How much should I be charging for services?!?!

[Natalie'83]

Hi
Im recently qualified and whilst Im looking for a shop to rent, I am going mobile to bring in some income but I am unsure of how much I should be charging. I am qualified in gel and l&p and use only EZFlow products. I am also qualified in waxing, eyelash and brow treatments too, but again I have no idea how much to charge.
There are no salons where I live, so I have no prices to compare.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks x

 

[jes]

There are no salons where I live, so I have no prices to compare.

Hi Natalie, I find it hard to believe there's no salons in Southampton. There must be some for you to Google and check out their prices

jes

 

[skymark]

Firstly if there are no salons nearby you may have to look at the nearest salons for comparison (which may be a little further away) but its always good to see the local going rates.

You need to sit down and do the sums really. There is no set price list that is the norm.

Your prices will be affected by your area (different areas can have huge price differences) your level of skill and training, your product costs (depending on your quality of product).

Working out your costs is the most important issue, what is it costing you to provide the treatment. Then you can decide what you realistically want to be earning per hour or per treatment, making sure you allow room for taxes to be paid.

Once you have worked these things out and come up with a basic price list if you still want further info, you could post your prices in your blog on the site for people to comment if they think you are missing the mark by a mile.

It is said many times on the site though....DON'T UNDER VALUE your service. If you go too low to begin with it will be near impossible for you to raise your prices too greatly in a short period of time.

 

[busybee32]

Hi
Im recently qualified and whilst Im looking for a shop to rent, I am going mobile to bring in some income but I am unsure of how much I should be charging. I am qualified in gel and l&p and use only EZFlow products. I am also qualified in waxing, eyelash and brow treatments too, but again I have no idea how much to charge.
There are no salons where I live, so I have no prices to compare.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks x

Hi Natalie,
First things first I wouldnt be trying to run before I could walk.
If you have just recently qualified I wouldnt even dream of opening a shop just yet.
I would concentrate on setting up a client base so that you can hone your skills, Looking to rent a shop before you are the best at what you do is a sure fire quick way of becoming a faliure. You need to practice practice practice so that you understand all the problems that you may come across. It will stand you in good stead for when the time comes for you to open your own shop. I have to say that it took me a good year of regular clients before I became consistant enough to be proud of my work.
I have also undertaken regular training which is something else that you need to be aware of, things change, products differ, etc.
I'm sorry if you feel that I am being harsh Im not its just that so many people think that when they have qualified thats it quick buck, open a shop then end up failing because their work or standards are not upto scratch, You dont want to be one of those who ends up disheartened by it.
The beauty industry is not one where its quick and easy money. Its hard work, training and determination to be the best in your chosen profession that gets you a good client base and regualr income.
It has taken me 4 and half years to be where I am today and I'm proud of where I am.
In regards to your question about pricing I would do as skymark suggested ring round a few salons or google salons in your area many will have websites that you can visit.
I also wouldnt charge too much if you are recently qualified as clients will be expecting a top end service if you charge top end prices which you wont be able to deliver until you have had plenty of practice. Inform them that you have recently qualified and that you are charging reduced prices until such time that you feel happy with the consistancy of your work and your timings. This will not lead to clients being unhappy with the quality of their services and will put you in good stead for regular faithful clients.
Good luck. xx
Hths
Jen

 

[Bagpuss]

When i was first trained i advertised myself as mobile and started doing nails on the paying public the next week....I charges £25 for a full set and £15 for infill's at that time....now some 5 years later I charge £45 for a full set and £25-30 for infill's and NNO's.

If you sell yourself as "perfecting your skills" instead of newly trained.....and "Introductory price" instead of "training rate" it all sound much more positive and less of a risk for potential clients.

The only way you are going to improve or get better is by doing it...and the only way you can do it is by advertising for clients...so get advertising...:hug:

 

[Natalie'83]

Thank you for your replies...x

There are Nail Bars in Southampton itself but they are salons that I wouldnt go to and I dont think they have been trained by people in this country (IYKWIM).

I live in a village in the New Forest which you have to travel into Southampton City Centre to get to the nearest Nail Bar.

I understand and have read many threads regarding Nail Technicians wanting to go it alone and rent a shop in the first 6 months of qualifying. But I have wanted this for as long as I can remember. I have made many sacrifices to get my qualifications and I truly believe that if you work hard enough and you believe in yourself and have a love/passion for what your doing then go for it! Give it your all because if you don't you will always wonder what if....

I was thinking of charging £20 for a full set and £15 for infills. These prices are just whilst im mobile.

x

 

[Bagpuss]

I wouldn't base your prices on being mobile or salon based...? base then on your experience and capabilities.

Being mobile IMO isn't something that should bee seen as the cheaper alternative...they are paying for the luxury of having a service brought to them...no parking...no fuel...no childcare...its a unique service and should be priced as one.

If my washing machine broke down and I had to lug it into my car...drive to a repair shop and lug it back i wouldn't expect to be charged a call out fee....the call out fee is charged because they are using their time to come to you...you are paying for that service.

 

[Natalie'83]

I never thought of it like that. I just thought I should charge less because I dont have as many overheads as I would if I was running my own salon.
Thank you so much for your advice
x