How To Start A Press On Nail Business: The Best Guide For New Nail Techs
Are you looking for a business idea that is both creative and profitable? If so, then starting a press-on nail business might be the perfect venture for you!
This industry is booming right now, and there’s a lot of money to be made. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about starting your own press-on nail business.
We’ve included a comprehensive equipment list to get you started. Plus we’ll cover topics such as: choosing the right nail tips, marketing your business, and growing your customer base. So, if you are ready to start your own nail empire, keep reading!
The benefits of starting your own press-on nails business
There are many benefits to starting your own press-on nails business. For starters, it’s a very creative venture.
You get to be your own boss and design unique nails that your customers will love. Additionally, this business can be quite profitable. If you choose the right products and market your business effectively, you can make a lot of money!
Another benefit of this business is that it is relatively easy to get started. You don’t need a lot of money or experience to get started. All you need is some creativity, determination, and the willingness to learn!
So, if you are looking for a business that is both creative and profitable, then starting a press-on nail business might be the perfect venture for you!
Now that you know the many benefits of press-on nail businesses, let’s move on to planning your business.
Planning your press on nail business
In order to make this a legit business, you will need to take some time to plan things out. This includes everything from choosing the right products to marketing your business effectively.
The first step is to create a nail business plan. This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and finances.
Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it is especially important for a new business. This document will help you to map out your business goals and create a path to achieving them.
Your business plan starts with your executive summary. This is a brief overview of your business, including your goals and objectives. Plus information about your company’s team and location.
Next, you’ll need to write out your company description. This section will include detailed information about your business, such as the service you’ll provide and the vendors you plan to work with.
After that, you”ll need to conduct a market analysis. This market research will help you to understand the size and scope of the press on nail industry. Plus, you’ll be able to identify your target market.
You’ll also need to write out a description of your organization and management team. This section will include information about your business structure and the people who will be running it.
Your service or product line section will describe the press-on nails you plan to sell. This includes information about your product’s features and benefits, as well as your pricing structure.
Last but not least, you’ll need to write a marketing and sales strategy. This section will outline how you plan to market and sell your press-on nails. It will also include information about your advertising and promotional budget.
Once you have all of this information written out, you’ll have a complete business plan for your press-on nail business!
If you are not sure where to start, there are plenty of business plan templates available online.
Make your business legal
The next step in starting your own business is to make it legal. This means coming up with a business name, getting a business license and registering your business with the state or local agency responsible for collecting sales tax. In addition, you’ll want to open a business bank account so that all of your business transactions are kept separate from your personal ones.
Your business name and logo are critical branding elements that should be reflective of your brand and what you offer. Names like Nailed it and Candy Stripe Nails are perfect for a press-on nail business.
You can check out this article for more ideas for a great business name.
After you’ve chosen your business name, you’ll need to get a business license. Most states require you to have a sales tax license or seller’s permit.
You can check with your Department of Revenue or Secretary of State’s office to find out what licenses and permits you need.
No, you won’t need a nail technician license because you’re not providing nail services to the public.
Last but not least, you’ll need to register your business entity with the state. You’ll need to decide if you want to form a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation.
If you’re not sure which business structure is right for you, The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a detailed description of each type of business.
You can also check out this chart as a quick reference.
Once you’ve registered your business, you’re officially ready to start selling press-on nails!
What equipment do you need to start a press on nails business?
Now that you have a business plan, it’s time to start gathering the equipment you’ll need to get your business up and running.
The first thing you’ll need is a good quality nail tips. Gel-X brand has premium quality nail tips that conform to the natural nail. You can order them on Amazon.
Other good brands that are a bit less expensive include Makartt and ECBasket. Both are on Amazon. Makartt you’ll also find on Aliexpress.
You’ll need a few different lengths of nail tips, like XXL, long, medium, and short. This gives you some options to work with when creating different shapes.
We’ll list the rest of the items below.
Nail supplies:
- Nail stands
- Poster tack
- Buffers
- Nail files
- Alcohol and Acetone
- Pump bottles
- Applicator bottles
- Lit free wipes
- Top coat in shiny, non-white, and matte
- Base gel for plastic tips
- Shear Nude bases to give an acrylic look
- Gel nail polish like Colorland Gel by Tracy Nailz, Nail Addict LA, Nails Blinged, or Valentino Beauty Pure
- Nail art brushes
- Dotting tools
- Mini scissors
- Dust brush
- UV LED light
Nail art supplies:
- Glitter
- Charms
- Rhinestone Glue
- Nail glue dryer
- Piercings
- Water slide decals
- Stickers
- Foils
Nail orders shipping and packaging:
- Boxes (you can use jewelry boxes)
- Postage
- Double sided tape
- Bubble mailers in different sizes
- Instructions for nail care
- Thank you card
- Business card
- Nail application or prep kit (the packaging itself can be mylar bags). Nail kits include a file, buffer, KDS nail glue, cuticle pusher, alcohol wipe, nail sticky tabs, and a cuticle oil pen
- Sizing kits in different lengths for custom sets
Now that you have all of your equipment, you’re ready to start creating beautiful press-on nails!
How to choose the right press ons for your business
Next, let’s move on to choosing the right products for your business.
Depending on your target market, you’ll want to offer different types of press-on nails. For example, if you’re targeting a higher-end market, you’ll want to offer gel polish press-on nails.
If you’re targeting the budget-conscious market, you may want to offer acrylic nails.
You do have the option to offer a mix of both gel and acrylic types of press-on nails to appeal to a wider range of customers.
Another important factor to consider is the size of your press-on nails. You’ll need to have a variety of sizes to fit different nail shapes and sizes.
You can also provide a custom size option for customers who have unusually small or large nails.
Once you’ve decided on the types and sizes of press-on nails you want to offer, it’s time to start thinking about your designs.
Your press-on nails should reflect your unique style and personality. You can sell press on nails online in a variety of designs, such as solid colors, French tips, ombre, glitter, foils, or even hand-painted designs.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to making nail sets, so have fun with it!
How to make your own press on nails
Now that you know what types of press-on nails to offer, it’s time to learn how to make them!
Making your own press-on nails is actually quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step YouTube video to making your own press-on nails:
Once you have a few designs down, practice creating them on inexpensive nail tips. This will help you get a feel for how long each design takes to create.
And create a portfolio of your work to show potential clients. This can be either a physical portfolio or an online gallery on your social media accounts or your website.
Now that you know how to make custom press-on nails, let’s move on to pricing your products!
How to price your products and make a profit
Pricing your press-on nails can be tricky. You want to make sure you’re charging enough to cover your costs and make a profit, but you don’t want to price yourself out of the market.
Here are a few things to consider when pricing your press-on nails:
- The cost of your supplies
- How long each design takes to create
- The level of difficulty for each design
- Your target market
- The going rate for similar products in your area or target market
Once you have a general idea of how much it costs you to make each press-on nail, add a markup to that price to cover your overhead costs and to make a profit.
For example, if it costs you $0.50 to make each press-on nail and you want to make a 50% profit, you would charge $0.75 per press-on nail.
Here’s a markup calculator for your convenience.
Remember to factor in the extra cost of shipping when pricing your products. You don’t want to charge too much and lose potential customers, but you also don’t want to lose money on each sale.
Now that you know how to price your press-on nails, we can move on to marketing your business!
Marketing your new business
The best way to market your new business is to start with people you know.
Tell your friends, family, and co-workers about your new business and offer them a discount on their first order.
You can also create flyers or postcards and distribute them to your local nail salon (with permission).
Another great marketing strategy is to participate in nail shows or nail tech events. This is a great way to meet new people and get your name out there.
Finally, don’t forget about online marketing! Create an online store or blog for your business and make sure to include plenty of photos of your press-on nails.
If you plan to offer nail designs for prom or weddings, it’s a good idea to include those photos as well.
Your photos should be high quality and show off your work in the best light possible.
Social media posts on sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are also great ways to market your business. Be sure to post photos of your work, special offers, and events you’ll be participating in.
You can even offer special discounts for your followers.
Building a client base
One of the best ways to get new clients is through word-of-mouth. Offer your current clients a discount for referring new clients to you.
You can also offer a loyalty program where your clients receive a discount after so many visits. This will encourage them to keep coming back.
Finally, make sure you’re always providing the best possible service. This includes shipping on time, being professional, and going above and beyond for your clients.
If you provide great service, your clients will be happy to tell their friends about you and your business will continue to grow.
Now that you know how to start a press on nail shop, it’s time to get started!
How to start a press on nail business takeaway
Starting your own press-on nail business is a great way to be your own boss and make some extra money. Good thing the steps are pretty simple: learn how to make press-on nails, price your products, market your business, and build a client base.
With a little hard work and dedication, you’ll be on your way to success in no time!
