Payments as a nail technician: where to start?
As a nail technician, you want payments to go smoothly. No fussing with cash, no chasing payment requests, and no clients promising to "pay next time." But which payment system suits your nail salon?
In this article, we compare the options — from a simple card terminal to a fully automated system where your client pays when booking.
Option 1: cash
The simplest form, but increasingly less popular.
Pros:
- No transaction fees
- Money immediately in hand
Cons:
- Clients carry less and less cash
- Difficult to track for your administration
- No automatic registration
- Managing change
Option 2: card terminal
A card terminal is the standard in many salons. Your client pays after the treatment with their card.
Pros:
- Clients are used to it
- Transactions are automatically recorded
- Contactless payment possible
Cons:
- Rental or purchase costs (€15-30/month or one-time €200-400)
- Transaction fees per payment
- Client only pays afterwards — no-shows cost you money
Option 3: payment requests
Many nail technicians use payment request apps or bank transfer requests.
Pros:
- No equipment needed
- Free (for personal use)
Cons:
- Unprofessional for a salon
- You need to manually track who has and hasn't paid
- No automatic invoicing
- Manual work after every treatment
Read more about why you should stop using informal payment requests.
Option 4: online payment at booking
The most modern and efficient option: your client pays when booking via iDEAL, credit card, or another payment method. This is what increasingly more nail salons are doing.
Pros:
- Money is in your account before the client arrives
- Fewer no-shows — clients who pay upfront are more likely to show up
- Invoice is automatically generated
- No card terminal needed
- Professional appearance
Cons:
- Transaction fees per payment (iDEAL approximately €0.29)
- Requires a booking system with payment integration
How does online payment work for your nail salon?
With a booking system like Bookura connected to Mollie, it works like this:
- Your client selects a treatment on your booking page (e.g., "Gel polish hands" or "New acrylic set")
- They choose optional add-ons (e.g., "Nail art" or "Extra length")
- They select a date and time
- They pay directly via iDEAL or credit card
- They receive a confirmation with all details
You don't have to do anything. The payment arrives in your Mollie account, the invoice is automatically created, and if you connect it to Moneybird, it's immediately in your accounting too.
Add-ons: more revenue per appointment
One of the smartest features for nail technicians is the ability to offer add-ons. Clients can choose extra options when booking:
- Nail art (per nail or per set)
- Extra length
- Soak-off removal
- Hand care treatment
This increases your average treatment price without any effort from you. The client chooses themselves, and the amount is automatically included in the payment.
Comparing transaction costs
With online payments, you pay transaction fees. But they're lower than you think, and they're outweighed by the benefits. More details about costs can be found in our help center article on transaction costs and payment methods.
Conclusion
The best payment system for your nail salon depends on your situation. But for most nail technicians, online payment at booking is the smartest choice: fewer no-shows, less admin, and a more professional appearance. Combined with a booking system and accounting integration, you have a fully automated workflow.
Want to discover how online payments work for your nail salon? Try Bookura for free.