much everyone

:Love:

 

[clairep10]

Who knew??...B&Q it is then!

Thankyou sooooooooooooooooooooo much everyone

:Love:

The trolly has 2 sections bottom one fits a load of your large stuff in ,I use that bit for my bottles lamp etc. Top bit has a lift out tray and underneath i keep all my polishes and nail art bits. I carry a sml box that has by nail ex stuff in.
C*

 

[jada]

I got some fantastic aluminum cases from B&Q and they were cheap and they really look professional.

On the insurance front...I have my insurance through the Guild and they state that you should never show your insurance certificate to clients...because as they put it the more unscrupulous clients will make up a story and sue you....

How true this is I do not know??

Personally I have never charged extra for coming out late at night to see a client, only because I never thought about it!! I do think it is a good idea though.

Hi Angela can you tell me what B&Q actually call these trolley as I am trying to find it on their web page

 

[Teena_B]

Hi Angela can you tell me what B&Q actually call these trolley as I am trying to find it on their web page

Hi!
I think this is the trolley that I have. I threw away the big sticker that was on it, but it has embossed on the top "mastercart".
Hope that helps.

PS mine is mainly black, with yellow catches, etc. The bottom really does hold loads, the top holds lots too, if you're doing a specific job that doesn't need too much stuff the top lifts off the base so you can carry just that bit in. Also, although it's made of plastic, there's bits where you can put a padlock on so that no-one can get into it.

edited: I just looked on B&Q's website, and they don't have it on there. In the store they sell many more boxes/trolleys etc than they have on the website. Sorry mate.

 

[foxxyzinha]

Hi Angela can you tell me what B&Q actually call these trolley as I am trying to find it on their web page

Hopefully this link will work OK. Argos sell them...

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=3151&productId=117125&clickfrom=image

 

[wondernail]

I didn't get a trolley...I bought 2 aluminium cases one was like a large briefcase and I put my lamps and larger bottles in...and the other case was a square one that opens out (concertina-like) and is full of compartments for all my brushes, glitters, powders and liquid and i use the bottom compartment for all my nail varnishes.

I think the brief case one was £19.99 and the opening out one was £25.00-£29.00..sorry can't remember the price...But I did buy them from a B&Q Warehouse...not the little B&Q as they all have different products, so call a few and you may find them.

I am sure i saw the opening out case in Sally's a while back at around £50 and that one was smaller than mine.

I hope that helps!!

 

[nailfairy]

i bought the picnic table from argos has removable legs and folds down to briefcase size think it cost about £15,.

I think the late call out charge is a great idea, at the end of the day it has to be worth your while to be out as late as this. I find sometimes if i put myself out too much for my clients and get nothing in return i feel abit disheartened, any other business you would pay a call out charge, sounds good to me!
And for the few that just want a late appointment for the sake of it , it will really make them think wether they could perhaps manage to fit their nails in at a more convinenient time!!
Best of luck!

 

[wondernail]

I think a late call out charge is a must...I know that I have been to some really awful estates to see a client late at night and whilst doing her nails, panicked that my car would be gone when I come out as it was such a rough place.

 

[scattyfox]

I think you should send your essex clients to me tee hee

Only joking hun you def need to advise that if they want you out as late as 9pm then there will be a large charge ie £20 this may push them into amking an appoinmtnet at a more realistic time of day. Don't forget you are entitled to a life as well hun.
x

 

[jada]

:Kissing: :hug:

Hi!
I think this is the trolley that I have. I threw away the big sticker that was on it, but it has embossed on the top "mastercart".
Hope that helps.

PS mine is mainly black, with yellow catches, etc. The bottom really does hold loads, the top holds lots too, if you're doing a specific job that doesn't need too much stuff the top lifts off the base so you can carry just that bit in. Also, although it's made of plastic, there's bits where you can put a padlock on so that no-one can get into it.

edited: I just looked on B&Q's website, and they don't have it on there. In the store they sell many more boxes/trolleys etc than they have on the website. Sorry mate.

Anna, TeenaB and Angela thanks for you help with the mobile tolley will be getting one tommorow but cant make up my mind whether to get the orange or yellow looking ones

 

[kateyork1]

:Kissing: :hug:
Anna, TeenaB and Angela thanks for you help with the mobile tolley will be getting one tommorow but cant make up my mind whether to get the orange or yellow looking ones

Hi there, sorry this has nothing to do with this post but I am intrigued by that pic you've got Jada - what is it you're using on that set of nails?

 

[PLAOH]

Some of this has already been said but your customers ironing board is sufficient, plus you have less to carry. B & Q is ace :lol:

My only advise is don't lower your prices because you are mobile. You have to take into account the time to travel to and fro your customers, setting up, plus the fact they go and make a cuppa, answer the phone/door, which all adds to your time. Mobile certainly doesn't mean cheaper anymore. You'd pay the same for a mobile hairdresser as you would in a top salon here.

I personally don't charge extra for late evening appointments. I set aside several evenings for this and stick to them. I would however charge for going out of my area.

Good luck
Lou

 

[Debs]

I agree with Lou here, don`t lower your prices because you`re mobile. You`re doing the same job and in the comfort of their home so its worth the same money.
I don`t charge a late appointment charge but I would charge to go a long way, it has to be worth your while but is it necessary for you to come all the way to Essex? How many clients could you fit in locally in the time it takes you to come out this way? You have to weigh that up too.
And as Lucia says, there are plenty of techs in Essex that can take a client off your hands, and I`m nearer London than Lucia is, lol