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You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Well, not you. I sorta figure most of my readers are actually nail techs themselves. But that's what I want to shout at people sometimes.
 
I hear people whining about finding a "good" nail tech all the time. But what they define as a "good" nail tech, I'm still trying to figure out.
 
From my perspective, a "good" nail tech is someone who gives a darn about what she’s doing. She takes the time and makes the effort to learn a thing or two about the products she uses and knows what MMA is and not just why you shouldn't use it. She also makes sure to check her own products to make sure sheisn’tusing it. A "good" nail tech works hard to avoid doing damage to the natural nail, is aware of the rules and regulations pertaining to her profession and makes a reasonable effort to operate in compliance with them, and disinfects her implements not just because it's the rules, but because it's a really good idea.
 
In my mind, a "good" nail tech isn't merely someone who does pretty nails or nails that never lift. A good nail tech is someone a client can trust with her nails, and rely on as a professional for a long-term relationship. Which means that a "good" nail tech is also someone who reliably shows up for her appointments and isn't constantly re-arranging clients or cancelling on short notice.
 
But people are always going on and on about finding someone "good" to do their nails. Then they gripe about how much it costs, or how hard it is to get an appointment.
 
It's not hard to get an appointment with a "good" nail tech, it takes time to get an appointment with a good nail tech. You just have to wait. You're not going to be able to call up 10 minutes before you want to get in.Do you know I actually had a call last week from a woman who asked if I could do two pedicures and a polish change in 10 minutes?! I'm pretty sure she meant "in 10 minutes" like could they come in 10 minutes from when she was calling, not could I get two pedis and polish change done in 10 minutes — but seriously, who thinks that's a reasonable expectation at 7 p.m.?
 
I'm at my wit's end listening to people tell me they are looking for a "good" nail tech. I don't believe them anymore and I'm tired of singing my "why I'm what you're looking for" spiel. I'm not what they're looking for, they're not looking for someone "good," they're looking for someone else.
 
 
Print | posted on Friday, October 05, 2012 12:00 PM

Comments

 re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by Adrienne Schodtler at 10/5/2012 6:31 PM
Exactly...nuff said. The gasping at price...when my prices are not a la carte and include EVERYTHING to complete the service...kills me. You get what you pay for, and the best things are worth the wait.

 re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by Marie at 10/5/2012 8:37 PM
Very Well said. I go thru the same issues all the time!

# re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by Carrie at 10/5/2012 9:38 PM
I agree with you ... completely! But what I have learned over the past 15 years is to NOT let those customers get to me. But (LOL) it's taken about 15 years! Trying to "Squeeze in" those people who want it now; fast and cheap are NEVER worth it. Even when they admit your quality of work is far better then what they are used to from the quicky places... more often then not they won't keep up with standing appointments because they like the flexibility of just dropping in for a quick fill regardless of how bad they look. When I see someone come in for me to repair their nails after a visit to a "quicky" shop and their "white tips" have been glued almost to their cuticles... I wonder how much money and time they have just lost. Anyhow.. we can't please everyone and putting our energy into those clients who TRULY appreciate a "Good Nail Tech" is always so much more rewarding.

 re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by Terry Zimmer at 10/8/2012 6:43 PM
I have have similar comments over the years and will take their bookings for a fee over my normal charges . then when the service is done I will charge them my regular fee and explain to them , it is the craftsmanship that you pay for not an inflated price for service. Works every time Terry

 re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by Melissa Thun at 10/9/2012 9:01 PM
So true! Thank you for saying it so eloquently.

 re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by LydianFlash-MasterNailTechnician at 10/14/2012 12:37 PM
Those are usually looking for someone good , but who charges as if they are not... This is what they should say... I want a good Nail Tech BUT DO I REALLY HAVE TO PAY FOR IT,and why are they not at my beckon call....LOL... but really it is not funny... so sad.....
Thanks for the rant.... I think this is one we all needed....

 re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by Chelsea at 10/23/2012 3:43 PM
OMG! YES! So nice to hear its not only me! I thought I was a bad person for cringing at those phone calls asking for a an appointment with 10 mins notice! And on SUNDAY TOO! The one and only day I have off and the saddest part is they are aware its my only day off! grrrr!

 re: You Wouldn't Know a Good Nail Tech if She Bit Your Nails Off

Gravatar left by Wendy Bailey at 12/7/2012 5:02 AM
AMEN!

# www.hardwaresegment.com

left by www.hardwaresegment.com at 3/17/2013 12:02 AM
This was a really quality post. In theory I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article... but what can I say... Natural skincare shower gel I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get something done.

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