What is booth rental?
Booth rental (also called chair rental or station rental) means you pay the salon owner a fixed weekly or monthly fee to use a station in their salon. You are self-employed — you set your own prices, keep all your earnings, manage your own clients, and buy your own supplies. The salon provides the space, utilities, and sometimes reception.
You're essentially running your own nail business inside someone else's salon.
What is commission?
Commission means you're employed (or contracted) by the salon and receive a percentage of the revenue you generate. The salon sets prices, handles booking, and provides supplies. You receive a percentage of each service you perform — the rest goes to the salon owner to cover rent, products, reception, and their margin.
Commission percentages vary widely — always confirm the exact percentage before accepting a position.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Booth rental | Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Employment status | Self-employed | Employee (usually) |
| Pricing | You set your own | Salon sets prices |
| Income | All revenue minus costs and rent | Percentage of services |
| Supplies | You buy your own | Provided by salon |
| Clients | Your clients (you manage them) | Salon's clients |
| Schedule | You set it | Agreed with salon |
| Financial risk | You take the risk | Salon takes more risk |
| Earning potential | Higher ceiling | Capped by commission rate |
How income compares
The income difference between booth rental and commission depends heavily on booking volume and the specific terms. In general:
- A fully booked booth-renter keeps far more per appointment than a commission tech — they just have to cover their own rent and supplies
- A part-time or slow booth-renter may earn less than a commission tech because they still owe rent regardless of how many clients they see
- Commission is lower risk at low volume; booth rental is more profitable at high volume
Which to choose
Booth rental suits you if:
- You have an established client base or are confident you can build one
- You want to set your own prices and keep control of your earnings
- You're comfortable with the business side (booking, admin, marketing)
- You want creative and scheduling freedom
Commission suits you if:
- You're newly qualified and need to build experience
- You want a reliable income without managing a business
- You don't yet have an established client base
- You prefer a team environment and support structure
Ready to run your nail business more professionally?
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from commission to booth rental in the same salon?
Sometimes — it depends on the salon owner and their business model. Some salons offer both arrangements, or will transition a successful commission tech to booth rental when the tech wants more independence. It's worth having the conversation if you're established at the salon and want more autonomy.
What expenses do I need to cover under booth rental?
Under booth rental, you're typically responsible for: your own professional products and supplies, your own insurance, your own booking system, and your own marketing. The salon covers: rent of your station, shared utilities, reception (sometimes), and the salon's overall brand and premises.
