Thinking of renting a space in a salon? Here’s some advice…
By Guest Writer | 19 October 2020 | Expert Advice, Feature
Kara Kotsonis, owner of the award-winning NailSquad salon in Deal, Kent, shares her top tips for those thinking of renting a space inside a salon…
Kara Kotsonis
A self-employed position within a salon usually involves renting a space, desk or room for a fixed rent or commission split.
However, its not uncommon for business owners to offer different set-ups, so what should you look for (or avoid) when looking for a position?
- RENT
This is possiblyone of the most important factors. It can vary wildly from area to area but to ensure it works for you, calculate your business overheads (these are all your running costs such as mobile phone, accountant etc.)
Next, work out your treatment costs. Your product suppliers should be able to give you a cost per treatment breakdown. Ensure that after all the above deductions plus your rent or commission split, you’re left with a decent hourly rate.
No matter where you’re based, if you don’t feel this is a fair split or rental agreement that benefits you – walk away!
- PRICING
Ensure that you can charge your own prices or the salon you are thinking of working at has prices that are high enough for you to earn your hourly target rate after deductions (mentioned above).
- REPUTATION
This WILL affect ‘your’ business; check out the salon’s Facebook and Google reviews. Also, see if they’ve received any accolades, press features or awards. You want potential clients to head your way not scared off by negative press, reviews or a bad reputation.
- LOCATION
A great business location will give your client base a huge boost. Even during this present time, when working within the correct Covid-19 guidelines it is permitted to accept walk in appointments. Look for a location on a high street or high traffic area.
- THE TEAM
Who you work with daily has a massive impact on your wellbeing and happiness. Choose people who seem friendly, accepting, and share a similar work ethic.
Look for people, who are inspiring in both their professional and personal goals. Positive energy is shared and passed on just as easily as negative energy. So aim for a drama-free zone!
TOP TIP: A few team members will always move on, but if you see a high turnover of technicians, steer clear. It’s almost always a sign that something isn’t working within the business.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED
Added extras make up an important part of your rent so double check what’s included before your start. These could include WiFi, appointment cards, gift vouchers, towel laundry, the use of a receptionist, appointment bookings made for you via Facebook or Instagram, web/online bookings, advertising, client refreshments, social media, etc.
If you dislike or are unsure about how to create your own social media presence, utilising the salon’s social media is a great boost for your own nail tech profile, but ensure your name is credited.
New technicians could also agree to share products, which can work out a more affordable way to avoid any large initial outlay.
TIP: You will usually be required to have your own public liability insurance and keep clean and tidy the areas you use.
- FLEXIBLE HOURS
The great joy (and responsibly) of being self-employed (I believe) is that you can choose your own hours. While a salon owner can ask you to enter into a mutual agreement that benefits both parties with hours that will be most productive, they should not demand or enforce your schedule, as this is not in the spirit of self-employment law.
On the flip side, helping out with holiday cover or any unforeseen emergencies will only help your salon thrive, which in turns grows your own business.
BENEFITS OF A SELF EMPLOYED STATUS:
- Working self-employed in a salon (or a creative collective as we call it at NailSquad) is filled with benefits such as being surrounded daily by a group of passionate individuals just like yourself. This allows you access to free advice, help, and the chance to watch or learn specific techniques you might struggle with.
- A busy, successful salon will provide the perfect patch to cultivate and grow your own client base far faster than setting out completely on your own.
*Special thanks to Squad girls Lucy, Tunde, Ellie, Sophie and Angel for their contributions to this piece.