Self employed and commission

[HairxByxMollie]

I’ve stopped being employed since end May and then I went self employed to a rent a chair salon, I supplied my own products and paid £50 a week but there was no walk in clients or passing trade so I packed up and now I’ve started in another salon on commission 50/50 split and the owner buys the products. I also do hair extensions and so far I’ve brought my own supplies to do them.

I’ve been bringing my own products in too at times because she’s ran out or she doesn’t use anything similar to what I use. There is passing trade and walk ins but she tries to act like my boss and not the person who’s just renting me a space. I have to use her prices so a lot of my clients haven’t followed because it’s now a lot more money they would need to spend.
The owner has also said I have to work 3 days a week and I have to ask permission to work any more days.

Does it sound fare if I buy my own products and I pay her 40% instead of 50% and ask if I could use my own prices?

What would you suggest?

 

[BannerPenguin]

Sounds like a dodgy employment situation. You aren't actually self-employed by those rules so the percentage is irrelevant. You need to get out. Why didn't the first salon work out? Walk-ins/passing trade is pretty irrelevant. Even the best locations don't necessarily have this. It's all about how you do your marketing. What did you try?

 

[AcidPerm]

Agree with @BannerPenguin. Your current salon set up sounds like a scam employment situation as she is treating you as employed by dictating your prices and hours. The previous salon set-up sounds much better in that respect.

Remember, potential clients are already getting their hair done somewhere else so you have to persuade them to try you instead. That means putting time and effort into marketing your services/running offers etc. Relying solely on passing trade isn’t going to be enough.