Why bridal artistes charge high

I have virtually lost count when it comes to the number of phone calls I get from intending brides. I humbly tell them my rates and here’s the usual responses/questions — “Haba just for makeup ?” or “why are you so expensive?” I bet if you are a professional in the beauty industry, you can easily relate to these responses.

Now, the big question is, why do some of us charge the rates that we do? It’s actually pretty simple as I will try outline some of the factors that determine price:

Location: Before you can get a rate off me, I have to know where you intend to dress from. This is an important factor in the timing, cost of getting there, etc. If it is out of state, I need to be sure you will be willing to provide accommodation and other logistics – all these costs come from whatever I charge the client.

Products: When you need a makeup artist to work on your face, of course you don’t expect he/she to ask if you have foundation, matifier or powder. As a professional, we arrive at the venue with a fully-stocked kit to cater to all your needs. The rest of the work is to pamper and make you feel like a princess for your special day.

You also have the right to decide what you want – traditional makeup application or airbrush; some are even specific about the brand of makeup they want. There you have it, imagine having to buy different brands just to satisfy a client! These products don’t last a lifetime before you say ‘Jack Robinson,’ you are ordering another batch. I have not even included makeup tools like brushes, brush cleaner, wipes, etc. Lately, the exchange rate has gone up and product prices have doubled; this affects my pricing as well.

Expertise: You, most definitely, are paying for my expertise just like with every other skilled professional – product knowledge, standard, techniques and makeup that will last all day.  I always review my prices regularly to reflect my current level of experience and skill; I have clients calling to consult about skin issues and what they need to do and not do before the event. An unquantifiable factor that falls under expertise is my time; sometimes I have to be up 3am to arrive at a client’s venue at 4am.

Professionalism: I show up at the client’s take-off point even if it has been reported in the news that Lagos is under water. I don’t just show up; I show up on time. I am at your mercy once we have an agreement – that professionalism is also unquantifiable yet we try to have the client pay a bit for this.

I have one advice for intending brides though. When a makeup artiste charges you peanuts, be afraid, be very afraid. I can tell you for free that he/she might deliver a shoddy service or will not give you the undivided attention you need on your big day; it’s your choice really.

So for all (you) intending brides, choose well and choose wisely.

Yemisi Seriki is the CEO of Nsure Beauty Studio, Lagos.