A guide to starting a mobile nail business

To go mobile or not to go mobile? That is the question – and for a growing number of nail technicians, the answer is a resounding yes. Trading the expenses of a traditional salon for the open road is an attractive proposition for many.

Whether you’re a newly qualified nail tech weighing up your options, or an industry veteran looking to change direction, read on to immerse in expert insight on how to reap the rewards of the mobile model.

Legal lessons

Just as with any business, there are legal requirements that must be dealt with before you can begin working. These are designed to protect you and your clients – and putting them in place from the start will save you considerable stress down the line.

Licensing

You will need:

Insurance

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Practical pointers

From budgeting basics and vehicle choices to must-have equipment and hygiene essentials, here are the practical things you need to know before launching your mobile nail business.

Invest to impress

UK beauty wholesaler, SalonServe, estimates that, while startup costs ‘depend on your chosen business model and service range’, realistically, a mobile nail tech setup can cost between £800-£2,500. However, expenses can differ depending on factors including whether quality training is needed, so ensuring you have sufficient funds is essential when starting out.

You need to be able to cover costs including licensing, insurance, nail supplies, transport, fuel and any paid marketing – as well as a financial buffer for quieter periods while you build your client base.

Road ready

The make and model of your business vehicle should be based on practicality and personal preference. “I drive my family car,” says Jade Thornhill. “I have an SUV, so the boot is a good size for my kit. However, depending on the size of your supplies, a smaller car might be more economical.”

Gemma Riley adds: “The main thing is that your car is reliable and has enough room to store your products. You’ll probably spend a lot of time driving, so comfort and practicality matter.”

It is important to consider how far you are willing to travel, as this dictates how much of your working day is spent behind the wheel. “I work within a set radius from where I live,” Gemma reveals. “I have found that keeping my client base fairly local is beneficial.”

Stela Angelova concurs, revealing: “I travel no more than five miles or 15 minutes from my home. This means I can fit in my target number of appointments each working day.”

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Tools of the trade

Aside from skill, a good nail kit is imperative to a successful nail business. Reliable tools and high-quality products will allow for more efficient services and superior results.

“Build a kit of products and equipment that suits the client experience you want to offer,” says Jade Thornhill. “For example, I aim to create a luxury experience, so I bring a portable nail table, rather than setting up on clients’ kitchen tables.”

Clare Woodcock shares: “Be prepared to invest in a high-quality kit, so you don’t have to replace items as often.” Her mobile nail kit recommendations include:

1. Product trolley: “I’ve had my ZÜCA Sport Artist Trolley for six years and it’s still going strong.”
2. Kit bags: “I have different kit bags for different services. For example, I have one dedicated to my pedicure products, as well as a large tote bag which carries foldable stools.”
3. Protective table mats: “If you’re working from a client’s home, you don’t want to spill acetone, IPA or gel polish on their furniture.”
4. Lighting: “You should never rely on clients’ home lighting. Instead, invest in durable, portable lamps from brands such as The Daylight Company.”

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Squeaky-clean standards

Health & safety is of paramount importance when it comes to nail services, and the on-the-go nature of mobile working may necessitate taking extra measures.

“You need multiple sets of nail tools,” says Stela Angelova. “Though I use disposable tools as much as possible, such as files and buffers, I carry more than one set of metal tools, so I can easily use a fresh set for every client.”

Jade Thornhill adds: “I carry bin bags for rubbish, clean dust filters for every client, as well as hygiene sprays and wipes. After every appointment, I spray and wipe down everything I have touched.”

At the end of each working day, reusable tools should be disinfected and sterilised as per industry standards and product manufacturer instructions. “I thoroughly clean my nail tools after every appointment,” says Gergana Yozova. “I disinfect them, sterilise them in an autoclave, then store them in single use sterilisation pouches. This keeps the tools protected and clean until their next use.”

Extraction equipment pick

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Stay connected

“Being a mobile nail tech offers independence, but it also means you’re on your own a lot,” details Amy Hide. “Here are my top tips for battling workplace isolation:

1. “Schedule breaks in pleasant locations, instead of in your car. Pop into a friend’s house for a coffee or take a stroll in a local park.
2. “Connect and stay in touch with other techs through social media or by attending in-person networking and education events.
3. “Work around people where possible. Have an admin afternoon in a cafe or members’ space. You don’t have to speak to anyone, but simply being around people’s energy can be comforting.”

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Marketing masterclass

When it comes to filling your schedule, knowing how to sell your services is key. “Word of mouth is really powerful,” says Clare Woodcock. “Having an online presence is also essential, alongside client reviews.”

Stela Angelova highly recommends Facebook as a place to build client connections. “I believe it’s the most powerful tool for nail businesses,” she notes. “I grew my client base mainly through Facebook, where marketing didn’t cost me anything, and now my schedule is full two months in advance.”

It’s crucial that you don’t stop marketing your services when you have secured appointments. “Once clients have booked, it’s important to show them that you really care about their nails,” Stela shares. “Excellent skills and attention to detail breed loyalty.”

Gergana Yozova promotes her nail business in an innovative way, and shares: “Alongside social media, I feature branded stickers on my car. These include my phone number and the services I offer, which helps people notice my business when I’m out and about.”

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The price is right

Charging your worth is key to creating a sustainable mobile nail business. Though the overheads of rent, staff wages and utility bills may not apply, fuel costs, equipment replacement, vehicle upkeep and parking fees can eat away at your profit margins.

“Mobile nail techs are convenient, but that does not mean we are just an in-and-out service,” notes Jade Thornhill. “A mobile nail appointment is a luxury service and should be priced accordingly.”

“When I first started as a mobile nail tech, I found it difficult to price my services, so I decided to take a one-day course on pricing,” says Gergana Yozova. “I was advised to review and update my prices every six to eight months.”

Clare Woodcock shares her four-step guide to charging your worth:

1.  “Work out rough product costs for each nail treatment you offer, and add on the price of the percentage of consumables you use in a service, such as lint-free wipes, foil, acetone and nail files. If you offer nail art, you’ll need to charge extra for this, so consider pricing in time frames.”
2. “Factor in equipment costs, making sure you work out how long these items will last before you need to replace them. You must also include your fixed costs: the costs you incur to run your business, regardless of how many clients you have. Don’t forget to incorporate travel costs.”
3. “Decide how much you are going to pay yourself per hour. Remember, you are a professional with qualifications and a valuable skillset. Ensure you aren’t just charging for the time it takes you to perform a service; include the time it takes to travel to clients.
4. “Put a spreadsheet together or invest in a pricing calculator that can take all of these costs into consideration.”

Amy Hide suggests: “Once you’ve determined your desired hourly rate, remember that this is just a starting point. Consider implementing the following:

• “Minimum charge: a minimum cost within a specific radius.
• “Travel fee: a charge based on distance or time travelled.
• “Location-based costs: different pricing zones based on location.”