Why haven't they done anything about NSS?

[trusim]

ahh ok.. your braver then me :lol: I did sit with a girl who had booked an infill at a "salon" just after i did my first course.. I too was a bit uncomfortable with the way they were ripping the acrylic off the nail.. It is not till now though that i realise how bad it actually was.. and cringe at the memory.

BTW I wasnt actually telling YOU to pamper your clients as im sure you do.. just saying that THAT is the best way to seperate US from THEM.. by giving them the best care we can.:green:

No all good, I knew what you meant, and you are right, that is one of the differences between us and NSS......

Yep, as soon as I sat down, I thought, "omg, get up and go", but I just kept checking everything out, also watching the procedures regarding the pedi's, they would empty the water, but not sanitise the bowl, Eww, and yet non of their customers thought it odd......

I know some of the NSS are clean, and cheap, and maybe not use illegal products, but it is a learning experience. One which I am glad I did, even though it did hurt.

I now concentrate more on our clients needs, my education, up to date services we can offer etc.

And what makes us more different them then, is we talk to our clients, we get to know them, talk family, events, etc, which is what most of us do, so there is a great point for us....Yeah...

My clients come in and I will always greet them by there name, ask different things, etc and we always laugh and joke, and too them it is a nice relaxing session.

I bet most on her can name all their clients, know there likes, dislikes, there kids names, etc....

To me that is special....

Well it is getting late here in Australia, I've rambled on enough.

Nite all.

Trude

 

[geeg]

No all good, I knew what you meant, and you are right, that is one of the differences between us and NSS......

Yep, as soon as I sat down, I thought, "omg, get up and go", but I just kept checking everything out, also watching the procedures regarding the pedi's, they would empty the water, but not sanitise the bowl, Eww, and yet non of their customers thought it odd......

I know some of the NSS are clean, and cheap, and maybe not use illegal products, but it is a learning experience. One which I am glad I did, even though it did hurt.

I now concentrate more on our clients needs, my education, up to date services we can offer etc.

And what makes us more different them then, is we talk to our clients, we get to know them, talk family, events, etc, which is what most of us do, so there is a great point for us....Yeah...

My clients come in and I will always greet them by there name, ask different things, etc and we always laugh and joke, and too them it is a nice relaxing session.

I bet most on her can name all their clients, know there likes, dislikes, there kids names, etc....

To me that is special....

Well it is getting late here in Australia, I've rambled on enough.

Nite all.

Trude

You think that the technicians in discount salons are not going to, in time, learn to speak the language of the country they are living in??

THINK people ... you are not going to win forever because you pamper or speak to your clients .. you will win when you can compete with what the discount salons supply which you don't ... speed. Now when you have speed and pampering and communication you really will be on to a winner.

 

[user 25446]

Interesting perspective Geeg. I am sure you are right.

I only know of one discount salon in Sweden that apparently has close to 20 nail techs and recently opened - I've heard they are pretty busy. Good going for only two months.

I think their main attraction here is also price - a new set of gel nails here in a traditional salon costs between 800 to 1200 kr (about £70 to £100 - it's a lot compared to the UK because nail techs being self employed pay 50% tax), while this discount salon charges 450 kr (£35). They only do acrylic and air brush the white free edge, but take only 40 minutes. From what I have heard they get a lot of younger clients - people who wouldn't pay the higher prices.

By using Poppits and perhaps also Prescription Nails, nail techs here could also grab a slice of that market. Plus, when these youngsters start to earn more money then the salon is in a good position to offer 'real' nails.

Think this would make a great article for our local magazine.

 

[Violet Star]

So if i was to be doing poppits (using gel) Would i then be charging less for poppits?xx

 

[geeg]

So if i was to be doing poppits (using gel) Would i then be charging less for poppits?xx

First of all, PopIts is a branded line and it is spelled PopIts.

Secondly, why would you charge less for using them? I mean you can but why would you?

 

[cabinkel]

I would love to offer PopIts but, I was told at my Brisa conversion that PopIts cant be used with gel, only l+p?

 

[deanosnana]

Concentrate in your own back yard instead of others. Spend your energy doing beautiful nails in a faster time without sacrificing quality. It can be done. If others can do it you can do it too. You don't need drills you need techniques. Concentrate on technique and your times will drop dramatically.

I could not agree more! Yeah, it bugs me there are so many NSS in my area but what are you going to do about it? I can fret over that fact and let it consume OR I can become the best nail professional I can be. I choose the latter!

 

[geeg]

I would love to offer Popits but, I was told at my Brisa conversion that Popits cant be used with gel, only l+p?

WEll I can use PopIts with Brisa and Adele can use PopIts with Brisa .. so the answer is yes you can. It is more tricky to be sure than with L&P but it can be done.

 

[cabinkel]

WEll I can use PopIts with Brisa and Adele can use PopIts with Brisa .. so the answer is yes you can. It is more tricky to be sure than with L&P but it can be done.

Ooooo how exciting!!!! I shall be looking into this when Iv mastered the Brisa:green:
Thank you x

 

[abook]

Quicker!! The quicker thing drives me crazy. Forever I thought I was just really slow, but I figured out, it's not so much that I'm slow, but it's that I care. So I have learned to incorporate that into my services. I tell my clients "if i'm not happy with the outcome, I won't let you walk out of here unhappy either". My clients have learned to appreciate that about me, and sometimes I think they see that I really mean it, and it has spread some word for me and I have had clients who up saying they wanted to "give it a go" with my products to see if they are as happy as their friends are. We are slow because we care!!

 

[geeg]

Well I care but I'm not slow! One can be quick and care.

 

[del3]

For years I have been saying that people go to discount salons because they are QUICK ... it is about time not money etc etc.

As much as I respect you Geeg, I'm affraid,from a personal view, I have to disagree with this.
I can do a set in 35mins if that's what the client wants ( last week I had a lady booked in for a full set, she sat down I got started and her phone rang...(daughter asking could she babysit in an hour) I had the lady done and out of the door in time for her daughter no corners cut but no coffee and chit chat either.
The majority of my clients are out of the door in less than an hour anyway.

In my experience the majority, these days, will go for cost not speed...that is if they are not botherd about friendly chit chat, a coffee.

I get asked very often why am I £10 dearer than another salon...never do I get asked why do I take more time. I say it may cost a bit more but my heart and soul are in those nails

Yes it's very true it seems that the nss are fast catching up with us with regards to quality of products and education....but what am I to do then....do a set in 20 mins?
My file would be on fire :lol:
Do I compromise on quality in my service or products just to make as much money?
If I were to charge as little as them I would not make any profit at all so it makes me doubt are they really catching on with product quality.

I'm not moaning about the situation, but I would like an idea of how to bring more clients away from the NSS and into my salon without compromising my service and prices.
Oh I only charge £28 for a full set anyway

Have I rambled ? ...yes :lol:
:hug:

 

[nailzoo]

Reading this post is very interesting ..... I agree,

BUT, I must digress, the term NSS is bandied around like a disease, when in actual fact it often means (the competition that do things differently to me and have more clients).

MMA is being used less and less ...... and drills (e-files) are being used more and more by well educated techs ....... the boundaries are being blurred all the time.

Many techs use an e-file with very little damage (I still don't like them for finishing), while other techs have application methods you may not agree with (probably because you haven't been taught, or are not willing to work outside the box).

I have seen some crap nails come from what you may call NSS, but I have also seen some pretty good work come from them.

Funny thing is ..... I have noticed the same thing from apparently non-NSS.

It's more about talent (regardless of race), when you take out MMA, then take out application methods, then subtract the e-file factor you are left with an even playing field where speed is the remaining factor.....

I'm often at a loss too, but they pay high rent, for high exposure, have heaps of staff and often deliver the goods.

Maybe they have something to teach us ..... when all the time we have been too busy turning our backs and shunning them,(ignoring their skills) merely because they are busier than we are .. (is that reason enough to hate them)?

I spent a good 30 mins peering through one of their windows today (rather than ignoring or despising them).... and I walked away with some interesting ideas.

One of their secrets is ... they say "YES", when we say "NO", they don't faff, they don't gossip, it's heads down, bums up and they churn them out with a "satisfactory" result that adheres well, rather than concentrating on "perfection".

Perfection is great for the competition floor ... but is it realistic for the salon? Taking into account pricing, time, profit and overheads?

They don't bitch about product (blame the product), then switch from on to the other, they do the best with what they are given (they are trained in "nails"), not product, all they care about is producing a nail with whatever they are given.

Sure, they often ignore contra-indications, they are too busy doing nails, that's something "we" have on them.

It is their work and their job....... but it's our passion.

They are "employed", when many of us aren't.

There are the positives and there are the negatives for both, I wouldn't want to be ignorant, we see the worst case scenarrios, but what about those that are completely happy? ...... we never see them, because they are happy.

 

[trusim]

You think that the technicians in discount salons are not going to, in time, learn to speak the language of the country they are living in??

THINK people ... you are not going to win forever because you pamper or speak to your clients .. you will win when you can compete with what the discount salons supply which you don't ... speed. Now when you have speed and pampering and communication you really will be on to a winner.

Sorry Gigi, I have to disagree with this. No they will not learn our language, not very well anyhow, they are there to work, and make money. Plain and Simple. Yes, they are fast, but not consistant. They do not care if someone came in with a nail problem, they will still do it. They do not take time, they do not cleanse thoroughly, they do not have / or stand by certain regulations.

I like to have time with my clients, and will and can have them in and out in 1 1/4 hour (infill) and 45 mins full set...

But we differ from them on many levels. We have passion!

 

[trusim]

Reading this post is very interesting ..... I agree,

BUT, I must digress, the term NSS is bandied around like a disease, when in actual fact it often means (the competition that do things differently to me and have more clients).

MMA is being used less and less ...... and drills (e-files) are being used more and more by well educated techs ....... the boundaries are being blurred all the time.

Many techs use an e-file with very little damage (I still don't like them for finishing), while other techs have application methods you may not agree with (probably because you haven't been taught, or are not willing to work outside the box).

I have seen some crap nails come from what you may call NSS, but I have also seen some pretty good work come from them.

Funny thing is ..... I have noticed the same thing from apparently non-NSS.

It's more about talent (regardless of race), when you take out MMA, then take out application methods, then subtract the e-file factor you are left with an even playing field where speed is the remaining factor.....

I'm often at a loss too, but they pay high rent, for high exposure, have heaps of staff and often deliver the goods.

Maybe they have something to teach us ..... when all the time we have been too busy turning our backs and shunning them,(ignoring their skills) merely because they are busier than we are .. (is that reason enough to hate them)?

I spent a good 30 mins peering through one of their windows today (rather than ignoring or despising them).... and I walked away with some interesting ideas.

One of their secrets is ... they say "YES", when we say "NO", they don't faff, they don't gossip, it's heads down, bums up and they churn them out with a "satisfactory" result that adheres well, rather than concentrating on "perfection".

Perfection is great for the competition floor ... but is it realistic for the salon? Taking into account pricing, time, profit and overheads?

Yes Carl, good points.

 

[geeg]

Sorry Gigi, I have to disagree with this. No they will not learn our language, not very well anyhow, they are there to work, and make money. Plain and Simple. Yes, they are fast, but not consistant. They do not care if someone came in with a nail problem, they will still do it. They do not take time, they do not cleanse thoroughly, they do not have / or stand by certain regulations.

I like to have time with my clients, and will and can have them in and out in 1 1/4 hour (infill) and 45 mins full set...

But we differ from them on many levels. We have passion!

Well I'm afraid that I have seen it all before (one of the advantages of being older). Not only do they learn the language they learn it very well. They leave their 'Uncles' salon and branch out on their own. They open salons and they open good ones. I've seen it all happen in the States and it won't be any different where you are in a few years. History has proven it already and it is happening now in the UK. In a few more years it will be happening where you are. Keep your head in the sand if you like but time will prove me right.

Listen to Carl ... thank goodness he is here on salongeek to listen to :hug: ... he has made some great points; the main one to me which is ... if you're smart you'll learn from these places the things you can incorporate into your business and not just jealously avoid them or carp and moan about them.

For 25+ years I have been listening to nail techs moan about 'other' bad technicians instead of getting about their own business. It hasn't changed in all that time; just different moaners and complainers with each new generation of technicians. the good techs (read Cro-Mari's Blog) just get on with it.

Passion is not a virtue ... it's great if you have it, but it is not necessary to make money ... it does however make the job allot more fun.

 

[trusim]

Well I'm afraid that I have seen it all before (one of the advantages of being older). Not only do they learn the language they learn it very well. They leave their 'Uncles' salon and branch out on their own. They open salons and they open good ones. I've seen it all happen in the States and it won't be any different where you are in a few years. History has proven it already and it is happening now in the UK. In a few more years it will be happening where you are. Keep your head in the sand if you like but time will prove me right.

Listen to Carl ... thank goodness he is here on salongeek to listen to :hug: ... he has made some great points; the main one to me which is ... if you're smart you'll learn from these places the things you can incorporate into your business and not just jealously avoid them or carp and moan about them.

For 25+ years I have been listening to nail techs moan about 'other' bad technicians instead of getting about their own business. It hasn't changed in all that time; just different moaners and complainers with each new generation of technicians. the good techs (read Cro-Mari's Blog) just get on with it.

Passion is not a virtue ... it's great if you have it, but it is not necessary to make money ... it does however make the job allot more fun.

Yep, good point, I didn't think of it that way at all. Yeah, Carl has great advice, he is missed on our forum, that is for sure. :cry:

I don't dislike the NSS, or jealousy, I just don't like there methods, but you and carl are right, it is great to stop whineing, and learn more, and get on with it.
Thank you for that.

 

[Cec]

This is an interesting thread....

Regarding the health and safety. You all scream about the NSS being unhealthy, using MMA etc... etc... Well... When I went to "The big naildebate" at Excell, Marian Newman said something very true: "A NSS-salong is not life-threatening, so why should the government bother?" And I am thinking, how stupid are we when we even THINK our clients bother? They don't! Many of them do things that are much more dangerous than going to a NSS salon, they smoke, they drive too fast, they eat unhealthy food etc... etc... Who cares about what they have on their nails as long as it is what they want (money, time, how they look etc...)? I don't mean that they shouldn't care, but who am I to speak about their life, nails, money, time etc...?

In my opinion, my clients comes to me and pay me primary (?) because I am good at what I am doing. I have a good reputation. They don't care about the price, they don't care about the pampering thing, they just want MY WORK. Of course, it's a bonus that we can have a nice conversation, but it's NOT their needs when they come to me. I have had several clients trying other techs. Do you know what they said when they left? That I was the best, that I was the nicest person in the world, that they liked my salon etc... etc... but I am also the most expensive... Most of them have come back to me. Do you know what they said when they came back? "YOU ARE THE BEST, I rather pay what it cost to get your work, than going to the discount salon (which charge 1/3 of what I do)!"

On the other hand, the discount-salons (I would rather call the discount-salons than NSS, as we don't know for sure what they use, how they use it etc....) are fully booked. Because there is a marked for everybody! BUT in my opinion you have to be very clear of what marked you want to "join" and you have to live up to it. You can compare it with clothes, people LOVE H&M and Zara, although people know they are not the best quality, but they are cheap. Then you have those who LOVE Burberry and Chanel for their quality, the feeling of being pampered when shopping there, getting something unique etc... I don't say that the attributes I have written about the shops always are right, but it's general how I am thinking about those shops. Like the shops, you, as a nailtech, have to choose marked and cultivate and be true to it. Don't compromise whether you want to be a discount salon or at the other end.

I hope some of this made any sense, I am afraid some of my points disappeared in my bad English... :-/

C.

 

[mollylolly]

I knew there was something else that I wanted to mention. I was told by the MP Phylis Starkey, that if a client has had nail enhancements from a NSS and they have contracted anything nasty or had damaged nails, then the place that this should be reported to is the Local Governement Health and safety department, who will then check out the salon for bad practise. Do the general public know this? - I certainly wouldn't have done. Apparently the local offices had no complaints at the time I met with Phylis Starkey.

Maybe Doctors have should advise the Health and Safety department if they treat a client with an infection etc, so the salon can then be checked.

Mollylolly

 

[Anna Lee]

I believe,

With the right education and direction, 'Correct methods' are something that can be easily improved and learnt.

'Natural skill' in a certain area however, is something that we either have or have not got.