Some salon owners are turning to used pedicure chairs to break into the pedicure market. Buying a chair at retail can cost several thousands of dollars, taking a long time to recover initial investment costs. However, buying a used chair costs much less, with previous owners trying to recover just a portion of their costs. These used chairs give buyers the opportunity to perhaps obtain a more luxurious chair for their salon, without breaking the bank.

For those that are concerned with sanitation issues and repair costs, there are certified resellers that guarantee the used equipment's value. Often, manufacturer warranties remain intact, even after a secondary purchase. Resellers tend to refurbish used pedicure chairs into "like new" condition. If a pedicure chair cannot be purchased from a certified reseller, simply visiting with the previous owner will provide an idea of the chair's condition and maintenance requirements.

Before purchasing a used pedicure chair, check all of the functions and features. Make sure that the leather is not cracked, the plumbing is not clogged, the massage function is in working order, and its overall comfort is acceptable to the user. Check the chairs functionality from the view of both the user and the worker. If all requirements are met, and the price is fair, purchasing a used pedicure chair can be a smart investment for a limited budget.

It will be difficult to start up a nail salon, but with careful planning and hard work, it can be done. Obtaining space for the salon does not have to be expensive. The silver lining in the terrible economy is the ability to rent a commercial space for a reasonable price. Or if you can't afford to rent or lease a space, you can always set up your nail salon at home and move into a store once you've got a few regular customers.

The real concern regarding start-up expenses is not in paying the rent-no it is procuring the nail salon equipment. If you want to treat your customers to a quality manicure, you are going to need to purchase the higher-end nail salon equipment. This includes brands such as Belvedere, Collins, Pibbs, and Kaemark, all of which are rather expensive. You have the option of purchasing less prominent salon equipment, but it will probably result in low quality treatments and a damaged reputation that could take years to shed.

A better option is to purchase used nail salon equipment. Quality nail salon equipment can last dozens of years, but salons, in the hopes of looking modern, get rid of what they deem "unfashionable" equipment. You can snatch up barely used nail salon equipment for a fraction of the price! Some great pieces of used nail salon equipment to look for are shampoo chairs, used styling cabinets and even reception desks!

If you're just getting started in the salon business, don't waste your time and money on brand new equipment. Getting the top brands of used nail salon equipment will help you start up a quality salon business without breaking the bank.