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How Much To Charge For Custom Press-On Nails
Pricing your press-on nails can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting your press-on nail business. You might wonder:
- Am I charging too much?
- Am I undercharging and working for free?
- What are customers willing to pay?
The truth is, the right pricing is the key to running a profitable business while keeping your customers happy. Whether you’re creating basic sets or intricate luxury designs, I’m going to break down how to price your press-on nails step-by-step so you can confidently charge what you’re worth and make a profit.
1. Calculate Your Costs
The first step in pricing your press-ons is knowing exactly what it costs to make them. Undercharging happens when you skip this step. You need to know that you are charging more for the set than you are spending to create the set.
Here’s what to include:
- Supplies: Nail tips, adhesives, gel polish, tools, and packaging (boxes, ribbons, glue kits, etc.).
- Shipping Costs: Include both materials (like bubble mailers) and shipping fees.
- Labor: This is the time it takes you to design and create the nails.
Simple Cost Formula:
(Total Supplies + Shipping) + Your Labor Cost = Minimum Price
Example:
- Supplies = $8 (nail tips, gel polish, packaging)
- Shipping = $5
- Labor = $25 (2 hours of work at $12.50/hour)
- Total Minimum Price = $38
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a spreadsheet of your supply costs to track expenses easily. Download our free printable here.
2. Factor in Your Time
Your time matters. Pricing that doesn’t account for your hours spent designing, filing, and curing each nail set will burn you out fast.
Think about it like this:
- If it takes you 2 hours to make a basic set of nails, what is your hourly rate?
- Are you designing intricate custom nails that take more time?
Hourly Rate Example:
If you want to earn $20/hour and a custom nail set takes 3 hours to create:
$20 x 3 = $60 for labor alone
When you price your sets, never undervalue the time and skill you’re putting into every design.
3. Research the Market
Your pricing shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Look at what other press-on nail artists are charging on platforms like:
- Etsy
- Instagram Shops
- Small business websites
Here’s what to look for:
- Basic Sets: Simple, one-color designs.
- Custom Sets: Names, themes, and personalized art.
- Luxury Sets: Highly detailed art, charms, or embellishments.
Stand Out Tip: Don’t underprice just to compete. If your work is high quality, you can charge a premium. Communicate your value clearly: handmade, custom, durable, and unique.
4. Offer Price Tiers for Different Customers
Not every customer has the same budget, and that’s okay. By offering price tiers, you can appeal to a variety of clients while still protecting your time and effort.
Here’s an example of tiered pricing:
- Basic Set (one-color nails, simple shapes): $25-$35
- Custom Set (hand-painted designs, names, or themed sets): $40-$70
- Luxury Set (advanced designs with gems, charms, or 3D art): $80+
This approach allows customers to choose a price range that fits their needs, and you don’t undersell your premium work.
5. Add a Profit Margin
To grow a successful business, you need to include a profit margin on top of your base price. A profit margin ensures you’re earning money beyond just covering costs.
Profit Formula:
Price = (Costs + Labor) + Profit Margin
Example:
If your minimum price is $40, adding a 20% profit margin means:
$40 x 1.2 = $48
You’ve now built in room for growth, extra expenses, and income to reinvest in your business.
6. Upsell and Offer Bundles
Want to increase your income per order? Add value with upsells and bundles:
- Add-Ons: Mini nail glue kits, cuticle pushers, or nail prep wipes for an extra $5-$10.
- Bundles: Offer “3 sets for $120” instead of $45 per set to encourage bulk orders.
Upselling gives customers convenience and ensures they return to you for all their press-on nail needs.
7. Communicate Your Value to Customers
Once you’ve set your pricing, don’t shy away from it. Clearly communicate why your press-on nails are worth the price:
- Quality: Durable nails made to last 2+ weeks.
- Customization: Designs tailored to the client’s style.
- Convenience: Salon-quality nails delivered to their door.
When customers understand the value, they’re happy to pay what you’re worth.
Setting the right price for your press-on nails doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By calculating your costs, factoring in your time, and clearly communicating your value, you can confidently set prices that attract customers and make you money.
Remember: pricing isn’t set in stone. As your skills grow, revisit your pricing to match your experience and demand.
💡 Ready to get organized and grow your press-on nail business? Grab my free Press-On Nail Business Checklist to streamline your pricing, packaging, and sales process!
