Charge or not to charge to paint nails

[astrordog]

I haven't offered painting toe nails for quite some time, but am about to start. Since it is a new service, should I charge extra, and how much. Should it be a little more for large dogs, or dogs who generally don't have nails exposed and I'd have to clip the hair away.

astrordog

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

I would definitely charge for it, as it isn't that easy to do, it's not a "necessary" part of grooming such as clipping nails, it's a "cosmetic" issue, lol, so I would definitely charge for it. Not sure if we're allowed to post the amount we charge here, but I charge six dollars for it.

Can't really answer your other questions because I have the same questions, LOL.

Tammy in Utah

[Chicken]

Definitely charge - that's an additional service, not a basic component of a groom.

[hairdevil]

bows, bandanas, and nail polish are included in the price of my grooming. Im not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.. actually there are so few that request nails be painted, its not really an add-on service maker..IMO

[misscatahoula]

I've only had 3 requests in 2 yrs. for nails painted; I don't charge any extra for it.

[Jadenlea]

I don't charge for it but to be honest I do it more for myself then the clients. The few I do I had to actually talk my clients into letting me do it. hehe.

I personally have kept it a special thing for holidays. I did a jet black standard poodle this week all in green bows and green toes for st pattys day. I did pink for valentines and red and green for xmas. I ordered yellow for easter but I think its not going to show up on black nails.

[milhasavilla]

I haven't offered painting toe nails for quite some time, but am about to start. Since it is a new service, should I charge extra, and how much. Should it be a little more for large dogs, or dogs who generally don't have nails exposed and I'd have to clip the hair away.

astrordog

I charge extra for it - four dollars or tooth brushing and nails for five...BUT my regular's who come in every 2 weeks get it with their groom and I don't charge any extra for it (all dogs same price). I only have a few that ask me to do it, some of my regulars I ask if I can. Some clients don't want them done, so I always ask. I don't charge any extra for dogs with longer hair around their feet. The most important factor for me, is if the dog does ok with me handling his/her feet. If not, then I don't attempt to paint. I enjoy doing nails - have fun with it!

[rapuzzled]

Most definitely charge for it! It's an extra procedure, not part of the normal routine. Some dogs are good for it, but some can be bad. Plus, if you do it on a dog other than a poodle it can be a pain because of the hair. Just charge enough that it makes it worthwhile, but not to much that no one will request it. We actually used to charge more for it in the past than we do now because no one ever requests it. That's ok though, because I don't really like to do it, lol.

[borzoimom]

I include it in the price of poodles, however most of my poodle clients request that I don't do it (I don't lower the price though). If a client requests it on another breed, I will do it for a fee ($6). I don't like painting nails either.

[redbird]

just wondering

How long does it take you to do it?

I have never applied polish,(sounds like a pain), I just wonder how long it takes.
I charge by the hour, so I would figure it into the price.

[hairdevil]

lol bout 3 mins...maybe 5 more for drying...

[baddog]

The corp's charge for nail painting, if I recall they charge around $10. for painted nails, "upgraded shampoo and perfume" and a bow or bandana. People pay this everyday!

[CountryCanines]

I charge $4 for it - it does take more time and I supply the polish

[Arrooh]

I haven't charged.

I only have one regular that wants it. They give me a $10 tip every 3 weeks with a darling and easy dog. I do it and am pleased that it pleases such a great customer. I guess it would depend on the customer, but I am not cheap priced so I figure they get and expect great service.

[Shampooch]

I’ve always offered bows, polish, and bandanas in the cost of the grooming. Especially for poodles that get clean feet. Almost all my poodles get painted nails. I only have a few that don’t and that’s by owner request. It doesn’t take me long to do it, and I think it adds to the “finished” look of the dog.