How to make the move to mobile nail work
By Guest Writer | 16 January 2023 | Business, Expert Advice, Feature
Award-winning mobile nailist, Clare Woodcock of The Nail Club, shares practical pointers for starting nail work on a mobile basis…
Do you want to make the move to working as a mobile nail pro, but you’re not sure how? As the Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022, let me help you…
You may have heard salon or studio-based techs admitting that they tried working mobile but found it too hard, or that it was a challenge to carry a kit around. However, there are many benefits to working on a mobile basis, such as varied workdays, flexible hours and, importantly, you see sunlight, get fresh air and can blast your favourite music or listen to inspiring podcasts on your journeys to and from clients. In many instances, you build great bonds with your clients as they welcome you into their homes.
There has been an increase in flexible working since the pandemic, and home services have become more convenient for the working professional. They can enjoy a pedicure while on a Zoom meeting – and their colleagues don’t even have to know!
But there are some practical points to note before you start working on a mobile basis…
Consider what your selling point is. Are you aiming to offer speedy or luxurious services to your clients? Can you carry out your treatments safely within a client’s house? For instance, if you offer L&P acrylic enhancements, do you need a dust extractor and good ventilation? How will you sanitise your tools? It’s imperative to comply with health, safety and hygiene protocols to ensure you stick to the high standards that our industry relies upon. This will help you to evaluate how you transport your kit and what you need to take with you.
Whatever your selling point, you will need a good quality, practical kit bag. I use a Zuca bag, which is sturdy, flexible and not too bulky. You need to make sure you can transport and manoeuvre your kit without causing strain or injury, so assess how far you will need to carry it each day, and whether you will be offering treatments in places where there may be stairs or limited parking.
Business matters
It is important to think of your mobile work as a business, rather than a hobby. Don’t de-value yourself because you don’t have a premises. You are a professional who has completed training, earned a qualification and is insured, and so you must think like a businessperson.
Things to do:
- Create a business name and register with HMRC for self assessment tax.
- Set your prices. Think about the products you are using and the amount you spend running your business. How far will you travel and how much will it cost? Note how much you wish to earn per hour, and add that onto your business costs and cost per service. Think about how long it takes you to drive to your clients, set up and pack down, and factor that time into your prices. Charge your worth.
- Insure your kit. Check whether your car insurance will cover business claims.
- Consider how you will keep yourself safe. Will you only work in certain postcode areas? Will someone know where you are at all times?
- Decide whether you want to wear a uniform or what your ‘look’ might be. I opt for a smart-casual look and usually wear black.
- Create a website and/or good online profile and get an online booking system in place.
- Assess if your business reflects your image and what you want to achieve.