How nail technicians can price their time properly

Many nail technicians price by looking at the person down the road. A better starting point is your own numbers.

Work out what you need to earn

Add up what you want to take home in a year, then add the costs of running the business: products, tools, insurance, rent or travel, marketing and tax. Divide by the hours you can realistically work.

Count your real hours

You will not be doing nails for every hour of the week. Remove time for admin, cleaning, messages, training and the appointments that cancel. Many solos find only about half their working hours are paid chair time.

Price each service by the time it takes

• Time each service honestly, including prep, removal and finishing.
• Add the cost of the products it uses.
• Work out your hourly rate and multiply by the time.

A set that takes two hours should not cost the same as a 45 minute infill.

Show prices clearly

Put prices and times on your booking page so there are no surprises. "Gel infill, 45 minutes, £24" tells people everything.

Handle add-ons

Nail art, removals and extra length can be separate lines. That keeps the base price simple and lets people choose.

Review yearly

Costs rise. A small, regular increase with a friendly note is easier than a big jump after years.

Do not apologise

Clients pay for your skill, time and reliability. Clear prices say that without a speech.

The takeaway

Price from your own costs and time, not from guesses. In Bookable each service has its own length and price, so your calendar and your booking page always agree.

Keep reading

• How many appointments can a solo barber fit in a day?
• Get found locally in Lichfield, Burntwood and Tamworth
• How to choose a booking app: a plain checklist