pros & cons - mobile v salon? Help!

[Tracie1]

Morning Geeks!

I need your advice ...

Are you sitting comfortably? Heres my story:
After finishing a boring admin job in Mar05 due to pregnancy I decided to do the sculpted acrylics course with Essential Nails. It was great (i'd really recommend it) and I qualified in Aug05 (just over a week before my baby was due lol!).
Anyway money is running out now :sad: so I will have to return to work very soon (once iv sorted myself out!).

I had the chance of renting a space in a hair salon, giving 30%, i turned it down as she wanted too much control - I want it to be my venture & to be able to do my own hours to work around my baby. So... this is the reason why i thought mobile would be good.

But now I cant decide!

Do you mobile techs get lots of evening appointments? im also worried about building up my clients. Where as in a salon I would more than likely have a few ready clients.

Would anyone be able to offer their opinion as I dont know what would be best for me

Sorry if your now asleep! :zzz: :lol:
I'd really appreciate your advice pleeeeaase.
Thanx Geeks

P.S I want to work if poss Monday alternate between full & half days, half day tues & wed (p.m)one late night a week and half day sat due to child care - thanx xx

 

[sahara]

Hey Tracie

I appreciate your dilema. I think lots of us have had the same problem.
Have you thought about working from home? If you have a suitable area to work from, it would save you paying a percentage, and you can work hours that suit you.
I work from home, but I'm lucky to have a really good working space, and I find that I can work regular hours that fit around my children. I won't lie tho, it will probably take a while to get some regular customers.
You need to work out if you need the regular income straight away, which you may be more likely to get at a salon, or if you can manage for a while and try to build your own clientelle.

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[Urban Geek]

I am home based on Monday to Wednesday and salon based Thursday to Saturday. I love working from home but it can be a bit isolating and it is very much harder to build your client base. In the salon, I rent the space and it is easier to get new clients and great experience as I am out of my comfort zone and working more against the clock.

I am not mobile but, if I was, I would charge more since it is more hassle, more time and mroe expensive to go to clients and it is very convenient for the client. I also wouldn't like all the distractions of being mobile, ie dogs, cats, children, telphone, etc etc. You also have to be so much more organised for all eventualities when mobile and think far in advance with regard to what products/equipment you may need. HTH

 

[Ozpot]

Hi Tracie
I am having a similar dilema to you!
Wether to get space in a salon or to go mobile, I am on maternity leave at the moment, planning on going back to day job in June but hoping that by then I would have sorted myself out to be doing nails mobile/form home/salon full time ish.
Its really hard as you first need to build up a client base so you are earning so you can give up the 'day job'.
I am planning on returning to work part time mon, tues and wed then working on nails rest of the week, any evenings and saturdays and seeing how it goes from there. I can't just give up my normal job as the risk would be too great with a mortgage and childcare to pay for however I intend on giving this 100% and hoping that it works out well.
I am also looking at doing spray tans too, have you looked into this at all? its very profitable, there is an initial outlay for training and your kit but after that you can make some good money from it and it takes 20-30 minutes to do so a great addition to your services.
I hope everything works out well for you, I understand completly how tough it is when you have had a baba and want to work from home
All the best
Lorraine

 

[Deb379]

Hi hun

Is this your first baby? The only reason why I ask is I don't want to say anything that you may already realise. I'm afraid when you have kids you can't suit yourself all of the time. My 2 are 13 and 12 now, old enough to leave them on their own for a little while now, but my main problems have been school holidays, schools runs, sickness, and calls from the school to collect them for whatever reason especially when you are dealing with a client!

I've tried most options - doing jobs at home, fine when the kids aren't there, and great if you have a room to spare, parking etc. Although you may think you can work certain days/hours there are times when a client has problems and needs to see you at different times etc. This applies to whatever option you choose.

Renting a room in a hairdressers - As you've already discovered renting a room is not all hunky dory, (I would say 30% is too much) and to a certain extent you will have to "obey" her rules if it's her business and premises. Hairdressers are notorious for being difficult and bitchy. I've had experience of that! If they can't control you and boss you about they don't like it. Shame had lots of customers during the 6 months I was there but atmosphere was dreadful. If you can find a better hairdressers with a brilliant location it could work.

I've got the option of using a room at the local mind, body and soul centre if anyone wants treatments, I pay him a set fee for any bookings. Disadvantages of this place is noise of other therapists with their clients in the other rooms, and still having to lug my stuff from the car park and up the stairs!

I've been doing mobile - I'm not sure how much longer I will do it for as I'm getting fed up with all the lugging of gear. You need to add extra time to get there, to set up, do the job, pack up and drive off, making sure you have everything packed in the car as well before and after! As you have just had a baby then I'm sure you must be pretty tired anyway, being mobile is quite physical and therefore quite tiring at times.

When I first started out I befriended the owner of my local beauty salon, asking her about courses etc gaining experience. She very kindly let me help out (mainly waxing) to gain experience and cover for holidays. I reckon this would be better for you if you have such a place near you. Hopefully all you would have to take is your nail stuff. This salon I went to either took a higher % based on using her gear or a lower % if I took mine.

It's not easy but wish you luck.

Deb379

 

[Tracie1]

Aw thank you everyone:hug: , very much.

Its given me LOADS! to think about. I really appreciate your honest and frank advice.

Yeah, Evie is my first baby (and yes, im very tired! lol!). Both grandparents are going to 'share' her while I go back to work, thats why I can only do those set days / hours.

Deb379 - How much do you think is a reasonable % to pay for rent then? I dont want to get ripped off as I havent got a clue! It didnt sound that bad to me so they may try anything on me lol!

Ozpot - its a nightmare isnt it! What course did you do then for the spray tan? Its a good idea that plus it'l get me out of the house and be able to be a normal person while I do the training!! How much could you charge then? Ive seen it advertised in salons but not for mobile. Thanx for that.

Urban Geek / Sahara - I havent got the space at home, wish I had tho. I do have a conservatory but it would be a big risk to change it into a workspace from what it is now (a dining room) then end up with no clients. mmm, worth thinking about tho.

Gosh it'l be christmas time by the time I decide!!

 

[joolz]

im going to see a room in the town centre tomorrow if i get it am hoping for thurs,fri,sat and paying 20% of takings

 

[Ozpot]

Hi Tracie
I've just been looking into it. Tantrick do a minimist which peeeerfect for mobile spray tanning, you then get a pop up cubicle too and away you go!
http://www.tantrick.biz/index.html
I must say the advice from Mandy at Tantrick has been ace, you really should have a look at this company if its something you are thinking of doing.
I think you can charge between £20-£20 for a full body, maybe about £5-£10 for face etc.....
HTH
Lorraine

 

[Tracie1]

Thanx Ozpot, il check that out in a mo. Good luck with your course xx

Joolz - 20%, thats great! il keep my fingers crossed for you. Good Luck, hope its what your looking for. Think i'l push for 20% then and see what happens!

 

[kay welch]

I think you can make more mobile but there is a lot to be said working in a salon no lugging all the kit around im mobile and building up a good client base took 2 years though people think you work 24/7 they ring and say they have broke a nail and expect you to drop everything a go round a stick a nail on like 7 miles away for 2.50 they woud'nt do that if it was a salon they would have to make an appoitment.I also hate going out at night when you have'nt worked all day and have to go and work for 3 hours so you have to see what is best for you i can pick my hours 90% of the time but maybe one day i'll have my own salon 9-5 and people working for me (heaven)

 

[joolz]

Thanx Ozpot, il check that out in a mo. Good luck with your course xx

Joolz - 20%, thats great! il keep my fingers crossed for you. Good Luck, hope its what your looking for. Think i'l push for 20% then and see what happens!

thankyou im keepin em crossed too ,i have also enquired about tantrick this morning im going to get one even if i stay mobile

 

[Deb379]

Hi

You need to work out how much change you have left after 30% has been taken out of your fee (don't forget your costs etc as well), and think are you happy with it. It you get tons of customers you may get fed up with loosing so much money.

You could always suggest a lower % to start with, explain you don't have a customer base at the moment, and would like to review things 6 months later.

Deb379

 

[lexi]

Hi,

This is a bit long, sorry.

Be careful with the 30%, when I first started I was offered a room within a private gym who asked for 25% for the first 3 months and then it was to be raised to 33%. Although it doesn't sound like an enormous chunk of money once you've worked out your tax, N.I., fuel and product cost it doesn't leave you with a great deal. I found that they were taking the same amount as I was after all the deductions and they didn't have to do the hard work for it:cry: Think carefully about the location of the property where you will be, will you gain extra clients, is there lots of surrounding competition, will clients already there want to come to you?

If you decide to go mobile try workinga few set days a week to start with as it stops you being here,there and every where and it will cut down travel time and costs as well as making it easier for you to arrange child care if needed (I have a 2yo boy and it made life a lot easier) then as you get bussier increase your number of working days.

The only down side to being mobile is finding your client base to start with, planning ahead for treatments (you could have manicures, pedicures and enhancements to do in the same day each requiring different products), travelling (you may find that you have clients that live in completely different directions which will increase travelling time) and the fact that yo can not fit as many clients in as you would if you were based somewhere but you'd probably find that once you were busy you'd earn more than in a salon and paying a 30% commission fee

Hope this helps:hug:

 

[Deb379]

Hi hun

Just another point on doing mobile, and it's not always possible. Try and make all the appointments for a particular area on a certain day and stick to it, otherwise you'll be wasting time, and petrol running about all over the place. Don't make the mistake of being overly flexible to the point you run yourself ragged, be firm with clients and say "I do Tuesdays only at xxxlocation".

Be prepared also for the client who has booked you in for a certain treatment only to get there and find they need a soak off or something else doing, which is fine if you have nothing else booked afterwards.

With new clients in particular I would always ring beforehand just to make sure they are going to be there. Book the next appointment before you leave, and try and make sure they put it in their diary.

Don't forget to think about your personal safety as well.

Although it seems rude to have your mobile ring whilst doing a treament (unless it's a massage of course and needs to be silent) you need to have your phone there in case there is a problem with your kiddie. I've made that mistake, only to find when the treatment is finished the school has been trying to get hold of me because one of mine's had an accident and gone to hospital!

I agree with Kay's comment re going out when it's dark and raining, especially the winter, I hate it. Clients do seem to think you are available just when it suits them. If you have a separate number use that for business, and only stick to your business hours to answer, otherwise you'll get them texting and ringing at all sorts of times.

Deb379

 

[black beetle]

hi everyone just been reading the posts on mobile nail tecs.just doing a nail course myself was hopeing to go mobile as were i live theirs not alot of shops of mobile nailtecs around.just enjoying reading the posts it as now put me of wanting to go mobile.as your right you have got to fit it in with the kids hols.and getting babysitters and everthing as ive got five kids and reading what most of you have said over going mobile and how hard it is i now dont know what to.should i carry my dream out and do mobile or work in a shop will it be better can eney one advise who as done mobile:Grope: thanks paula

 

[Vetty]

I'm mobile and have been for a year now - here is my opinion:

1. Yes it's hard work, but it's all mine - no rent, no-one telling me what to do or where to go.
2. It takes a while to build up a client base, but I took the decision to have a professional brand and pay a lot for my Yellow Pages ad so it all looks like more than just little 'ole me!
3. My kit lives packed and I can grab it and go. Also, I work mainly from my box so setting up/packing away is quick (in fact usually when I'm chatting with my client....)
4. I can choose when I work and where I work, so can group clients together where I can or choose a night off if I want to.
5. Working evenings is a pain in the **** and I can't wait til I can do less of them - but hey, I need to at the moment..... and if you don't want to then restict the amount you do.
6. I can pick my kids up from school, go to sports day, have my hair cut, so my shopping etc. around my clients and if I say I'm busy no-one knows what I'm actually doing!!

All in all, being mobile suits me. I don't pay any rent, what I earn is mine. I get to see different people in different surroundings. My clients (mostly!) make me drinks, and make me very welcome. It's not all negative, but doesn't
suit all people.

HTH's

 

[lexi]

Vetty is very right :wink2: , becoming a mobile tech is extremely hard but definately has it's rewards if you work hard. Don't forget you will need to spend a little to gain.

You need to have a good think about how much of SOMEONE ELSE'S input you want seeing as you mentioned that the lady you're talking too is somewhat headstrong and then you'll probably get your answer:hug:

 

[SheerIndulgence]

Hi guys, first time here exploring the site and came across this thread.

I have been working on a mobile basis for several years as well as working freelance for a couple of salons in my area as and when I was needed. However, I did find that working in a salon people got to know me and this helped in attracting new clients. I paid 30% to the salons, but on some days I was booked solid all day and earned more than if I had been mobile on that day.

I personally prefer working in a salon (about to open my own at the end of this month!!) as when people knew where I was and what services I could offer (also specialise in Reflexology and anti-ageing facials) no advertising was needed as the clients did it all for me. So this helped with regard to advertising.

Like what was said in an earlier post, you need to bear in mind the type of working relationship you would have with the `boss` of the salon. One of the drawbacks I found was that although I was working as self employed and quite entitled to work the hours that met with the clients needs, the owner was happy to go off on her holidays and expect all the self-employed staff to keep her shop open 24 hours (felt like it!!) a day while she was away. Maybe if you agreed up front a certain number of hours/days that you would like to do this would help set the boundaries? Although I mentioned 30% earlier, this the going rate in my area. Another suggestion might be to rent the space for say £50 a week to be reviewed once your client base is established in 3-6 months time?

I hope this has helped(??) and I haven`t shown myself up on my first posting!!

Shelley

 

[Susie H]

Just a point:lol: If you don't ask you don't get.
When I started the tech who had just left took all her clients with her, which I thought was fair but it did mean I was starting from scratch, so the boss and I worked a deal that all the time i ran my special offers I was rent free. I did this for three weeks and then changed from dirt cheep special offer to 25% of next treatment for any of my ladies who intrudused a friend. At that point I started paying 25% for all treatments except my speciel ladies.
Ask for the free bee to start with, and be helpfull, if I've got nothing on I quiet often serve behind the retail counter, I always chat to my customers about the other services offered by the buissness and lend a hand at clean up time. That sort of good will when some one else is busy means that when I am flat out some one always makes sure I have a cup of tea or what ever else I need:lol:
I do mobile as well, but keep that for peeps who can't get into the shop or cant get a child minder. What ever you do remember to keep every single receipt Keep a record of your car milage and all car expencese and pay a book keeper to sort it all out for at least the first year so that you know what you can claim for and what not. Its not difficult, you just need to be organised. One way or another I have been my own boss for the last 5 years and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[barbienails]

Morning Geeks!

I need your advice ...

Are you sitting comfortably? Heres my story:
After finishing a boring admin job in Mar05 due to pregnancy I decided to do the sculpted acrylics course with Essential Nails. It was great (i'd really recommend it) and I qualified in Aug05 (just over a week before my baby was due lol!).
Anyway money is running out now :sad: so I will have to return to work very soon (once iv sorted myself out!).

I had the chance of renting a space in a hair salon, giving 30%, i turned it down as she wanted too much control - I want it to be my venture & to be able to do my own hours to work around my baby. So... this is the reason why i thought mobile would be good.

But now I cant decide!

Do you mobile techs get lots of evening appointments? im also worried about building up my clients. Where as in a salon I would more than likely have a few ready clients.

Would anyone be able to offer their opinion as I dont know what would be best for me

Sorry if your now asleep! :zzz: :lol:
I'd really appreciate your advice pleeeeaase.
Thanx Geeks

P.S I want to work if poss Monday alternate between full & half days, half day tues & wed (p.m)one late night a week and half day sat due to child care - thanx xxHi chick just curious what did you decide I've always been in salons untill recently I went mobile for a bit but you have to make it worth your while (petrol,products and still try and make profit) Alot of people was phoning for £5 eyebrow shapes and they lived miles away and if I did a set of nails I would think that was worth my while but then you have to come back and do the infills £15 which barely covered my time, petrol, products!!! Now I am renting a room Thurs,fri and trying to make that work alongside teaching. Hope this has helped alixxxx