The Frugal Bostonian

I was disappointed the last time I went to my “regular” nail salon: the work was poor (I repeatedly asked the technician to remove a spot of colored polish, and she did something with polish remover, yet it was still there, peeking through the natural finish), the people were rushed, and the technicians are loud (yelling on cell phones, yelling to each other).  I frequent this place because it happens to be the closest to my place, and it also happens to be the cheapest.  But, I was so unhappy last time that I don’t think I will be back.

Fortunately, I found a freebie manicure on craigslist.  Go to the beauty section (they are still advertising).  I sent an email with my name and phone number, someone called back a few days later, and I arranged to have a manicure.

It’s an established, high end salon.  The technician was in training, and someone sorta oversaw her work.  I signed a waiver that I would not publicly complain if I was not happy with the manicure.  This salon was much better than my usual salon: no yelling, not rushed, and the job was excellent!  I was surrounded by “regular” patrons paying regular prices.  It was totally free to me, but ordinarily would have cost $18.  I tipped the technician $10 because she did a great job, I don’t think she is getting paid, and I may be back to this salon.   If I’d paid regular price with tip, it would have been over $20.  My other salon charges $12, but the experience would have been unpleasant, and I would have spent $15 after tip.

There are lots of freebies on craigslist, I recommend only going to businesses open to the public (or soon to be open to the public, if they’ve got signs and started advertising, I would go there).