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Expert September 2022

hmua Challenge

Courtney, on August 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM Posted in Hair and Makeup 0 7

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I need help!

My HMUA I booked 9 months ago cancelled on me last week.
I’ve found a new person that I think will be a good fit, my only concern is a pricing question.
Right now for just makeup, for myself and 6 others she’s charging $405, which is a great and super fair price. I’m not upset about that at all.
My concern/challenge I’m having is they factor an auto gratuity. She told me with that added in it brings the total to $570, which is a $165 gratuity or 40% of the total cost.
Am I wrong to think that’s crazy? I don’t know how to approach her about it and ask how she came to that number.

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Mrs.evans, on August 11, 2022 at 1:23 AM

Expert October 2023
Bailey · on August 9, 2022 at 5:11 PM
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I find it odd that you can't add your own gratuity. It sounds like they do it that way to make the upfront price competitive, which IMO is kinda icky. 40% is quite a bit, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that.
I would look around at other HMUA in the area and see if $570 is close to what their upfront charge is. If similar HMUA are charging $485 or more, I would probably just stick to the new girl you've found because you'll end up eating the cost regardless.
($485 + 20% tip = $582 if you get where I'm going with this)
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Expert September 2022
Courtney · on August 9, 2022 at 5:27 PM
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Yea I totally get it. A lot of the independent artists in my area around $350/$400 total. My previous person was scheduled to do hair and makeup for everyone plus an additional person and it was going to be around $400. This person is Only makeup for more, which is I think what’s stressing me out.
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Super September 2022
Sarah · on August 9, 2022 at 8:01 PM
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While I do think the 40% gratuity is a bit much, that total cost for 7 people is still pretty fair in the makeup industry, at least in my area. Mine is $90 per person before tip, so I would say just stick with her.
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Devoted January 2023
Caitlin · on August 10, 2022 at 9:42 AM
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Is it possible that she is adding taxes and travel to that as well?
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Expert September 2022
Courtney · on August 10, 2022 at 10:05 AM
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She specifically said she’s not doing travel fees, but I’m wondering if it’s two people and she’s charging me 20% for herself and an assistant. I’m waiting for her contract to come through and see if she mentions anything about it
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Expert September 2022
Courtney · on August 10, 2022 at 10:06 AM
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I agree that her cost is totally fair, I personally would prefer to have her price higher if she’s factoring other costs into this auto-grat. But I’m hoping I’ll get more answers once her contract comes in
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VIP October 2022
Mrs.evans · on August 11, 2022 at 1:23 AM
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Yes you can ask her that question if you have a problem with it and for her to break it down on how she came up with that. Well I know that mine will be a different price bc I have 2 different ppl who are doing makeup and hairstylist. But I know the price for my makeup but my hair it's still in Negotiation of price that should only $200 I'm guessing but no higher
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