3 things to consider if you want to ‘go mobile’

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, serves up some top tips if you’re considering making the move to a mobile way of working…

Have you been pondering or planning your next career move? Some of you may be thinking of ‘going mobile’ – and while the solo adventure isn’t for everyone, the mobile beauty lifestyle is tempting for a number of reasons. As a mobile nail technician, not only are you your own boss, but you can also ensure your working hours suit your lifestyle. Plus, you get a chance to dabble in all areas of running a business, including setting prices and creating a service menu, buying products and doing your own marketing and, more importantly, social media. 

Here’s some advice on things to consider before starting out:

1. Get organised with a business plan

Mobile working means you’ll be running your own business, so treat the move like you would if you were opening your own salon (it’s not too different, after all). The first and most important step is to create a robust business plan – which should include your core business objectives and how you plan to achieve them. 

When thinking about your business objectives, think about what sets you apart from the competition. What do you offer that the customer will really need or enjoy that they cannot get elsewhere? This will ensure that customers return, and crucially, recommend your services to others. In a mobile business, you have to become reliant on reviews and recommendations.

As you write your plan, also consider the number of clients you expect to have and the services you intend to provide, as well as any business costs. These could include, for instance, the products and tools you’ll need to buy (don’t forget the storage containers!), as well as liability insurance and the cost of any education courses. 

If you’ll be driving between appointments, you’ll also need to take into account the cost of running your transport (including petrol, tax, insurance and wear and tear). And, if you plan to run your business from your home, make sure you charge yourself rent and electricity costs (a smart meter can help you cost this up easily).

2. Be savvy with your prices 

Once you have populated your business plan with all the anticipated costs, you’ll need to create a price list to make sure those costs will be covered, and then add in the fee for your time, service and expertise.

It may seem like an easy way to win business, but don’t feel you need to be the cheapest nail technician in the area or that you have to undercut the local salon – as you risk underselling your business and services. Again, having a unique treatment or service can be beneficial – that way you can differentiate your offering, rather than your price list.

If your pricing does work out too expensive, remember you can always decrease some of your costs – as you would with any business. For example, when it comes to the products you’re buying, it’s worth checking if you could get a better deal on the same items elsewhere.  

Finally, consider if there are any add-on retail products you could offer to help you boost your bottom line. For instance, after a one-off gel nail treatment, you could offer clients a home removal kit – such as the Magis Home Soak Off Kit. You could also stock a selection of cuticle oils and hand creams to help customers look after their hands and nails between treatments. The ASP Naturals Manicure French Vanilla Cuticle Conditioning Butter Stick or Skintruth’s Manicure Nourishing Hand Lotion 150ml would work well for this. 

3. Market yourself and be proud!

If you’re starting a new mobile business, you’ll need to market yourself. Social media is the sure fire way of gaining new clients in your local area – and, importantly, it’s also the tried and tested method of receiving reviews and recommendations. 

Be confident in your abilities, let people know about your journey along the way, show off your training course days and more importantly be proud of your work. Post photos of your amazing customer nails,showcasing all the latest colour trends, classic nail art designs along with perfect sculpted acrylics. Engage with your followers and open yourself up to being asked questions – making yourself the go-to expert for your local customers. Be prepared to commit time to this key marketing activity too, as social media does not switch off! 

Will you go mobile in 2020?

Once you have your business plan in order and you are confident in your strategy, you’ll be in a great position to make the decision: are you ready to go mobile? Whatever the answer is, whether you’re making the leap this year or next, or are considering making the move in a few years, good luck and remember, don’t undersell yourself!