Starting a career as a lash technician can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to setting your prices. As a beginner lash tech, you may wonder what pricing strategy will help you attract clients while ensuring you make a profit. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about beginner lash tech prices, from market research to the right pricing strategy as you build your career.
1. How to Research Local Market Pricing
Before you can set your prices, you need to understand the pricing landscape in your area. Researching local market pricing is crucial to avoid overpricing or underpricing your services.
Start by browsing the websites and social media pages of other lash techs and salons in your area. Take note of their prices for similar services, such as classic lash extensions, volume lashes, and fills. Pay attention to:
- Service types and packages: Are they offering different levels of lash extensions or packages? Do they offer anything unique, like aftercare kits or discounts?
- Price variations: Are prices higher in certain neighborhoods or areas of town?
- Experience levels: More experienced lash artists will likely charge more, so take that into account when setting your beginner lash tech prices.
This research will help you position yourself competitively. If you’re just starting out, you may want to set your prices a bit lower than more established lash artists to attract clients. However, don’t undervalue your services – make sure your pricing reflects the quality of your work.
2. Understanding Your Costs & Expenses
When setting beginner lash tech prices, you must also take into account your business costs. These expenses include both fixed costs (such as rent) and variable costs (such as the cost of eyelash extensions). Here’s how to break it down:
- Material Costs: The price of your lash extensions, glue, remover, and other supplies. These can vary based on quality and brand.
- Studio Expenses: If you work in a rented space, account for the cost of your rent, utilities, and any other overhead expenses.
- Education & Licensing: If you’ve paid for a certification course or any other lash tech education, factor that into your pricing strategy.
- Marketing & Tools: Don’t forget to include costs for your marketing efforts, whether it’s through social media ads or business cards. Also, include the cost of tools, such as lash beds, tweezers, and lighting.
Once you know what you’re spending, it will be easier to set prices that not only cover your costs but also allow you to make a profit.
3. How to Set a Profit Margin
As a beginner lash tech, it’s important to aim for a profit margin that allows you to not only cover your costs but also to grow your business. Profit margin refers to the percentage of each sale that is profit after covering your expenses.
To set your profit margin:
- Calculate your total costs per service (this includes all the materials, time, and overhead costs).
- Determine your desired profit: Typically, new businesses aim for a 20-30% profit margin, but this can vary depending on location and service type.
- Add this margin to your costs: For example, if your total cost per set of lashes is $40 and you want a 30% profit margin, you should charge $52 for that set.
By calculating your profit margin, you ensure that your pricing will not only cover expenses but will also contribute to the sustainability of your business.
4. How to Adjust Pricing as You Gain Experience
One common mistake beginner lash techs make is locking into a price too soon and sticking with it. As you gain experience and improve your skills, it’s essential to adjust your beginner lash tech prices.
After a few months of practice, you will likely notice an increase in your efficiency and skill level. You might be able to finish appointments faster without compromising on quality. When this happens, you can gradually increase your prices to reflect your newfound expertise.
Here’s how to adjust your pricing over time:
- After 3–6 months: Start to raise your prices gradually. You can increase by 10-20% once you feel confident in your skills.
- After 1 year: By this time, you should have a steady client base. You can now increase your prices to align more closely with other experienced lash techs in your area.
Raising prices should always be done carefully. Inform your clients in advance, and consider offering them a “grandfather” rate to maintain loyalty as you increase your prices.
5. How to Build Client Trust to Justify Your Prices
If you want to charge higher beginner lash tech prices, you’ll need to build trust with your clients with a tech incubator. Trust is a major factor in whether or not they’ll be willing to pay more for your services.
Here are a few ways to build trust:
- Focus on Quality: Ensure that your lash work is consistently high-quality. Offer a great experience and take extra care to make sure your clients feel pampered and comfortable during each session.
- Share Your Story: Many clients will be more likely to trust you if they know your journey. Share your certification process, your passion for beauty, and any other details that make you unique.
- Get Reviews & Testimonials: Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews or provide testimonials. Positive word-of-mouth can help you justify your prices and attract more clients.
6. How to Offer Discounts Without Undervaluing Your Work
Offering discounts can help bring in clients, but it’s essential not to undermine your value as a lash tech. Here’s how to offer discounts effectively:
- Introductory Offers: If you’re just starting, offer a one-time discount for first-time clients. This will encourage them to try your services without undermining your pricing long term.
- Package Deals: Instead of discounting individual services, offer package deals (e.g., buy 5 sessions, get 1 free). This encourages repeat business while maintaining your regular pricing structure.
- Referral Discounts: Reward loyal clients who refer friends by offering them a discount or free service after a certain number of referrals.
7. How to Upsell & Add Value to Your Services
Upselling doesn’t mean pushing unnecessary products or services. Instead, it’s about offering your clients additional value in a way that benefits both you and them. Here are some ways to upsell:
- Add-Ons: Offer add-ons like a lash tint, lash lift, or aftercare kit. These additional services can boost your revenue without significant extra effort.
- Loyalty Programs: Create a loyalty program where clients can earn points for every service or product purchase, which they can redeem for discounts or free services.
- Bundles: Combine services at a discounted rate. For instance, you could offer a set of lashes along with a lash serum or brush for a reduced price.
These upselling strategies increase your earnings while offering clients more options and value.
Conclusion
Setting your beginner lash tech prices requires a combination of understanding your costs, researching local competitors, and gradually increasing prices as you gain experience. Focus on providing value, building trust, and offering add-ons that benefit your clients. By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for success in the competitive world of lash artistry.