Going Mobile
This is the most popular way to start out on your own in the beauty industry and requires minimal financial outlay. It is also popular with some clients; they often get a cheaper treatment, as the mobile business does not have the overheads of a High Street salon. Being constantly on the move, you should remember to maintain the high standards required of your profession, including cleanliness and sterilisation of implements. Also, don’t forget professional insurance to include extra cover for accidents and mishaps in a client’s home.
Going mobile does not suit all beauty therapists. To run a mobile operation you must be:
- Organised. It is no use leaving at home that eyelash tint or vital spatula. To make sure you don’t forget things, have a check list and use it. Before you leave home, be mentally and physically prepared.
- Flexible and adaptable. The mobile therapist must be prepared to work in any kind of situation and conditions, in a variety of people’s homes. If you find it stressful to have the nail table at the wrong height or to do an airbrush tan in a cramped shower then a mobile business might not be for you.
- Enterprising. It will be down to you to generate new and repeat business.
- Punctual. You cannot afford to be late for your appointment for whatever reason. Your client will be sitting waiting for you.
THE PROS AND CONS OF GOING MOBILE
Pros
- Flexible working hours to fit around your other commitments.
- The initial financial outlay is quite low. Equipment can be built up slowly over time.
- Some people cannot leave their homes and need to be visited there.
- You will have no rent or overheads and very low running costs.
Cons
- You will be working unsociable hours such as weekends and evenings.
- Your income could vary a lot until you are well established.
- It can be difficult to find new clients particularly at the beginning.
- Business is very much dependent on you to promote treatments.
- Travelling around, parking, traffic jams and carrying equipment, especially in bad weather, could hamper your work and be physically exhausting.
- Travelling costs and special car insurance can add up.
- You will lose time travelling from one customer to the next and may have to charge your clients for it.
- Time lost in travelling results in fewer clients per day.
- Possible interruptions from children and other people in the client’s house.
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