Choosing the Perfect Pedicure Chair: A Guide for Salon & Spa Owners
With the seemingly endless options of pedicure chair options in the market and the wide range of price points, choosing the one that’s ideal for your business can become a bit of a headache. That’s where we come in. We’ve put together this guide to help salon & spa owners cut through the clutter, and provide practical, sound advice to assist you with this significant purchase. After all, we’ve been in business for over 85 years and are excited to share our wealth of industry knowledge and experience with you. Arm yourself with knowledge and read on for clarification and points of consideration regarding style and design, ergonomics, functions and features, durability, maintenance, warranty, size and space requirements, and trusted brand names in order to make the smartest decision to propel your business into the future and stay competitive in today’s busy beauty industry market.
Pipeless Whirlpool-Jet vs. No-Plumb Pedicure Chairs
Let’s start by explaining what the difference is between a pipeless whirlpool jet and a non-plumbed pedicure system, as there are pros and cons to consider on both. Pipeless pedicure chairs require standard plumbing access to connect to external pipes and drains to utilize cutting-edge magnetic jet motor technology and powerful fans to move the water around and create the “whirlpool action” in the basin. The built-in water filtration system keeps the units sanitary as the water is not running through & sitting idle inside of a complicated pipe system which may harbor bacteria and dirt and require intense cleaning.
Conversely, non-plumb or plumbless pedicure chairs allow you to offer pedicures without connecting to any external plumbing. These pedicure chair systems utilize Footsie Bath technology to provide a warm & vibrating footbath for clients during services. Many high-quality no-plumb pedicure chairs or portable pedicure chairs are available and may be a good fit if you have space limitations, if you are in a rented or leased property and the landlord does not allow hook-ups to plumbing, or maybe if you are searching for a more economical option.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Be sure to consider the ergonomics of the pedicure chair as well as customer comfort while still in the decision-making process. You will want to know how clients actually get into the chair. Does the chair swivel towards them for easy access or will the customer step up and into it and is there a reclining option too? If you are working in a senior-related environment or you serve a large percentage of older clients, safe access to the chair quickly becomes a top priority. The size of the seating area, thick padded foam cushions, adjustable reclining options, foot, and lower leg rests, and comfy pillow neck rests all add up to assure a luxurious pedicure experience for your clients, so be mindful of those elements when choosing your pedicure chair.
Size & Space Requirements
Since pedicure chairs come in various shapes and sizes, it is essential to consider the dimensions of the unit for space planning purposes. Be cognizant of possible space limitations within your salon or spa layout—make sure the chair will not impede your natural “traffic flow” and that there’s plenty of space for both your customers as well as your technicians so they can move about freely and provide the most pleasant personal services for your clients. Additionally, ensure that your selected chair will have enough space to recline fully back without being impeded by any walls. Relaxation and therapeutic efforts may suffer if the area is too crowded with ill-fitting equipment, and everyone is “on top of each other,” so make sure you measure your space and know the dimensions of the chair before you make your final decision. Not the most technical person? Not a problem—don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call so we can assist you.
Durability and Maintenance
While client comfort is certainly a top priority for any salon wanting to provide top-notch pedicure services, you as the business owner do have to consider several other important factors before deciding about a large investment like a pedicure chair. It may be tempting to go with one of the least expensive options in the market, but is that going to be a wise choice in the long run? We recommend always working with trusted brand names and reputable companies that have been in business for many years so that you can ensure the brand will be there when you have a question, issue, or need. Buy-Rite is proud to partner with some of the most respected names in the beauty industry including Collins, Pibbs Industries, Continuum Pedicure Spas, and J & A USA, and these vendors have backed up their products with warranties, and excellent support and customer service for over 50 years. Pedicure spa chairs are a very specialized piece of equipment, so in case you do experience any issues, you want to be able to reach someone immediately for technical assistance or reliable replacement parts so that you can keep your business running smoothly with the least amount of “downtime.”
Style & Design
After researching the more critical topics such as functionality, ergonomics, pipeless vs. no-plumb, price range, warranties, customer support, etc., selecting the style and design of your chair is more exciting and fun but still needs attention to detail. With an extensive array of options, you can easily customize and personalize your chair to offer a warm and inviting atmosphere creating an overall design aesthetic that’s unique to you! Consider the size and shape of the unit to make sure it’s a good fit within your spa or salon’s layout with plenty of personal space for both your clients and technicians. Do you prefer a clean modern, contemporary look or something more traditional, or maybe even a more industrial, loft-type vibe? Today’s pedicure chairs offer a wide variety of chair base options, different foot basins, and many color combinations for the chair top to create a style just right for your particular salon environment.
Luxury Add-On Features & Functions
To enhance your client’s comfort even more and offer the most relaxing and luxurious pedicure experience, you can choose from many additional modern features, and these may bring in increased revenue for services. Outfit the chair with convenient purse hooks, cup holders, magazine racks, or flip-up manicure trays, a great convenience your techs will appreciate. These days built-in USB ports are hugely popular so that your customers can hook up their phones or tablets and listen to music while receiving services. Consider Shiatsu massage chair tops offering roll, punch, and knead settings, usually controlled with a handy remote, to immerse your client in heavenly relaxation. Heat functions to warm the footbath or even mesmerizing light therapy in the basin all add up to top-notch, memorable spa experiences. Remember, while purchasing a pedicure spa chair with all the proverbial “bells and whistles” may seem daunting at first, you will be able to recoup that investment long-term with a higher price tag for luxury spa services. Providing top-notch luxurious pedicure services can set you apart from other spas and salons and will not only assure that your regular customers keep coming back but provide the opportunity to garner new clients too!
Budget & Price
While it is essential to select a high-quality pedicure chair from a reputable company, let’s face it, most business owners work with certain budgets. If your salon offers pedicures as an add-on service, a non-plumb or even a portable pedicure chair may be the more price-effective route. If you are planning to offer deluxe spa pedicure services by a dedicated nail technician, a more robust initial investment will in turn generate more profits for your salon as you can charge more for this type of service. Make sure the price of the chair aligns well with your budget and the services you plan to offer.
Brand & Reputation
Buy-Rite Beauty is proud to work with many industry leaders and we offer high-quality pedicure chairs from trusted and respected brand names such as Collins, Pibbs Industries, J & A USA, and Continuum Pedicure Spas. Each of our vendors has been hand-selected to ensure the highest quality product offering and support in the market. Be sure to spend some time researching the brand and check out its customer reviews to get an idea of the company’s track record of post-sale services and support. These reviews can provide valuable insights on the comfort and overall performance of the chair directly from your industry peers, helping you make a more informed decision.
