Working in a salon typically provides interested staff members with the opportunity to try a variety of products. For many newbie cosmetologists, experimenting with different brands is part of the fun. However, as time goes by, most people start to favor certain products. This can become a problem for some stylists who disagree with the salon owner’s chosen products but feel compelled to sell them anyway.
Expectation to Sell Products
When cosmetologists work at a salon, there is often the expectation that they will use certain products and even promote the sale of them to customers. The pressure on the beautician to sell items may differ widely depending upon the salon, and employment status is also a factor. Some salons expect to make a large profit selling beauty products, including shampoo, conditioner, styling products, and hairpieces.
However, other salons feature these products as a simple side business and do not expect the salon workers to be salesmen.
Employee vs. Booth Rental
Some of the difference in whether or not stylists are required to sell products is their position in the company. Those who rent a booth at a salon have fewer requirements than those who are employees of a particular company. If you are a booth renter, then you simply lease space in the salon.
This means that you cannot be told what products to use, how to perform a particular service, how much to charge, or to participate in a promotion, adhere to a particular dress code, or adhere to a particular schedule. And, you cannot be fired. You are your own boss and simply rent space in the salon. Some stylists do not rent a booth but instead work as an independent contractor. Your employment status is similar to that of a booth renter; you are your own boss and do not have to follow the rules of an employee, and in return you receive none of the benefits of an employee.
As an employee of a salon, you are required to abide by certain rules, including using and selling certain products. You also cannot have your own promotions or set your own prices. Although you have certain obligations as an employee, you also will be provided with all necessary equipment and products. You also will have a regular schedule and may even have benefits. Therefore, as an employee you have less rights as to what products you choose to use or sell to your clients. However, if you are an independent contractor or simply rent a booth, it is up to you what products to use and sell.
‘Extortion’ at Modern Classics?
According to Nehanda Radio, a salon named Modern Classics is currently under fire for forcing its booth renters to sell particular products. This goes against the general agreement between booth renter and salon. The way that the owner is getting around this is by setting up the contract so that those who use the products pay only $190 per month, while those who bring in their own products pay $300. Even clients who bring their own products are charged an additional fee of $3 for the use. Although the owner states he is not forcing the issue, many of the stylists feel pressure to use the products sold in-store, especially as the $110 difference in rent adds up to a substantial amount per month.
How Far Should Stylists Have to Go to Promote a Product?
In an ideal world, the decision to sell certain products would be simple. Those who did not want to be controlled would simply rent a booth or be an independent contractor rather than work as an employee. However, in a tough economy, many cosmetologists do not have much choice as to the type of job they select, and many choose the security of working as an employee.
However, it is important to remember that being an employee does mean you have to abide by certain rules and procedures, including using and selling products even if they are not your first choice. Therefore, you should be selective in terms of the places you choose to work, when possible.
Those who choose to be their own employer should not be forced to sell certain products, even if they rent a chair from a salon. That goes against the basic contract between the two parties. Forcing stylists to pay more just because they do not want to sell certain products could create an environment of extortion and pressure that does not have a place in this industry.