How to start a press on nail business: nail your launch

Starting a press-on nail business is a rewarding venture where your artistic flair can meet business savvy. The market is already worth billions, with steady demand from customers looking for unique designs for special events, daily wear, or just to match an outfit.

This guide will take you through the practical steps of validating your business concept, acquiring inventory, building supplier relationships, and obtaining necessary licenses to help you launch a successful press on nail business in the U.S.

Step 1: Validate your concept and plan your budget

Find your niche

Start by exploring platforms like Etsy, Instagram, and Pinterest. Search hashtags like #pressonnails and #luxurynails to see current trends. This helps you spot a gap in the market, whether it is minimalist designs, gothic styles, or extra-long glam sets.

A mistake many new sellers make is to try to appeal to everyone. Instead, use your research to identify a specific customer and style. This focus makes your marketing and design process much clearer from the start.

Calculate your startup costs

Your initial investment will likely range from $350 to $1,000. A budget for these costs helps ensure a smooth start. Most of your funds will go toward supplies and equipment.

Here is a typical breakdown:

• Nail Supplies: $200-$500 for quality tips, gel polishes, and art materials.
• Tools: $50-$150 for a reliable UV/LED lamp.
• Packaging: $50-$100 for boxes and shipping materials.
• Business License: $50-$300, depending on your state and city.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Spend two hours on Etsy and Instagram and save 10-15 listings that represent the style you admire.
• Create a spreadsheet to list and price your initial supplies from at least two different vendors.
• Research your local city or county clerk's website for business license application forms and fees.

Step 2: Set up your legal structure and get licensed

Choose your business structure

You can start as a sole proprietorship, which is simple but links business debts to your personal assets. A better long-term option is a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC separates your personal and business finances, which offers you protection.

Forming an LLC involves a state filing fee, typically $50 to $500. While a sole proprietorship has no setup cost, the protection an LLC provides is valuable as your business grows. You can file for an LLC through your state's Secretary of State website.

Secure your permits and licenses

With your business structure decided, you can get the necessary paperwork. A mistake some new owners make is to overlook local rules. Always check with your city or county clerk first for specific home-based business regulations.

You will likely need these three items:

• Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is your business's federal tax ID. You can get one for free from the IRS website in minutes.
• Seller's Permit: This allows you to collect sales tax. Register for it through your state's Department of Revenue. It is usually free but can take a few weeks to process.
• Business License: Your city or county requires this to operate legally. Costs and processing times vary, so check your local government's website for details.

Also, ensure your nail polishes and adhesives are cosmetic-grade and sourced from suppliers who follow FDA guidelines. This protects both you and your customers.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Decide if a sole proprietorship or an LLC is the right fit for your goals.
• Apply for a free EIN directly on the IRS website.
• Locate your state's Department of Revenue website to learn about its seller's permit application.
• Search your city or county clerk's website for business license forms and fees.

Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk

Key insurance policies for your business

Protecting your business from day one is smart. Some new owners think their homeowner's policy offers coverage, but it almost never applies to business activities. You will need a separate business policy.

For a press-on nail business, a few policies are particularly relevant. You might want to consider these:

• General & Product Liability: This is your foundation. It protects you if a customer has an allergic reaction to your adhesive or if your product causes an injury. A combined policy with $1 million in coverage is a standard starting point.
• Inland Marine Insurance: This policy covers your inventory and supplies while they are in transit. It is a valuable add-on if you plan to ship high-value custom sets.

With this in mind, let's look at costs. A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) that bundles liability and property coverage typically runs from $400 to $900 annually. You can get quotes from providers like Hiscox, Next Insurance, and CoverWallet, who focus on small businesses.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Request online quotes from Hiscox and Next Insurance to compare coverage options.
• Review your homeowner's or renter's policy to find its specific business activity exclusions.
• Allocate $400-$900 in your budget for your first year's insurance premium.

Step 4: Set up your workspace and buy supplies

Designate your workspace

You do not need a commercial space. A dedicated desk in a well-ventilated room works perfectly. Most cities do not have strict zoning for a home business that does not receive clients, but a quick check of your local rules is always smart.

Buy your equipment and supplies

A quality UV/LED lamp is your most important purchase, expect to spend $50 to $150. A good lamp cures gel polish properly, which prevents customer issues. An e-file for shaping tips, which costs around $50-$100, can also speed up your process.

A spot many people trip up is discovering that professional brands like Young Nails require a cosmetology license. You can bypass this by starting with high-quality public brands like Makartt or Beetles. They offer great starter kits and individual polishes on Amazon.

Once you have a feel for your bestsellers, you can look at bulk suppliers. For custom packaging, sites like Alibaba have minimum order quantities, often 100-500 boxes. For nail tips and basic supplies, you can find smaller order minimums from U.S. based vendors.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Clear a dedicated, well-ventilated space in your home for your business.
• Price out a UV/LED lamp and an e-file from two different brands.
• Browse Makartt and Beetles on Amazon to compare their gel polish color ranges and prices.
• Search for "custom press on nail box" on Alibaba to see supplier options and minimum order quantities.

Step 5: Set up your payment processing

Choose your payment methods

Most online platforms like Etsy and Shopify have built-in payment systems. For custom orders, it is standard to require a 50% non-refundable deposit upfront. This covers your material costs if a client cancels.

A mistake some sellers make is forgetting about transaction fees. These rates, often around 2.9% plus $0.30 per sale, can eat into your profit. Always factor these costs into your final nail set prices.

Accepting payments on the go

For selling at markets or handling local pickups, JIM offers a streamlined solution. With JIM, you can accept debit, credit and digital wallets directly through your smartphone - just tap and done. It is a simple way to manage in-person transactions without extra hardware.

At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, its rate is competitive. It's particularly useful for pop-up events where you want immediate access to your funds.

Getting started is straightforward:

• Get Started: Download JIM app for iOS.
• Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
• Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done - no waiting for bank transfers.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Review the payment processing fees for your chosen e-commerce platform.
• Decide on a firm deposit policy for all custom design work.
• Download the JIM app to explore its features for in-person sales.
• Add a line item for transaction fees to your budget spreadsheet.

Step 6: Fund your business and manage finances

Secure your startup capital

Most press-on nail businesses are self-funded, as the startup costs are low. If you need a small boost, an SBA Microloan is a solid option. These loans range from $500 to $50,000, with interest rates typically between 8% and 13%.

You might also explore grants, though they are competitive. The Amber Grant for Women is a popular choice for female entrepreneurs. You can also search for local opportunities on Grants.gov, but be prepared for a lengthy application process.

Manage your day-to-day finances

A mistake some new owners make is mixing personal and business funds. Open a dedicated business checking account from day one. This simplifies bookkeeping and makes tax filing much easier. It also reinforces the legal separation provided by an LLC.

With your accounts set up, plan for at least six months of working capital. This covers ongoing costs before sales become consistent. A budget of $1,500 to $3,000 is a realistic target for supplies, marketing, and platform fees during this period.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Open a separate business checking account for your nail business.
• Research the SBA Microloan Program requirements on the SBA website.
• Look up the application criteria for the Amber Grant.
• Create a 6-month budget projecting your supply and marketing costs.

Step 7: Build your team and streamline operations

When to make your first hire

You will likely be a one-person operation at first. Your main focus should be on managing your own time effectively before you consider bringing anyone else on board. This keeps your costs low as you build momentum.

A mistake some founders make is to hire too early. Wait until you consistently have more orders than you can handle, perhaps 20-25 sets per week. Your first hire can free you up to focus on design and growth.

Consider a part-time Virtual Assistant (VA) to manage customer emails and social media comments. VAs typically charge $15 to $30 per hour. This small investment can save you 5-10 hours a week that you can pour back into creating nails.

Scaling your production

Once your order volume justifies it, a Nail Production Assistant can be a game-changer. They can handle tasks like prepping tips, painting base coats, and packaging. An hourly rate of $15 to $20 is a good starting point for this role.

No cosmetology license is required for this position, but you must train them on your specific hygiene and quality standards. This ensures every set that goes out meets your brand's reputation.

Manage your workflow

Before you hire, use free software to organize your process. A Trello board is perfect to track custom orders from the initial request to the final shipment. You can create columns for each stage of your process.

To manage your social media presence, apps like Later or Buffer offer free plans. You can schedule a week of content in one afternoon, which keeps your marketing consistent even when you are busy with orders.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Set up a free Trello board to track your first five custom orders.
• Decide on a weekly order volume that would justify hiring a part-time VA.
• Research hourly rates for virtual assistants on a site like Upwork.
• Explore the free plans for a social media scheduler like Later or Buffer.

Step 8: Market your business and find customers

Master social media visuals

Your main marketing channels will be visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Focus on high-quality photos and videos of your nails. A time-lapse of you painting a detailed set or a quick application tutorial can perform very well and build interest.

An oversight many new sellers make is to only post their own content. Encourage customers to share photos with a unique brand hashtag. Reposting this user-generated content builds trust and provides powerful social proof for new buyers.

Collaborate with influencers

Once you have some great content, consider partnering with micro-influencers who have 10k-50k followers in the beauty niche. They often have higher engagement and a dedicated audience. You can offer a free custom set in exchange for a post or a few stories.

Optimize your online storefront

If you sell on a marketplace like Etsy, use specific, long-tail keywords. Instead of just "press on nails," a title like "Hand-Painted Chrome French Tip Press Ons" helps the right customers find you directly through search.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Identify five micro-influencers on Instagram whose style matches your brand.
• Create a unique hashtag for your business and add it to your social media bios.
• Draft a one-week content plan for your primary social media account.
• Research 10 long-tail keywords for your specific nail designs on Etsy.

Step 9: Price your products for profit

Start with a cost-plus model. Calculate your base cost by adding material expenses (tips, polish, packaging) to your desired hourly wage. If materials are $5 and you spend one hour at $20/hour, your base cost is $25. This gives you a clear starting point.

Now, apply a markup to that base cost. A 2x to 4x markup is standard in this industry. A $25 base cost with a 3x markup results in a $75 retail price. This ensures you cover all expenses and generate a healthy profit on each sale.

Set your price tiers

A mistake some new sellers make is underpricing their work to compete. This devalues your art. Instead, research competitors on Etsy with a similar style and quality, then price confidently. You might want to offer tiered pricing based on design complexity.

• Simple Sets: $25-$40 for solid colors or basic glitter.
• Detailed Sets: $45-$65 for designs like French tips or moderate nail art.
• Luxe Sets: $70+ for intricate hand-painting, 3D charms, or custom character art.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Calculate the total material cost for one of your standard nail sets.
• Time yourself making a set to figure out your labor cost per hour.
• Research five Etsy sellers with a similar style and document their prices.
• Create a pricing sheet for your own products with at least three price tiers.

Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your operations

Establish your quality standards

Create a final inspection checklist for every set. It should confirm the top coat is smooth, edges are clean, and all art is sealed. A good metric is a return or complaint rate below 2%. This ensures consistency as you get busier.

Some sellers rush the final cure time, which can cause smudges during packaging. Always follow the gel polish instructions, even if it adds a few minutes. This small step protects your reputation and prevents negative reviews.

Plan your growth path

Once you consistently hit 20-25 orders per week and have to turn down custom work, it is time to scale. This is your signal to either hire help or invest in tools that speed up your workflow, like a better e-file.

Your first hire should handle repetitive tasks. A production assistant can prep tips and paint base coats, which frees you for design work. You can continue to use a Trello board to assign and track their tasks, keeping your operations organized.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Create a 5-point quality checklist to inspect every set before shipping.
• Set a personal goal for a customer complaint rate of 2% or less.
• Define the weekly order volume that would signal you to hire an assistant.
• Outline three specific tasks, like tip prep or base coating, that you would delegate first.

You now have a clear path from artist to entrepreneur. In the press-on world, consistency in your unique style is what builds a loyal following. Trust your vision, follow the steps, and you can build a brand people will seek out.

And when you make those first sales at a local market, keep the checkout process smooth. JIM turns your phone into a card reader for a flat 1.99% fee, no extra hardware needed. Download JIM and be ready for business.