Evaluating Acrylic Nail Application Quality: A Customer Perspective

Question
I have been going to the same nail tech for about 8 years and have mostly been very happy. I have not had her apply polish for more than 6 years - I like the way I shape  my nails more than how she does it - so I just do it myself and she seems just fine with that. I am done quicker and she often will squeeze her appt times to fit in quick fixes or leave early on my appt days.  I never asked for a reduced price even though she is not polishing my nails and I feel I am a good tipper weekly as well as Christmas.  The problem - it seems lately that she has not worked particularly hard at creating a nicely surfaced nail.  I often have visual pits and divots and obvious flat and thick areas when she is done. Mostly I can file the surface and create a smooth finish for nail polish. Last time I was there I did comment about one of the first nails she did and she said that's what the "sander" was for - to smooth out after done applying the product.  Well, I just shut my mouth and let her finish.  But the result was very bad (this happened last Friday and it is still bugging me) But I am not happy.  Is she trying to get me to "quit" so she doesn't have to fire me?  Should I tell her I am not happy with the quality I have been receiving lately?  How do I handle this?  Just cancel my standing biweekly appointment I have had for 8 years and never say anything?  I appreciate any insights or suggestions you have.  Thanks.

Answer
That is a tough situation to find yourself in. Since I don't know your nail tech, I can't give you much insight into what her motivation (or lack thereof) is. Since you've been a regular client for so long, I would maybe schedule an extra few minutes for your next appointment, or email her, whichever you feel more comfortable with. Let her know your concerns and let her know that you've noticed a distinct decline in the quality of her work lately and find out if she's slacking because she doesn't enjoy doing your nails, if she's slacking in general on everyone, or if she feels that since you do your own shaping that she doesn't need to put much effort into her finishing because she expects you to do that too?

It's very common for anyone who's been doing the same job for a long time to become complacent, it's possible that your nail tech is just going through a bit of burn out and might be forgetting to put that extra oomph into her work.

I think you owe it to your nail tech to give her your feedback and give her the opportunity to snap out of it and be reminded that her clients aren't something to take for granted. I also think your nail tech owes it to you to be honest and up-front with you if the case really is that she's looking to replace you in her schedule.