Press-on nails are a popular way to get that salon look without actually going to the salon. You can do it yourself, in the privacy of your own home! It's also a relatively cheap and easy business to start that can be really rewarding. In this blog post, we will discuss how to start a press-on nail business from scratch by teaching you how much it costs, how to market yourself online or offline, how much money can be made with this type of business, what equipment you will need and more!

What is a Press-on Nail Business?

A press-on nail business is a business where you make and sell press-on nails. To start a press-on nail business from home, it's important to understand how they work in the first place! You can find many different types of press-ons online or at your local drug store.

Some are long oval shapes while others may be shorter and more square-shaped. Generally speaking press-on nails are a fun and inexpensive alternative to going to a salon and getting your nails done.

To put on press-on nails, you cleanse and clean the nail, apply sticky tape or glue to the nail, and apply the nail. Then, you simply need to file them down, clean off any excess glue, and let them set.


How to Start a Press-on Nails Business?

To start a press-on nails business, you will need to purchase all of your materials in advance. The cost is relatively inexpensive and can be done for around $50!

We recommend starting with 100 nails per order minimum if possible so that you don't run out of inventory too quickly. When you're just starting out, you may want to use a lot of this first-order to practice. It'll leave you room for mistakes while you perfect your craft.

After perfecting your style and art, you'll probably want to promote and scale your business. This will mean larger orders from suppliers, marketing, and a little bit of sales.

What To Prepare for the Press-on Nails Business

To start a press-on nail business, you'll need to decide on a name and logo, gather the necessary supplies, and write a business plan. You'll need to build a website to sell your nail sets. You'll also need to devise a marketing strategy.

There's a lot to accomplish, but it shouldn't be too much. The following sections outline five of the most critical initial steps for your press-on nail business.

Get a Catchy Press-on Nail Business Logo

Customers should recognize your company's name and logo right away. They are critical branding elements that will assist your organization in developing a memorable identity. When images of your press-on nails show in commercials and social media posts, customers will be drawn to your unique nail designs.

Create your logo using design elements similar to your nail art because this will connect your branding to the appearance of your items. Consider your logo's colors and ensure the design looks well in any size. Your logo should be used in commercials, on your website and business cards, and as the background image for your social media sites.

Create a Website for Your Press-on Nail Business

You will need a website where you can display and sell your nails. Avoid using Etsy, Poshmark, and other online marketplaces for handmade goods since the costs will affect your profit margin. Create an eCommerce website that allows customers to browse and purchase your nails.

Develop a Detailed Press-on Nail Business Plan

A business plan is a foundation for your organization, recording revenue targets and tracking estimated operating costs, profit and loss, and cash flow. Once your business is up and running, your business plan will guide you on track and on the path to success.

Your company plan should incorporate operational elements such as listing the equipment and resources needed to get your business up and running and how you'll package and ship your products. Describe your pricing approach, including market data sources and competitors, as well as production and marketing costs.

Documenting these facts in a business strategy may help you prevent costly blunders in the beginning. If your intended price barely covers your costs, you'll need to look for less expensive materials or consider charging more for your nails. It's a lot better to find out before you start selling - a company strategy can help you start with a positive cash flow.

Purchase Supplies for Your Press-on Nail Business

Controlling costs should be your primary goal, so research for the most excellent price on your materials and purchase bulk to reduce the unit price. However, there is one exception to this.

You don't know which design will be the best seller, so don't look for bulk purchase discounts when purchasing your first stock. Buy a few polishes, acrylic nails, and tools needed, then start selling. After making sales, then that's the time you can use the revenue for buying bulk supplies.


What Materials Do You Need?

To start a press-on nails business, you will need to purchase some pre-made press-on nails in order to get started. You can easily find these at your local drug store or online through stores like Amazon or eBay.

The cost of pre-made press-on nails can vary greatly, from a few dollars to over $30. It all depends on the quality and quantity you get. You'll also want to purchase glue and the materials needed to actually apply the nails. That way your customer will have everything they need to apply their new nails.

Press-on nails come in a variety of colors and sizes but one great way to promote your business is by customizing them. You can use different nail polish colors, different accent nails, or even press-on tattoos for events like Halloween or summertime beach parties. Starting with a blank canvas allows you to showcase your art, personalize your nails, and make a name for yourself.

How Much Does it Cost to Start?

The cost of starting a press-on nails business, including the materials and initial inventory, is around $50. This includes everything you need to get started! You can find pre-made nail kits and purchase them in small batches or in bulk. You can buy a few colors of nail polish for relatively cheap as well. Depending on your style, stickers, and other craft materials can be purchased from your local craft store.

As you start, it may be a good idea to start working with cheaper materials. That way, an expensive bottle of nail polish isn't wasted on practicing a new design or style. Once you're confident in your direction you can upgrade your materials (and prices).

How Much Revenue Does a Press-on Nail Business Generate

The income you'll be able to anticipate from a press-on nail trade is decided by request for the nails you make and your capacity to keep costs down. As it was calculated, confining your profit will be the number of nail sets you'll produce if you advance to the correct group of onlookers and convey what they want. 

A set of cleaned press-on nails ordinarily costs between $10 and $30. They appear beautiful and may have plans, but those nails aren't one-of-a-kind. By creating an exciting fashion, you'll give an item that no one else has and charge between $50 and $100 for each set. 

Consider the following scenario: you closely monitor nail design patterns and have identified what you believe will be the next in the vogue plan. You make ten nail sets to test your theory, and they all sell.

After sloping up generation, the predicted mold fever allows you to sell 100 nail sets at $50 apiece. That equates to $5,000 in earnings. Continued trend-watching may reward you with many comparing opportunities throughout the year, leading to limitless income possibilities for your press-on nail business.

How Do You Price Your Nails?

When pricing your nail sets, remember that the customer is not only paying for the cost of materials but your unique designs and personalization as well.

Depending on the quality and design, press on nails can be anywhere from $20 to $50. However, these nails aren't personalized to the customer and don't have your artistic touch to them.

It's always a good idea to see if anyone in your area is already doing press-on nails and make your prices competitive. You'll also want to pay attention to your indirect competition as well. If someone were to go to the local nail salon to get press-on nails, how much would it cost? Do you think you can provide a better value for less cost?

If so, you're well on your way to growing your business!

What Certifications and Licenses Do You Need?

Since you won't be the one putting on the nails or acting as a nail technician, you won't need a nail technician license.

However, if you plan to expand your business or put the nails on the client yourself, you'll need to get a nail technician license. A nail technician license is cumbersome to get. In Michigan for example, it can include 400 hours of training in a cosmetology school or a 6-month apprenticeship.

If you're interested in applying nails yourself, it may be a good idea to work part-time at a nail salon. You may even be able to start selling your press-on nails at work if you work out a deal with the salon owner!

As with any business, you'll need the proper certifications with the state to be legal. This means you'll want to make sure you have a business license or LLC. You'll also want to make sure you're in compliance with the laws and ordinances of your city or county. Registration varies from state to state - but you'll find each state's clear outlines on how to apply with a quick google search!

How Do You Market Your Press-On Nail Business?

Marketing your press-on nail business is going to be vital if you want to grow. With any business, friends and family is always a great place to start when marketing your business.  Additionally, using word of mouth and asking for referrals can be a big help too.

Partner with Local Nail Salons

In most cities, nail salons are a dime-a-dozen and it's difficult to separate themselves from the pack. Creating custom nails can be time-consuming and having the ability to outsource their press-on nail creation to you could give them a step on their competition. However, nail salons may not be willing to pay you as much as you'd like - so negotiate and walk away if needed.

Pay Attention to Wedding and Prom Seasons

Custom press-on nails can be a big hit and upgrade any outfit.  As wedding season approaches, you can reach out to local bridal salons.  

Additionally, proms are a big time for nail art as well! Prom attendees will often want something unique and inventive that they're unable to find anywhere else. If your designs are unique enough - you'll be able to tap into this market as well.

Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media can be tough to manage, especially when you're trying to start a business from the ground up. But if people like your designs, you'll be able to reach customers outside of your state. If successful, you'll need to factor in the cost of shipping into your prices!