In answer to "what system do client's want"... well, I have two replies:
1- they don't know what system because they don't know enough to tell one from another nor do they know what would suit them best
2- they want the system that will deliver satisfaction.
Having said that, despite my living in a province where Tip-n-dip is all the rage in salons, and L&P is the only thing offered by the NSS; I still manage success with UV Gel.
In truth, clients want a good service and a system that will give them the look that they want and the strength in their enhancement that meets the challenges of their lifestyle. It is not a one-size fits all.
Hence why I now offer 3 different systems, and hopefully by 2011; FOUR (adding wraps to the list).
THAT is what they want. SATISFACTION. Most don't know the difference between A & B & C... AND those that think they do have likely been mislead. There are very few that truly know one system from another.
On another note:
I live in a blue collar town, rampant with NSS.
When I first started out in this town, I undercut the NSS to get people's attention. BIG MISTAKE (because now... I can't raise my prices too quickly to what they should be, or else freak the regular clients).
But 5 years later, after having built a name for myself and a solid reputation; I now charge more than the NSS and I still have newbies show up regularly. The hours that I recently added to my schedule (now that both children are in school full time since this september) are filling up slowly but surely with regulars.
My full set is 10$ more than that at the NSS, as are my refills and rebalances. All my services are more expensive than the NSS.
AND I take twice as long as the NSS (my 1.5-2hrs vs their 30-60min) including art.
When I get around to adding L&P to the menu, you can bet that it will be priced appropriately and higher than my UV Gel (with a special introductory offer of course...) and although clients are WELL aware of this fact, I have SEVERAL that are frothing at the mouth waiting for me to master L&P and offer them hollywoods & rockstars & fades & 3D's, etc....
They are more than willing to pay the higher price.
WHY?????????
QUALITY
One word. That's it.
Once word gets out that you offer quality, YOU WILL get the clients, no matter the system and no matter that you charge more than NSS.
Believe in yourself and don't sell yourself short. Don't sell your services short either!!
I don't know about anyone else, but I personally want to make more than the burger-flipper at McDonalds. I am far more educated and far more skilled than he/she is.
My only regret? Not listening to Gigi in the first place when I first read one of her posts about selling myself short.
Hindsight is such a useless trait.
I don't dare compare myself to her skills and talents, and there are several other techs here that blow me out of the water.
BUT, I know I'm the best locally. And so do my clients. That's why they keep coming back. That's why they keep referring.
Give your client's QUALITY and they'll come back every time.
Irregardless of the system, and irregardless of the prices.
:hug:
The reason 'silk' nails got such a hold in the area is because years ago there was ONE technician who used it before anyone else did nails in the area and she litterally brainwashed ladies in that area to have 'silk' ... that it was better for nails than L&P .. the usual BS frankly, but it worked and 'silk' reigned supreem in Sheffield and women know it and ask for it.
