Want to use OPI polish on my clients - do I need to train with OPI to do this???

[missgelfling]

I trained with Magnetics and they stock their own nail polishes and also Creative polishes. I really love the OPI nail polishes and they have some gorgeous shades for brides which is a market I want to work in (my parents sell bridal tiaras and do alot of wedding fayres etc and I go with them to help sell and advertise, but now I will be joining them and advertising myself too.)
Would I have to go on a conversion course with OPI so that I can buy nail polishes from them at cost? I don't really want to convert from Magnetics because I really like their products too!!
I'm sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but on the OPI website it doesn't say anything about buying the polishes (apart from the retail ones). And I have only just started out on my own so am new to all this!!!
Many thanks
xx

 

[Ophala]

i trained with OPI - i wouldn't have thought you'd need to do a conversion just to use the lacquers. maybe ring them to find out and to get registered on their order system? i was registered from when i started training with them so not sure how u do it

hth xx

 

[TraceyJoJo]

If you have a local Sally's or Capital, just take your certificates along to them and they will issue you with a Trade card. You can then buy OPI polishes from them at trade prices.

 

[missgelfling]

Thanks Sophie, I hoped I wouldn't have to do a conversion course as it seems a little bit crazy, just for the sake of using their nail lacquers!!!
I'll give them a call and find out.
Thanks again!

 

[missgelfling]

If you have a local Sally's or Capital, just take your certificates along to them and they will issue you with a Trade card. You can then buy OPI polishes from them at trade prices.

Hi Tracey, yes I do have a Sally's local to me, infact one of my hairdressing friends has just starting working there!!
Do you know if they can order polishes in if they don't have the ones you need in stock? Whenever I have been in Sally's they seem to only have a limited range of OPI nail lacquers.
Also. do they need proof that I am a mobile nail technician as I have only just started out and am not registered as self-employed yet!
Thanks!

 

[TraceyJoJo]

Not sure about ordering specific ones in as I've never asked to be honest. Maybe ask your friend?

You dont need to prove that you are a registered business, just that you have passed a recognised course in nails. I took along my EzFlow certificate and that was accepted, so just take your one with you and it should be fine xx

 

[missgelfling]

Thanks Tracey!! I am seeing my friend on Tuesday for my roots doing! So I will ask her about it then. In the meantime, I'm going to go shopping for nail polishes!!!
Thanks again for all your help!

 

[nailzoo]

i dont think you would have to train to use their polishes ...... they are nice, but as a professional in Australia, I don't/won't use them because they are available in deaprtment stores here

 

[missgelfling]

i dont think you would have to train to use their polishes ...... they are nice, but as a professional in Australia, I don't/won't use them because they are available in deaprtment stores here

I think its the same in America too, but over here, you can only buy from wholesalers etc - or thats what I've been lead to believe!
Which polishes do you use?

 

[Marlise]

I think its the same in America too, but over here, you can only buy from wholesalers etc - or thats what I've been lead to believe!
Which polishes do you use?

Hi,

You can get OPI nail enamels pretty much everywhere, especially on the web. You can also buy them via QVC.

I don't think OPI is as exclusive as some other major professional brands.


Marlise

 

[Nicki-Marie]

I use OPI polishes in the salon and have no problem retailing them, I have loyal clients who purchase from me rather than other sources. For example today after one lady had her nails painted, 5 of her friends commented on them and purchased the same colour as they loved it so much.

Lena White are the UK distributors its worth giving them a ring. Heres the number 01923 240 010. I wasnt required to do any kind of conversion course. Its ok to use their laquers

Hope this helps!

 

[JuicyLucy]

Nicki-Marie is right. You can buy OPI polish direct from Lena White in the UK. Is true that they sell OPI on QVC (really expensive though) and in some big department stores like Harrods and Selfridges. In my opinion this only adds to its exclusive nature when your clients see it in your salon. Plus its effectively free advertising for any salon that stocks it.

Lena White also have their own retail website - not sure how this is seen as fair trading, as I don't understand how they can be a retailer and a distributor - but there you go.

The amount of salons and sellers on ebay that sell one bottle at a time tells you how popular a brand it is with the public.

I stock only OPI polish and I sell loads per week. Under-cut the big boys by 50p per bottle and you will still be making a decent profit and ensure that the clients buy from you. The retail displays they sell look great in the salon.

 

[Ashleybstarr]

I dont know about the uk but here in Canada you can buy opi at the chemist just like any other brand. They have branched out over here, but of course if you dont have a card of certification as a nail tech,stylist or esthetician (skin care specialist) then you have to pay full price.

 

[missgelfling]

I use OPI polishes in the salon and have no problem retailing them, I have loyal clients who purchase from me rather than other sources. For example today after one lady had her nails painted, 5 of her friends commented on them and purchased the same colour as they loved it so much.

Lena White are the UK distributors its worth giving them a ring. Heres the number 01923 240 010. I wasnt required to do any kind of conversion course. Its ok to use their laquers

Hope this helps!

Hi Nicki-Marie, thanks for the information - I love OPI and I think even the names of the lacquers are a conversation point. I know when I worked at a salon that used OPI, the clients loved reading the names fo the lacquers!!
Aside that, the colours sell themselves! I will give them a call, only trouble is choosing which colours to get, they are all so nice! Do you have to place a minimum order?

 

[Beautyandme]

HI, you can just phone them up and place a trade order. I think its a minimum of £50.00. bye

 

[gemmamarie]

Hi, I go to my local salleys and Aston and Fincher and I have always been able to buy any nail polishes that they stock. I received a trade card at Salleys by showing them a beauty therapy cert and was able to shop in Aston and Fincher by showing a cert of insurance. On 1 occasion Salleys ordered me in 3 different nail polish colours as I needed some for a particular event. xxx
hope this helps

 

[*Emma*]

Hi,

You do not have to have trained with OPI to buy their lacquers. You can call and order over the telephone (01923 240010). The lacquers are available in Sally's/Capital etc but they do not have the full range of colour so best to go via Lena White (the UK distributor).

HTH

Emma x

 

[Nicki-Marie]

Yep I dont think i can count how many times ive had conversations about the lacquers names! One of the OPI reps often comes to visit me to show me new bits and pieces and im always struggling to choose what colours! I can always let you know what colours ive found to be popular if you do need any help. The minimum order is £50 which i can easily spend each time i order