Trying to open a Nail Salon - looking for feedback and a mentor

[theblissfulcure]

All -

As you can see, I'm new to this forum. I'm in the process of trying to open an upscale nail salon (yes, even in THIS economy) and would LOVE to find a "mentor".

Also, from all of my research (I am not a nail tech), it seems most techs get paid strictly on commision, with some opting to do the "booth rent" thing (atleast this is true, here in the States). I also understand that it is VERY challenging to not only find, but KEEP good nail techs. Why is this?

Can you tell me if the following things I plan to offer are good "attractors" for finding and keeping quality nail techs:

- Competitive hourly rate plus 10% commision on retail products sold
- Extensive sales coaching to help them get comfortable selling
- An annual "retention bonus" (at 3-4% of annual sales brought in)...this bonus will be paid at their 1 year anniversary of full-time employment.

Thanks in advance for your wonderful feedback!

 

[Scratchers]

it is sssoooo hard finding staff and keeping them the most hardest thing in business i think......i went self employed after nearly 2 and a half years of being employed manly because i felt that was being used so they could have more time off with no thanks i was putting in the hours and not seeing anything at the end.

another good incentive is training maybe if they have done well and they would like to learn something different you could get someone to come in and teach them for a day??? just a thought as training is key to you and them!!

i use to get my hourly wage and then 10% on what i took that day which included sales and appointments..

its so tough to get it right hun which is one of the reasons that i haven't yet taken anyone on....

hope this sheds some light for you :hug:

 

[theblissfulcure]

Thanks Scratchers, this is PRECISELY the type of feedback I was looking for. I do plan to try and offer some sort of education, be it someone coming in or offering to pay a small percentage towards attending a trade show class/seminar or something like that.

I also plan to have weekly one on one meetings with each tech so they can feel like they have a voice and forum for expressing their concerns. I want them to advance, because as you said, their doing so it crucial to my business as well as their career.