As a custom nail artist and accredited educator, I've navigated the intricate world of nail art for years. One of the most crucial lessons I've learned along the way is the importance of pricing nail art correctly. It's not just about assigning a random number to your services; it's about understanding the value of your craft, respecting your time, and ensuring the sustainability of your business. Let me take you on a journey through my own experiences to illustrate why getting your pricing right matters more than you might think.
Early in my career, I made the mistake of undercharging for my nail art services. At first, it seemed like a great way to attract clients and build my portfolio. However, as time went on, this left me overwhelmed with work and underwhelmed by my income - leading to increased anxiety and eventually, burnout! This was due to me pouring hours of heavy detail into each design, only to receive a fraction of what it was worth. My passion for nail art began to dwindle as I struggled to make ends meet while having endless overheads in my salon.
Not only did undercharging impact my financial stability, but it also took a toll on my confidence, creativity and mental health. I found myself opting for simpler designs, limiting the intricate artwork requests, and just not excited about the nails I was creating. My once-thriving business began to suffer as clients want looking for other alternatives or stopped getting their nails done altogether. It was a wake-up call that forced me to re-evaluate my pricing approach.
Through trial and error, the following processes were put into place several ways to avoid the same trap in the future:
Knowing Your Worth:Â Assess the value of your skills, expertise, and time. Consider factors such as the complexity of designs, materials used, and the level of customisation you offer. Â Don't forget to include overhead costs such as materials, tools, training rent, and utilities when calculating your prices. Your goal is to turn a profit.
Know Your Target Audience: Understand your ideal audiences needs and preferences. Tailor your pricing to match their level of expectations and willingness to pay for quality nail art services - many are happy to pay over £100 for bespoke nail designs!
Have a Minimum Charge:Â Set a minimum service charge to cover your time and overhead costs, even for simple nail art requests and quick nail repairs. This ensures that you're not undervaluing your work for smaller jobs.
Tiered Pricing Based on Complexity:Â Have a tiered pricing structure based on the complexity of designs. Give intricate masterpieces higher prices since they demand more time and skill, then keep your simpler designs more affordable.
Value-Added Services:Â Consider offering value-added services such as nail design consultations, aftercare tips, or maintenance packages to enhance the overall customer experience and justify your pricing.
Communicate your Value:Â Educate your clients about the time, effort, and skill involved in creating each nail art design. Help them understand why your prices are fair and justified.
Regularly Review and Adjust:Â Keep a close eye on your finances and client feedback to identify any areas for improvement or adjustment in your pricing strategy.
By implementing these strategies, I was able to regain control of my business, charge over £100 for more intricate designs, rekindle my passion for nail art, and attract clients who valued premium over price. You can also see more in my Pricing to Perfection E-Book in my store.
Remember, pricing your nails isn't just about making money; it's about honoring your craft, respecting your worth, and building a sustainable and thriving business for the long haul. So, fellow nail artists, let's charge for nail art correctly and watch our businesses flourish like never before.
Feel free to share with another nail tech who should charge their worth.
Love you all,
Kerrie | Nzuri Nails & Academy