Charge what you think you're worth!

Few days I've been  getting texts from a prospective client.  Whom I've known for years.  Lovely lady though.    So she asked me my prices.  I stated  them and it went quiet for oh about a few days til  just today I recieved a text.  She wanted acrylic enhancements so I said wonderful that will be 30 dollars.    She was a tad bit stumped I supposed and she  said.  "Thought it was 15"   I simply stated  "No manicure is 15"     So a few minutes passed and she said she'll wait cause she didn't have the money. And I kindly said  "Well I will bring home my supplies and I will have it on hand when you're ready so you won't have to wait".  Mind you this is also someone I've known for a few years. Finally  her comment was:

"Well don't worry about it cuz I can go somewhere else and get them done for 25$"  

I stared blankly at the text on my touch screen phone.   Angry.  Livid.  Hurt and rather morbidly confused.  I wanted to quickly say "It's   25" but I didn't.  Instead.  Out of spite I suppose.   I then said:

Thats fine which ever makes you happy.  Have a nice day. 

  

I was rather hurt when I just stared at the text.  So I texted message my most wonderful friend I've had the honor and blessing to know.   Fast becoming someone I greatly depend on.  And Makes me feel dependable too.  That's another blog though.  So I texted her and I asked "Am I wrong for being upset over this?"   She saw my messages and her words were ( Quite wise indeed ):

"Well she is right and actually can go several places right now and get them done for  22 dollars.  You charge what you think you are worth though.  Just like hair you want business.  But I am also good enough if I want to charge 80 to 100  for a color service I am worth it.  "

I have never had words so wisely given that actually made complete sense.   It did.  But it also reaffirmed my faith in my abilities.   It's ok to charge what you think you are worth.  But always remember  Clients will get huffy  and they will  try to talk down your prices.  But remember your worth! .   You ARE a stylist or nail technician of great worth!  Don't be afraid to set your prices above others.  Though  you may want to  charge the competitive prices to get business.   I on the other hand chose to charge my prices based on my skills.  Doing nails is my dream my passion.    And  I am worth every penny I charge.

My reasoning for charging 30 instead of the norm  22 dollars is.  You're paying for quality service.  You're paying for name brand products.  You're paying for  service  from a nail technician who takes pride in her job.  And in keeping you beautiful and healthy.   Your health is important to me becaue I want you to keep coming back.   I go  through the extra steps to insure that my implements are clean and sanitized.  I make sure my nail brushes are  dust free and  clean with no residue.   I make sure my products  are  fresh and not stale.  Yes acrylic liquids , Powders,  Gel  and Polish can  go bad.   Just be glad you never had the  honor of opening a beautiful  gorgeous oh my god color and  the  fumes just knock you  over.  Literally.   Again that's another blog *laughs*    Point is.   You never know just what products you're using when you go to those .. dime a dozen nail salons that are NOT american owned.  ( Sorry  if it insults some but this is the best way I can say it without sounding like a racist)   that have people who train to work there but they just do it for work not for joy or passion.  Just work.  There's no passion in the skills.  It's all methological.   But also you want to watch out for the type of Products they use.    Most not all.  Will use products that have MMA in it.   Which is by law illegal in just about ALL states.   But definantly by far illegal in Missouri.   Though powder has Meta-Methyl Acrylate  you want to make sure it is NOT in the liquid.   I'll explain how you can find out what it is.  It's always best to be educated.  And that's part of my job.  To educate my clients.  To keep you safe. 

So when you get your nails done.  Ask your nail technician this.   

1. What products are we using today?
2. Can I see the MRSP  list for the products we use. 
3. Where did you go to get licensed to be a nail technician?
4. Do you have a license to practice as a nail technician? or Manicurist?

There's alot of questions you can ask.  But these are ones I always make sure my clients know of me.  Where I studied do I continue my studies.  What products I use.  And yes you really do need to know what's in these products.  

Another thing.  When you get your nails done at another nail salon cause you didn't like the last one.   You need to be aware of what kind of products they used on your nails.  OPI , Tammy Taylor, CND , Young Nails, NSI , Light Elegance, Oydessy Nail systems, BackScratchers, StylEnvy Nails, Sheba Nails, StarNails and so forth.   There's many  great products out there.  But the key thing is this.   You cannot .. CAN  NOT mix any of these products on top of or with one another.  I mean some might be exactly the same chemical but it can create a caustic reaction.   Toxic even.   So  I cannot stress it enough.  When you get your nails done.  MAKE sure you know what products you are wearing.    If you use one product.  Then added another product from a different  maker.   You  may end up with a set of gummy acrylics under the new  beautiful  set you have done.   And because that  set under it has disolved or perhaps  changed  it's chemical componants to something else.  You are highly  risking yourself  for nail fungus.   Chemical burns.  You name it.  

Now this is why I keep my products  top of the line and fresh.  To keep you safe.   If you come to me with  nails on that you  have no idea  who it's from.  I will simply just remove the enhancements by soaking them off  and starting fresh.   Again all this really should be another blog but I just had to get this out.   *smiles* 


So I feel better because I truely feel justified and confident in my abilities.  I am worth it. 
And so are you!