Thinking about closing

[Wonda]

i do feel for everyone that is not doing well but you have to persevere and know that you have given it your all! really get yourself out there, make sure that you look the part ie if you do nails make sure you have something eye catching on your nails, if you do tans make sure you have a tan etc..... for me this is how i not only gain new clients but get existing clients to have more than just plain shellac or bio scuplture nails, i usually have some sort of nail art/design/effect on my ring fingers and maybe my thumbs and when clients see they want something too which costs a little more. Upselling is just as lucrative as gaining more clients.......if i can get every client in a day to spend a few extra pounds each then that adds up to the same if id had an extra client for the day.

so even if i only have 4 clients in a day but can get each one to either have some nail art/design which costs an extra few pounds and buy some retail off me it could work out to an extra £20 which over a week is am extra £100 so imagine if you could upsell more. Plus when their friends see how good there nails are even just with a ring finger design but because its eye catching they ask where they got their nails done and voila new clients aswell!

You are totally right, however, I have a website, Facebook page, yell advert, gumtree advert & I do my own nails every other week with bold designs on, so the salon manager/hairdressers as its in her interest to sell me, however I wish I had "only 4 clients in a day" ..... That's be a great day for me, at the moment I'm luck to get 1 a day !!


As sad as it is that the OP has decided to have a break, I bet you now feel a little happier.

 

[british.jem]

I'm done so tired. I think I have lost my spark for sure and I need to get excited about something again. I'm thinking if I close for the moment and think of something to come back with a bang?! Lol! X

I hope you find your sparkle again soon! :hug:

 

[Beautygirl1977]

Well it's out! I can't believe the amount of messages I've had from people. Not sure what I'll do now. Feel so sad

 

[Petit Basque]

I can't sleep. All I can think about is how unhappy I'm feeling. I started my beauty business a year past July and I was really busy. I worked from a home salon but I moved to rent a room in a hair salon a few months ago. Anyway it was a bad move. I've got involved in staff issues etc. I'm not making money and every Tom, dick & Harry seem to be doing nails/beauty!
Even my own sister in law has bought Gelish online and doing it herself!
Everywhere I go/look people are obsessed with nails and its doing my head in!
I just don't know what to do? Help please? X
Nail/. beauty!

I'm a beauty and massage therapist who offers the usual array of treatments except for...NAILS!!!...and I'm getting busier every month. Personally, I don't think there is the money in nails now...the market is flooded with cheaper products from Ebay, little chinese nail bars on the corner of every street and so called "qualified" nail technicians offering services far far cheaper than you will ever to be able to afford to.

I think perhaps the first mistake was to leave your home salon, especially as you were so busy then so the first thing I think you should do is resurrect it and let the clients you had then know you are back!

I specialise in advanced facials and skin rejuvenation and offer a bespoke service to each client, depending on their needs. These clients book back in each month without fail and are spending far more on these treatments than they would on nails. Offering a specialist service sets you apart from other salons and although I'm not saying you should necessarily specialise in facials, there may be a service that not everyone is offering in your part of the world that you could either offer or do better than everyone else.

Have a think about the typical client profile you had when you were at home and busy...were they younger, middle aged or older...what were the most popular treatments. Have a think about who you want your typical client to be....mine are pretty much 45+ with plenty of disposable income and free time to come and have their anti-ageing treatments!! It may give you a direction to take your business in.

Personally, I would also steer clear of spray tanning as this is another treatment that the market appears to be saturated with. If you want to carry on with nails then think about how you can enhance and improve your service to tempt the clients back to you....its' not always about price with clients....in my experience clients don't actually mind paying a little more for a better service.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you, it must be a really horrible experience but I think the main problem now is that you have lost your confidence and belief in your business along with it.

Take some time out, do some market research, see what other salons and therapists are offering and whether or not there is a gap in the market for either new treatments or new ways of providing existing treatments which will prove more attractive to clients.

Don't make the mistake of lowering your prices....it just looks cheap and desperate. If anything, enhance your services, increase your prices and aim your services at a more affluent client base.

All the best and let us know how you get on....

Hugs :hug:
PB
x

 

[souz]

You are totally right, however, I have a website, Facebook page, yell advert, gumtree advert & I do my own nails every other week with bold designs on, so the salon manager/hairdressers as its in her interest to sell me, however I wish I had "only 4 clients in a day" ..... That's be a great day for me, at the moment I'm luck to get 1 a day !!


ok let me see if i can help??a different perspective is always good to have? what is your target market? what kind of salon are you in?how long have you been open?

you say you do bold designs on your nails but is that what people are wanting? I only do my ring finger and generally something thats eyecatching without being ott.

 

[souz]

I'm a beauty and massage therapist who offers the usual array of treatments except for...NAILS!!!...and I'm getting busier every month. Personally, I don't think there is the money in nails now...the market is flooded with cheaper products from Ebay, little chinese nail bars on the corner of every street and so called "qualified" nail technicians offering services far far cheaper than you will ever to be able to afford to.

I think perhaps the first mistake was to leave your home salon, especially as you were so busy then so the first thing I think you should do is resurrect it and let the clients you had then know you are back!

I specialise in advanced facials and skin rejuvenation and offer a bespoke service to each client, depending on their needs. These clients book back in each month without fail and are spending far more on these treatments than they would on nails. Offering a specialist service sets you apart from other salons and although I'm not saying you should necessarily specialise in facials, there may be a service that not everyone is offering in your part of the world that you could either offer or do better than everyone else.

Have a think about the typical client profile you had when you were at home and busy...were they younger, middle aged or older...what were the most popular treatments. Have a think about who you want your typical client to be....mine are pretty much 45+ with plenty of disposable income and free time to come and have their anti-ageing treatments!! It may give you a direction to take your business in.

Personally, I would also steer clear of spray tanning as this is another treatment that the market appears to be saturated with. If you want to carry on with nails then think about how you can enhance and improve your service to tempt the clients back to you....its' not always about price with clients....in my experience clients don't actually mind paying a little more for a better service.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you, it must be a really horrible experience but I think the main problem now is that you have lost your confidence and belief in your business along with it.

Take some time out, do some market research, see what other salons and therapists are offering and whether or not there is a gap in the market for either new treatments or new ways of providing existing treatments which will prove more attractive to clients.

Don't make the mistake of lowering your prices....it just looks cheap and desperate. If anything, enhance your services, increase your prices and aim your services at a more affluent client base.

All the best and let us know how you get on....

Hugs :hug:
PB
x

i agree with some of what you said about the nail and tanning industry being saturated with newbies who have done a quick course to earn an extra buck BUT i have to disagree that there is no money in nails.

I specialise my home salon in Nails, i love nails and am very passionate about what i do. Local salons dont have the experience that i have having been in the industry for 15 years. I offer far more nail services than anywhere local to me and thats what makes me different. I recently did a survey and none of my clients are interested in me bringing in other treatments ( i offer waxing, tinitng and spray tans but am qualified in all beauty and some holistics). My clients love the fact that i stay on trend with nails and always have something different to offer.

I believe that if you are passionate about something that shines through so it doesnt matter which treatment you choose as long as its one you love, the minute you start talking to clients about your chosen passion they know that you arent just there to take their money and show them the door, they know they are going to more than get their moneys worth and they dont mind paying a little extra for that. Thats what brings clients back time and time again xxx

 

[Petit Basque]

Sorry Souz no offence intended!!

However you are doing nails in a clever way by actually offering an enhanced service rather than a standard service and I bet your home salon is lovely.

The point I was trying to make is that you are more likely to succeed if you offer something of a higher standard and in a better way.

Clearly you have it right because you are doing so well.

PB
X

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[souz]

Sorry Souz no offence intended!!

However you are doing nails in a clever way by actually offering an enhanced service rather than a standard service and I bet your home salon is lovely.

The point I was trying to make is that you are more likely to succeed if you offer something of a higher standard and in a better way.

Clearly you have it right because you are doing so well.

PB
X

Sent from my GT-I9100 using SalonGeek

no offence was taken hun, we are all entitled to our opinions. I was agreeing with what you said essentially just wasnt sure how others would read that nails wasnt a business! and you are definitely right that we do have to offer that something a little more, even i like to think i am getting more for my money and a more personal service! Lets face it if we all specialised in nails then there really would be a problem!

im glad that you found what you love and concentrate on that and that you are doing well...just goes to show in this present climate it can be done!xxx

 

[Beautygirl1977]

Liking your input ladies! Well I only do soak off gel not enhancements but if I decided to go down the nail route I want to convert to CND (I was booked to go ages ago but ended up cancelling because of lack of funds) and do enhancements etc too. Or it's Dermalogica facials I do so I could go on more courses with them or do body massage or something too.
I'm not sure about having spray tan in my house because its so messy and a few people have mentioned me being mobile and I actually have a booking for Friday with that already! Although not sure if I could cope with that. What's everyone think please? X

 

[Laurachicgeek]

i do feel for everyone that is not doing well but you have to persevere and know that you have given it your all! really get yourself out there, make sure that you look the part ie if you do nails make sure you have something eye catching on your nails, if you do tans make sure you have a tan etc..... for me this is how i not only gain new clients but get existing clients to have more than just plain shellac or bio scuplture nails, i usually have some sort of nail art/design/effect on my ring fingers and maybe my thumbs and when clients see they want something too which costs a little more. Upselling is just as lucrative as gaining more clients.......if i can get every client in a day to spend a few extra pounds each then that adds up to the same if id had an extra client for the day.

so even if i only have 4 clients in a day but can get each one to either have some nail art/design which costs an extra few pounds and buy some retail off me it could work out to an extra £20 which over a week is am extra £100 so imagine if you could upsell more. Plus when their friends see how good there nails are even just with a ring finger design but because its eye catching they ask where they got their nails done and voila new clients aswell!

Hi souz I've got to ask when you first used shellac on yourself did you ever struggle to put it on? I'm opening my own beauty room in march but when ever I do shellac on myself it takes ages and starts to come off after a couple of days ill admit I've got a part time cleaning job in the evenings to make ends meet but I wear gloves. I'm so worried clients will think I'm rubbish if my nails don't look spot on.

 

[Macoroni]

I agree with a lot of what's been said on here. I have had a salon for twelve years and in that time a lot has changed. I feal that there are a lot of people doing short courses and a lot of people under cutting prices to make a quick buck. I have another four years before I retire and do part time work and I am going to give it my best shot as in keeping high end and specialising. I think for me it has always been about lack of money having high standards re products and decor and not having any back up with advertising and Admin. I hope you manage to sort your dilemma out I've been there more than once it is horrible. I don't really like the way beauty is anymore its back biting under cutting less clients due to over saturation and am retraining over the best four years. I feal it's a shame but nowadays you need a lot of money to do it well and a back up team to do advertising marketing etc good luck if you need time out take it. I took three years out dud a degree and then re entered xxxxx

 

[Laurachicgeek]

Ps sorry to but in on the conversation . I really hope you can find a way through this difficult time. I'm mobile and only had 5 people this month! I got myself a part time cleaning job which is great! It pays the bills and I'm less stressed as I was maybe something part time just to help you along (for now) will help. best of luck.and big hugs x

 

[Beautygirl1977]

That's the thing it's the most expensive products I use. I totally refuse to buy anything from eBay! My dad told me everyone else is doing it and i should too but I refuse! X

 

[Haylo_Therapies]

I am sending over a massive virtual hug...:hug:

Everything will always work itself out as long as you want it to.

I hope you can find the answers you need. xx

Sent from my GT-I9100 using SalonGeek

 

[souz]

Hi souz I've got to ask when you first used shellac on yourself did you ever struggle to put it on? I'm opening my own beauty room in march but when ever I do shellac on myself it takes ages and starts to come off after a couple of days ill admit I've got a part time cleaning job in the evenings to make ends meet but I wear gloves. I'm so worried clients will think I'm rubbish if my nails don't look spot on.

to be honest hun ive never struggled with it. are you prepping really well as that really is key to longevity of the product, also make sure just before youput in the lamp to quickly recap the edges with whatever is left on your brush. If its not lasting try doing 2 top coats for now until brisa lite comes outxx

 

[souz]

That's the thing it's the most expensive products I use. I totally refuse to buy anything from eBay! My dad told me everyone else is doing it and i should too but I refuse! X

stick to what you believe and you cant go wrong. The only things i buy from ebay are my nail art wheels as you get loads for pennies and means i can do lots of nail art!

Cut back on what you are spending on products, only buy what you NEED not what you want. Find the best deals for your consumables, every penny you can save will help.

advertise where you can, offer your services to local schools and groups, have a website, make sure people can text or email you for appts (this is much easier for people to do at work!)xx

 

[essentia]

The industry has changed whether we like it or not. Unfortunately with some treatments having a 'low barrier to entry' the market gets flooded with hobbyists and those who do a short course. I agree with becoming more specialised. I do far more offering electrolysis - not many compete with years of experience, qualifications and having an expensive Apilus machine. It raises the bar so to speak and I guess that is what you will have to do to succeed in this industry.

 

[Sarah22]

Awwwww I really do feel for you. Try not to give up :-(

If you're taking a few days out, use this time to rest and try and get your enthusiasm back!! It's such a bad time of the year, everywhere... The shops are dead, even McDonalds is dead!! Don't take it to heart. I agree with moving back to your home salon, it obviously worked for you before.

When I'm feeling a bit disheartened, I come on here, I look through YouTube and google for nail designs and inspiration, and I use the time to get feedback from existing clients on what they would like me to offer. Do you have a facebook page for your salon? Try running something to get new clients in, something like 10% off for all new clients? It's an incentive to book in and clients like a discount, but 10% isn't really that much for you to lose out on. Don't forget it's Valentines Day soon, a great opportunity to advertise the sale of gift vouchers!!

Hope you're ok...

Chin up, lots of love xx

 

[BizGirl]

Hi, I agree with Lynne's comments and first and foremost, you need to get your stability sorted in terms of income - whether it be paid part time work or even moving the salon back home it that's an option. That way, you can relax with that off your mind and really start to assess and reflect on your business.

It's great that you have a passion for nails and so you should stick with that, but find a point of difference to set yourself apart and focus on a target market. Provide value (added services and/or information to your 'offering' that are cheap to produce and offer but very valuable to your clients) and that way, you won't need to discount your prices.

I'd be really happy to have a quick offline chat (email or skype) to help you with your thinking/marketing. It's what I do for a living and there would be no charge and absolutely no element at all for anything ongoing. Just want to help - and if you'd rather not, then no hard feelings whatsoever

 

[NiCshairstudio]

Heya hun,

Im from hair but the hair and beauty industry seems to be taking a knock last year, some are lucky to be growing, most staying the same and then others struggling

If you have moved to rent the space and its not working for you, to save your passion and business you may be better going back to your home salon, don't see it as a step back if this has crossed your mind,its not at all!! Worst case you may lose a couple from mivig bacjD but you will gain on the amount you had before so kinda win, and with your happiness and passion back customers will pick up on this!

Use your time off to decide your course of action, if you stay have a meeting with the owner and l/or staff and express your concerns and issues, if you decide to leave, how to go about advising your customers without slagging the salon off (i.e. How you feel about the place, people, just that its not right for you just now and want to be able to concentrate more on giving your customers a brilliant service, and feel you can give more time from your home salon), what promotions and offers you are going to do when, what marketing you want to do and how etc.

Whatever you decide make sure you believe in your choice otherwise it yill take longer to settle and will b more damaging than good if you believe in it your customers will

Good luck hun, don't give up though, find your heart again

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