Nail tech who brags way to much about what she has

[3boymthr]

I do the books for several salons. Most of the techs make a a decent amount of money. Some of the officers of some of these salons make in excess of $2,000 per week and One of the owners makes in excess of $4,000/week . So maybe the OP's nail tech is also an owner. And those figures are on what they declare - mostly what's declared equals what was paid by credit card or check. I'm sure there is some cash (especially cash tips) that they don't declare.

Plus the tech OP is talking about may not be talking about just her own money. What does her boyfriend do? The OP did say the Tech does mention what the Boyfriend spends on her. The money the tech is talking about may be his which is why she may feel compelled to brag - I call it the "I bagged a rich guy" syndrome. I've known a couple of women who were just getting by or struggling to make ends meet until they got a boyfriend who began showering them with gifts and money and where before they were all about the clearance rack and borrowing from peter to pay paul, when they were with this guy they were all about bragging on how much they were spending and not having to buy anything on sale and they tend to preface some of the bragging with sentences to the effect of "aren't I lucky look how good he is to me he's spending so much money on me and my kids" - even if the guy was a scumbag.

 

[Ladyhawke]

I highly doubt she makes enough money to afford what she talks about- most nail techs hardly make minimum wage WITH tips and even the higher earners make just $15-$20 per service at about 20-30 a week. Not that her wages have anything to do with her unprofessionalism but it struck me as odd.

Yes, I have to wonder if she is even telling the truth. Have you seen if she actually has a BMW? If she has one, she may be leasing, doesn't own it, or is her boyfriend's. The need to brag about such things makes me think she has low-self worth issues. Or maybe she's hoping all her bragging will make you give her a bigger tip, if you think everyone else is doing so. he may be trying to give the impression that the few dollars of tip you give her (even if it is 20%) is an insult to her. You wouldn't want to be her only cheap client, would you?

 

[Tiffylv]

.

 

[Rantybaby]

Can't stand people who are always talking about how much money they have. I went to get my nails done by a woman that I have been using for the past 3-4 months because she does really fabulous work at a fabulous price, but I am really thinking about going elsewhere.

She is always dropping info on how much money she has, her cars, house, vacations, and way over the top birthday parties for her kids, how much her boyfriend spends on her, ect. Yesterday, it was the birthday parties, her BMW, exotic vacations. Her cakes cost her between $300-$400 . I do order mine from a very professional baker too, but try to keep the cost to no more than $50-$60.

I just am really debating on sticking with her much longer. Its really getting on my nerves.

Tell her you come to relax and destress. If she keeps on find a new location.

 

[crisi]

I'd assume that if she does have those things, its not from the nail tech job. I'm assuming that boyfriend is very well off - or maybe her parents are. Add in a well off ex-husband. Because while if she is pulling top dollar at $1000 a week its nothing to sneeze at, that's only $52,000 a year. And she isn't getting her tip income during vacations - quite probably not getting paid during vacations. $52,000 a year isn't enough to conspicuously consume. Especially if you have kids.

I do wonder why anyone who has that much money would bother to spend their time as a nail tech. My priorities are different, but when I can drop $400 for a birthday cake, on top of an extravagant party, I'd rather not be taking callouses off people's feet and dealing with nail fungus in order to pay for it. I'd cut the cake and vacations from my budget, and cut my hours.

If it bothers you, find another tech....they are a dime a dozen. Me, I'd be tempted to stick with it for what is likely to be the schadenfreude payout.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Well she does teach nail tech students for the first 3 days of the week and the last 3 days she works as a nail tech. I will say though, she is a very hard worker! So I am assuming she puts in close to a 50hr work week for herself. And the boyfriend is very wealthy. Which this is all good. I just find it tacky to brag about it all the time.


Oh,totally off topic but the birthday cake I ordered yesterday, from a very professional and top notch baker, was $66! And I just about didn't go through with it because I thought it was too much money, but I did. If I didn't like the type of cake and the amazing icing she makes for them I wouldn't have. It is a 3 layer, 10 inch round with the birthday theme I chose on it.

There is good money to be made in cake baking these days if you learn the skill well.

 

[Iowajes]

I only go to Asian nail salons - no talking, and cheap (although my favorite just went up to $9 for a manicure).

How long does that manicure take? Do you think they could possibly be paying their overhead (rent, utilities, cost of equipment, cost to sanitize equipment, cost of polish without watering it down), governmental taxes, and pay their staff at least minimum wage (or even minimum wage for tipped employees) at $9 a manicure?



To the OP: It would be hard to resist making a flippant comment like "Wow, that's a ton more than me! Sounds like you don't need a tip as much as I need the savings." (after she has put away all cutting implements...) But probably the better response is to go elsewhere.

 

[Arielle22]

I have been going to my manicurist/owner for at least 5 years. She co-owns the shop with another manicurist. Both are married and seem to have plenty of money. One drives a Mercedes. Neither brags about their money but neither do they seem to have money problems.

I have acryllic nails and get gel polish on them. I spend $35 biweekly plus $5 tip.

 

[mjkacmom]

How long does that manicure take? Do you think they could possibly be paying their overhead (rent, utilities, cost of equipment, cost to sanitize equipment, cost of polish without watering it down), governmental taxes, and pay their staff at least minimum wage (or even minimum wage for tipped employees) at $9 a manicure?



To the OP: It would be hard to resist making a flippant comment like "Wow, that's a ton more than me! Sounds like you don't need a tip as much as I need the savings." (after she has put away all cutting implements...) But probably the better response is to go elsewhere.

There are tons of them here, so lots of competition. Pedicures are around $18, about a half hour, including a hot oil treatment. There are always specials early on in the week. Of course, there are day spas and beauty salons that charge much more, but they don't get the same volume. NYC has lots of inexpensive nail salons, too. They are open 7 days a week.

 

[js]

I only go to Asian nail salons - no talking, and cheap (although my favorite just went up to $9 for a manicure).

Thats great! I just went for a gel mani and a reg pedi yesterday and I pay $50 before tips. $9 is wonderful! I close my eyes and relax for both. If I had a girl that talked and bragged I would most certsinly not go back. That is MY time.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

New money syndrome. Her rich boyfriend is supporting the kind of lifestyle she's never had before, and won't achieve ever again once they split.

 

[Princesspolly0110]

That's what I was thinking. She's a nail tech. I don't think that's a job most people pick up as a hobby.

Some people are exceptionally good at reading people, so she may have been trying to get you defensive about money, so you'd spend more.
I dunno. Go somewhere else if it bothers you that much.
I kind of figured out a long time ago that I shouldn't let people make me uncomfortable in those kinds of situations. They're the ones who are working, and likely don't make enough money to really afford the products that they sell. I'm the one who is there to spend money.

ETA: I'm not trying to make anyone sound inferior, but I definitely had a problem going into high end stores for a long time, because I felt out of place. Now I have no problem going into Anthrolopologie and spending the entire time in the clearance room, because I love the products, even if I can't afford to pay full retail.

This is definitely not to start an argument but I don't find being a nail tech a hobby. I am one and I support myself full and well on it

 

[Princesspolly0110]

Can't stand people who are always talking about how much money they have. I went to get my nails done by a woman that I have been using for the past 3-4 months because she does really fabulous work at a fabulous price, but I am really thinking about going elsewhere.

She is always dropping info on how much money she has, her cars, house, vacations, and way over the top birthday parties for her kids, how much her boyfriend spends on her, ect. Yesterday, it was the birthday parties, her BMW, exotic vacations. Her cakes cost her between $300-$400 . I do order mine from a very professional baker too, but try to keep the cost to no more than $50-$60.

I just am really debating on sticking with her much longer. Its really getting on my nerves.

As a professional nail tech, I would tell a client to approach her this way when making an appt, tell her you've had a stressful week/day/month and you're looking forward to the relaxation. That should be hint enough for her to confirm the appt, ask for your polish and get you a drink. I may "catch up" with a client for a few mins but if they seem like they are out of the conversation, so am I. If she continues to chat, keep answers simple to yes or no and read a magazine. That should keep her quiet

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I'm surprised by all the talk of nail techs making a low wage....granted I only personally know one nail tech....but I know her very well and she makes 60% of the cost of the service plus all of the tip money. She told me on an average week she makes around $800.

I gross that much in one day of work and I cannot afford the lifestyle you described. even if she kept every dime of that $800 ( and didn't pay any taxes) that is only about $3200/ month. hardly wealthy.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

This is definitely not to start an argument but I don't find being a nail tech a hobby. I am one and I support myself full and well on it

I think that is what PP meant. Someone working as a nail tech is doing so because they want/need a career, not because they are a bored housewife looking to fill their day a little.

 

[BigAlsGal]

I'm not sure what's worse. Bragging about how much you have or chatting about how little you have and how hard you struggle. I'm in the industry. I guess I would much rather know my technician was comfortable than hear how she has 6 kids to feed. No car. Had her electricity turned off etc....

Also some people don't realize theyre bragging. Maybe some people are overly sensitive to someone having more than them. For example Im sure a lot of people consider talking about how often you can afford to go to disney bragging. Or that you only stay at the poly bragging. Sometimes people are just talking! Not trying to offend.

 

[scrapquitler]

I think that is what PP meant. Someone working as a nail tech is doing so because they want/need a career, not because they are a bored housewife looking to fill their day a little.

Not necessarily. I know a number of my peers in my town that fit the 'bored housewife' description that have jobs like hairdresser, retail sales etc as a part time job just for something to do once their kids start to get a little older.

 

[HM]

I carry my book and open it up as soon as I'm sitting in the chair.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Not necessarily. I know a number of my peers in my town that fit the 'bored housewife' description that have jobs like hairdresser, retail sales etc as a part time job just for something to do once their kids start to get a little older.

Context is a beautiful thing

 

[tnklvr]

Well she does teach nail tech students for the first 3 days of the week and the last 3 days she works as a nail tech. I will say though, she is a very hard worker! So I am assuming she puts in close to a 50hr work week for herself. And the boyfriend is very wealthy. Which this is all good. I just find it tacky to brag about it all the time.


Oh,totally off topic but the birthday cake I ordered yesterday, from a very professional and top notch baker, was $66! And I just about didn't go through with it because I thought it was too much money, but I did. If I didn't like the type of cake and the amazing icing she makes for them I wouldn't have. It is a 3 layer, 10 inch round with the birthday theme I chose on it.

There is good money to be made in cake baking these days if you learn the skill well.

Maybe while she is teaching the students she finds bragging about what she makes gives them incentive to stay in the class and refer friends to the class and since the students are enamored in how much they can have when they become nail techs she thinks her clients will be enamored by it too? I think I would try telling her so since your so rich does that mean you don't need a tip. lol I know of an awesome bakery that makes a 3 layer 10 inch round for $23 that is the most amazing cake I have ever eaten. Maybe try different bakeries or find one others love and save some money.