Nail Salon Startup Costs Checklist: Every Line Item to Budget

Short answer: Your nail salon startup budget should cover 13 areas: lease deposit, build-out, ventilation, pedicure spas, manicure stations, front desk and waiting area, licenses and permits, opening supplies, booking and POS, signage, insurance, grand opening marketing, and working capital. Use the checklist below so nothing gets missed.

Most owners don't run out of money because of one big surprise. They run out because of ten small costs nobody wrote down.

The checklist

Space and lease

• Security deposit
• First (and sometimes last) month's rent
• Rent during build-out, if you didn't negotiate free rent
• Utility deposits for power, water and internet
• Attorney review of the lease

Build-out

• Architect or designer fees, if your city requires drawings
• Plumbing for pedicure spas and sinks
• Electrical for stations, lamps and dryers
• Ventilation for acrylic and gel work
• Flooring, walls, paint and ceiling
• Lighting
• Restroom updates and accessibility changes
• Contractor contingency (plan 10 to 15 percent)

Equipment and furniture

• Pedicure spas
• Manicure tables, tech chairs and client chairs
• Nail lamps and dryers
• Reception desk and waiting area seating
• Storage, shelving and back room setup
• Disinfection and sterilization supplies and containers
• Washer and dryer for towels, if you launder in-house

Licenses, permits and insurance

• Business registration and EIN
• Salon or establishment license from your state board
• Building permits and inspections
• City or county business license
• Sales tax permit if you sell retail
• Sign permit
• General and professional liability insurance, property insurance

Opening inventory

• Polish, gel, acrylic and dip systems
• Tools, files, buffers and liners
• Disinfectant, gloves and masks
• Towels and linens
• Retail products, if you'll sell them

Technology

• Online booking software
• POS and card reader
• Phone line and call answering
• Tablet or computer for the front desk
• Website

Marketing

• Exterior sign
• Google Business Profile setup and photos
• Grand opening ads and offer
• Printed menu and in-salon signage

Working capital

• Three to six months of rent, payroll and bills in the bank

Typical ranges

Costs vary a lot by city and by the condition of the space. Our cost to open a nail salon guide lists the planning ranges we use for each line, plus three sample budgets from small to full build-out.

How to use the checklist

1. Get real quotes for the big items first: build-out, pedicure spas and signage.
2. Fill in estimates for the rest and mark which ones are guesses.
3. Add a contingency line. Build-outs almost always cost more than the first quote.
4. Compare the total to your funding. If it doesn't fit, change the plan before signing a lease, not after.

Questions

What do new owners forget most often?

Rent during the build-out, utility deposits, payroll before revenue starts, and working capital. Together these can add tens of thousands of dollars.

Should I buy new or used equipment?

Used furniture and stations can save money. Be more careful with used pedicure spas: check the plumbing parts, warranty and how easy they are to clean.

How much contingency should I plan?

Many owners plan 10 to 15 percent of the build-out cost. Older spaces and raw shells deserve more.

Keep reading

• Cost to open a nail salon (guide)
• Is Owning a Nail Salon Profitable? What Really Decides It