After covering so many random dramas, I won’t be surprised when he comes out with a “my grandma making homemade honey mustard dressing is ruining my life” drama
Hell yeah, this is where I come for all the random drama. Helps me continue to avoid TikTok without having to miss out on the ridiculousness, gotta love Markie for taking one for the team.
As a nail tech (based in the us), the gel bottle is overpriced as is 💀 the quality does not match the price. To see that nail techs aren't making enough already, now they're going to charge them more? Insane.
@blaah9999 it's not a bad brand! I've tried a few products and I feel like they're one of those brands that charges for their "aesthetic" vs their actual product. But definitely workable products, not the worst out there 😂
I’ve been doing my own sets and collecting polish for 30+ years and have tried it all. TGB is average quality products in cute packaging. This was a bad move for sure!
Corporations ALWAYS look for excuses to raise prices but when the things they claim made them raise prices fall, they more often than not do not adjust. it is nothing more than smoke and mirrors, tied with lie upon lie.
its all about the profit for the shear holders ! " a corporation made lets sy 1.8mil that year but with total yearly production cost 800k + ( including labour and distribution ) with a a total profit - 1.milll- yr2 profit 2mil yr 3 profit 11mill the big cheese need at to get more than the pervious year profit with a nice 3mil onto there bonus
@@FrenkTheJoy and Agriculture still gets bailouts and is the #2 recipients for tax incentives. So they get bailouts/incentives, use excuses to raise prices and then keep them artificially high, as they pay lobbyists and line the pockets of politicians.
Im a nail tech on hiatus(baby) and this company has probably doomed itself by saying this. Their quality is NOT good enough to be charging those prices ESPECIALLY when they are known for ALLERGIC REACTIONS!!
So basically theyre saying "we can't be bothered to take a tiny cut in profit margins, why would we when we can place the financial burden of our business decisions on the shoulders of the people who bring us 100% of our income" 😑 that's EXACTLY the same as McDonald's saying they have to raise their prices every time minimum wage increases even though their profit margins are mind blowing 🙄
That's the thing tho: there was nothing cutting into TGB's profits. It was just the nail techs raising their own prices for their work, they'd still have to purchase the materials from TGB & other similar companies. TGB was just shamelessly greedy and made it *incredibly* obvious what they were doing, then panicked when they got called out on it
Nail techs are very good at boycotting product lines. It makes a difference too. A company where I live absolutely hates me because I boycotted their products and told my friends. I’m a good enough nail tech that everyone listened to me and boycotted too! Don’t make a talented nail tech mad. They influence a lot of other techs and new techs coming into the industry. We are mentors. If we say don’t use nobody uses it.
I appreciate that there is a disclaimer that you don’t know much about hair, nails, etcetera. BUT you kill it each time and always welcome input and feedback. 👏🏼
this reminds me of when they added a new plastic tax in Sweden, to motivate companies to stop producing plastic, and the companies responded by raising the price of their plastic products bc they “didn’t have any choice to”. They did have a choice, they just didnt want to pay the price of the tax.
In the Netherlands they just implemented a plastic tax too. Its meant to encourage manufactures etc to stop using plastic packaging. Especially in relation to food items. How they thought it would work is beyond me. Its regular joes who pay the tax every time you buy something that uses plastic packaging. You order fast food? You pay plastic tax for the container it comes in. You buy veggies that are wrapped in plastic at the grocery store? You pay the tax. Theres nothing to make companies want to stop using plastic and the tax money, it goes straight into the governments pocket because they havent delegated its used for something directly.
You know that their second response is they’re expecting that they’ll give you the price drop for three months and that you guys will be too stupid to still use them. They think you guys are stupid. This is crazy.
More like they're hoping new nail techs wouldn't have heard about the shit storm they caused because of greed and use their products because it's on sale
They are also probably hoping that people will stock up because it is on sale. So they will continue using it on their clients for longer and give them positive advertising on social media. To help balance all the others who will stop using them and, rightly, talking negatively about them online.
This is a prime example of rich people doing stupid shit, because they simply don't understand NOT being rich and can't see the world from anyone else's perspective. Though there is that saying about how a fool and their money are soon parted. That company was beyond foolish, now they're saying bye-bye to a loooooooot of money.
@@NotAnotherKuromi How....in the fuck did you come to that conclusion? Like literally HOW. They're saying the company are fools for upping their price the way they did because now they're being boycotted by the nail techs. HOLY SHIT. How is your reading compression THAT bad. I'm fucking baffled.
I’m a uk nail tech, who also loves a lil internet drama, markie covering this is so wild to me true worlds colliding I think what makes this whole situation worse for a lot of nail techs here is that the CEO of the gel bottle lives an extremely lavish lifestyle. Regularly flaunting flying private jets to her resort she bought in Mexico.. or showing off her mansion here in the uk. I’m all for a female founded business succeeding but this was an insane oversight that I’m not quite sure how they didn’t see coming?
i have a hard time believing that a company that earned at least £8M HAVE to increase the price to make ends meet. i get my nail stuff from what im assuming is a pretty small business considering they’re located in norway, and their prices are extremely fair 🤷🏻
It’s not even 8M earned, it’s 8M PROFIT, so this is how much they’re left with after all expenses. There was absolutely no excuse for that disgusting behavior
11:07 They're definitely lowering prices in hopes that their buyers don't remember the price increase. Seems very slimy. They don't need to raise prices, they just wanted to have a reason to ride the wave of everyone else raising prices on the 8th
This is a clear case of being penny wise and pound foolish, as my dad would say. Here's what I think happened. They had some growth targets that they weren't making, and they crunched the numbers and decided that if they increased the margins on their products they could hit their profit targets for their shareholders without increasing their sales. And hey, all the nail techs are raising their rates on April 8th, so they'll be able to afford the price increases! Nobody stopped to think about the optics and realize that this was guaranteed to lead to a backlash, losing customers, and losing sales.
as somebody who gets acrylic nails done every 4 week, I'll never ever argue with my nail tech about her prices as she is one of the most talented sweetest girl I've ever met and ill never question her for her talent or time
So, they say over the past 2 years they've had rising costs, but even with those increased costs they're making £8M _profit_ (i.e., excluding those costs), making that argument - much like the other ones - absolutely invalid. Let me spell it out: if you're a company who has rising costs and still turn a profit, you've won capitalism. You're earning more than you're spending, you're a healthy company that, unless one or both of those two factors change, can exist in perpetuity. There is no financial need to increase prices.
I agree with your second point but there are people who make a profit but just manage to scrape by. Self employed people, small businesses, often they would benefit from employing another person, or outsourcing but they can't afford to because their profit margin is so thin. However this is a huge company making enormous profit, that most businesses would be envious of!
Hi, Nail Tech here based in Australia.. this was a global thing that was done x And yes, if you break down the cost of products, education and training, overheads etc most of us don’t even make a wage. In the beauty industry, we have been left behind and are the lowest paid yet need an insane amount of skill, knowledge and product variety 😢
As a woman who doesn't do her nails, or even wear makeup, this is obviously unfair, and I'm 100% on your side. You deserve a decent living! The first part is just to highlight how much I have no stakes in that industry. It's common decency!
I’m a stylist. I charge a luxury amount and I have had people complain to me about how much a manicure is. I’m like… “you spend $600 every 6 weeks but can’t do $120 every 3 weeks?” Girl bye
i only do my own nails, but even that can take hours if i do designs. the fact that nail techs make so little is criminal if we compare it to the working hours of other jobs :/
Also, the fact that Gel Bottle chose to do this is disgusting but not surprising sadly. Side note: when you are going to a Nail Tech, there are key things to look for. 1. Hygiene 2. Drill bits must be cleaned and sterilised after every single client. 3. Hand files and arbor bands are single use. Periodt. 4. Their communication. Are they explaining why they do certain things. 5. Are they helping you achieve any nail goals you have? 6. Do you feel comfortable with them? 7. Are they using high quality products? They should know what they’re using. 8. Can they answer your questions around correct nail care? 9. Are they practicing proper and safe techniques when working on your nails. 10. Are they always striving to grow as a professional and keep their education up to date. Sorry for the long post. Our industry is rife with poor practices and poor products 😢 xx
This is speculation & an observation I’ve made over my years getting gel nails/acrylics done - but what if The Gel Bottle is secretly using UV resin as gel nail polish & selling it as such? Because let’s be honest here - gel nail polish smells almost the same as UV resin & works the same as UV resin. This doesn’t seem like it would be a huge issue, but it is considering one is safe for your body, & one is not. I’ve seen some of the breakouts people have had on their hands from The Gel Bottle products & it looks very similar to UV resin burn. Again, just speculation but that makes sense to me because I’ve NEVER heard of another bigger gel nail company, causing rashes.
so what I'm assuming is the 15% off is taking it back to original prince, hence no loss to then increase and ramp profit with minimal reputational damage. a classic pr /marketing stunt
this is literally becoming a saga at this point. The Unknown Drama Saga, The Markie Discoverance Saga, The Lesser Side Saga....... alright I don't do to good on the spot.
It's so funny bc I'm a Cosmetologist in the states. People always throw hands here too. Everything is going up in prices so we have to increase our service prices. A thing of lightener used to be like $20, now that same tub? $45+
i trained to be nail tech but had to quit. i worked enough to know how much skill goes into it. the SPEED at which color go even if you can have perfect black with 2 thin coats - is insane. i've seen nail techs trying to cut corners on time to fit as many people as possible sacrificing proper sterilization of tools and not rejecting clients who have fungus (for example. which takes up to a year or even more to cure, depending on how bad it was and how fast nails grow). i can't afford getting my nails done and frankly scared after what i've seen. but if i did i would rather pay more and know i won't have to risk infections because nail tech barely has enough money to survive and HAS to cut corners
I’m a US based nail tech, have tried Gel Bottle and let me just say…. It’s really not that great and is already a bit pricey as is. Did they really think this would go over well?? Nail techs in general get crap for what we charge already because people feel like they deserve nails (instead of realizing it is indeed a luxury service not a necessity), that we should be charging the same price that was charged 30 years ago. And then they point out the UK nail technicians are making very little money yet. They’re going to increase their prices at the same time they are so it makes zero sense because then the nail technician is still paying more for their product. meaning their price increase did them no good. The gel bottle should be ashamed of themselves, and personally, I will never be purchasing from them again. There are way nicer brands for a comparable price or less money with better quality, better opacity and better ingredients. A big 🖕🏻to The Gel Bottle from me 😁
Oh yes and on a side note, the US needs to do the same. It’s really sad how little the majority of nail techs make per hour. Soo US can we jump on this?
If your worth it and maintain customer service then raise your prices but don’t expect everyone to do it. here in Houston some people tried it and there all doing discounts now lol because the Asian spots lowered there’s on the same day. It’s all about building customer loyalty. I have a hard time believing good nail techs in America making anywhere near 7$ an hour most are tipped more then that let’s be real. The trick to raising prices is be willing to go through hard times until you have a full customer lineup most won’t wait it out and will offer discounts.
If you really think these other brands who just "had to" release statements pointing out how THEY'RE NOT increasing their prices and THEY stand with the nail techs, released those statements out of true solidarity and not as a marketing scheme to get more customers. You have a lot to learn about business. Chances are with prices increasing everywhere on everything, they will be doing that too, just not at the most brain dead time
I'm a nail tech in Utah USA. Raising our prices is acceptable. I am negative every set because the products are outrageously priced. Now we have tonpay more? I dont own any gel bottle products and now I won't. Thanks for covering this.
I was a nail tech and do people not charge for the additional materials anymore? Like you want design, freehand and gems whatever it is, people gotta be laying extra for that. I do know of at least one tech now that only does plain and charges per hour not per set as a way to off set the cost of materials now
@@alanarama oh I absolutely do. A couple stickers and dots no, but like something on every nail, you freaking bet I do. The actual extension isn't the hard part its the art.
If you are in the negative every set you do, you are bad at business. You should take a better look at your pricing. If you have to pay more to do the nails you should ask more from your clients, plus your own income.
@@SuperMichgirl "bad at business" funny ive been in business over 20 years but thanks. Its a big picture thing. Given the price point on items, all items, across the board. Idk why people like you insist on taking shit to other humans you know dick about.
2:59 I’m a nail tech (located in Norway) and I actually didn’t know this was happening! I’ve been on sick leave for about 2 month, and hadn’t paid attention at all. They’re already overpriced. It’s not even the best quality. TGB isn’t the brand I use the most, but I was supposed to order some for personal use/for home instead of for my salon kit, so that sucks
I am also from norway and not a nail tech but i get my nails done and i pay 300$ for a new set and 120-150$ for a refill because of lenght and design. I think prices here in norway are higher then many other places and most nail techs here charge a fair amount for their time and work
Nail tech here, I pay $275 a week for my space. That’s just my rent, not my supplies that I constantly need to replenish nor the continuing education I do every year to stay current on the trends. You are correct in saying we have to pay for our space, unless we are an employee working for commission but then you have no say in anything and that’s not for me. Depending on where the individual is located price for space varies but I’ve seen as much as $800 per week in Vegas
Okay I don’t know much others get their nails done but I never paid under £50/£100 an hour for my nails (from small businesses). I wish it was less and have now shifted to doing my own nails, but nails were always so expensive.
The best HEMA free polish is by Light Elegance, they're not famous because they don't advertise heavily nor have social media famous people do their media.
The gel bottle has HEMA so if you are allergic you should not use it, you should definitely test this on yourself and products before using (I’m a nail tech) but they tried it with the same day increase.
😂 my favorite random lore about myself is that i went to nail school part-time during my senior year of high school because my state pays for trade school if high school students attend concurrently. i did everything, graduated, got my hours, passed the state licensure tests- and then i just never filled out my licensure paperwork bc i hated it the entire time i was in school. times like this, im very glad i didn’t end up going that path. my heart goes out to all the nail techs dealing with this rn!
Lol ahh the 6 months delay that works on short term memory! I truly hope no one forgets this and falls for the cynical move and supports more ethical businesses longer term!
Markie can you please just keep up with the ultra-niche TikTok dramas? I love all of these. (And no shade to folks dealing with super low wages and stuff, not being flippant about the issues at hand)
I don't have TikTok but I am always looking to see if you post drama about it. Like this is now your thing. I feel informed on all the tea between your work and the "Do we know them" podcast girlies ❤️ Keep it up you are almost at 500k
My gf is a makeup artist but has loads of friends that are nail techs and I’m not sure if it’s just here but idk a single one that is on £7 odds an hour just going off their prices however I may be entirely wrong unless it’s just because they’re self employed.
Literally just commented similar. My old nail tech was £60/70 (granted, she was different as she did like sculpted nails so each nail would be really detailed using powders rather than standard polish) but even standard nail sets are £20 minimum
Nah yall don’t get the concept. They charge like $20 or whatever but they’re paying for product, bills, overhead, school and training ect, which, after being deducted from each $20 set, means THE NAIL TECH earns $7 or less. I’m not sure how you two don’t understand that but it’s called PAYING THE BILLS. 🤦🏻♀️
@@Spooky_Platypus I understand but you’re also comparing apples to oranges. U.K. vs US is obviously different in terms of cost - even things like lash extensions are the same and run into the hundreds in the states where they don’t in the U.K. You also don’t need a license in the U.K. like you do for a lot of beauty treatments in the US - and training is also often a lot cheaper. I’m looking into becoming a self employed lash tech currently, so I do get it.
@@Celandines minimum wage is minimum wage. It doesn’t matter where you are. They’re making less than minimum wage in their own country. So I get it. I used $7 as an example.
You.... do realise that they are not earning the full 20/60/70 that they are charging right? They have to pay rent on the space, product, equipment, marketing etc. how does this concept escape you?
I've been in the business since 1990 and this happens all the time.They do it all the time.And you know what?I get a $100000 fine if I divert things by selling them second hand or even to a friend but they get to sell them to Walmart.So I think that that's really sketchy.And you should ask walmart what they pay
I mean, I used to pay my nail tech about £60/70+ for a 2.5 hr set. I’ve never known any established nail tech to charge less than £20/£30 for a standard set which usually don’t take more than an hour at most so I’m not sure where they’ve got £7 an hour from
Mine goes on what you’re getting. She charges a base rate of £35 now bc inflation but it was £27 when I first went to her. If you get gems, it was £1 for 10 small and she obviously went up from there she’s incredible
I explained this to you on another comment but they go home with $7 or less AFTER PAYING THE BILLS. It’s not what they’re actually charging. Jesus the educational system has failed so many people.🤦🏻♀️
my mum used to work quite high up in the gel bottle inc; peacci is owned by TGB, it's just their products meant for non professionals. i'm not surprised they've gotten into drama here, the company is awful.
I'm HIGHLY allergic to Modelones gel products. Ruined my nails, nail beds, and skin past my wrists. Haven't been able to wear nails or polish at all in 2 years and I still have breakouts now... Oh my God I wrote that like 30 seconds before you read out Modelones as one of the ones to avoid! But I had been using Modelones for YEARS and never had any problems, then all of a sudden BAM! my hands are jacked up... The company refunded me for most of the products, but it's literally been over 2 years since I completely stopped doing anything to my nails (😥) and my skin is still effed up....
As a woman who used to have my nails done for years (and I'm talking about late 80s) you can only imagine the trauma of what I had to go through to get my nails restored. I would never go back and have any tips done - gel is one of the worst to use. Not only is it difficult to take off, but I feel it's a ploy to bring you back to the salon so they can take it off with that nail file machine. Yes I enjoy being pampered but not at the expense of getting my nails ripped off. On the business side, I can understand the nail techs in having to raise their prices. I don't know any nail techs who are rich other than the ones who own their business and even then, how many years does it take to see real profit?
Getting so close to you 500k subscriber mark! I’ve been watching you since the beginning and it’s so awesome to watch you succeed because I swear every time I log into CZcams you have another video out. The dedication is showing!!
If only there was some sort of organisation that people in an industry can join to collaborate on prices and industry standards and address issues... Maybe we could call it "Union". See if it works??
I've never seen a company make such a horrible decision since Coke came out with New Coke. Coke had enough customers to weather the storm. I don't believe a nail company will. As a patron of nail techs, I will not allow this product to be used on me. After watching this, TGB lost more than just their customers. I, personally, stand with the techs.
I'm a nail tech and it took serious training to learn my craft! I had to learn the entire skeletal, circulatory, muscular, systems etc... and take infections disease courses along with learning how to apply nails without hurting people...
I taught myself to do gel nails during the pandemic, and I’ve never gone back. it just feels easier and safer to do it at home. Plus I don’t have to sit in the chair forever.
Pure unadulterated corporate greed... If they really wanted to support small businesses they have could have considered something such as a guaranteed price freeze for the next 18 months. Short term losses are long term gains and all that.
I stopped getting them done they been raising their prices and the quality has went down bad. I can’t afford to pay for something I wind up hating it didn’t use to be so expensive
Same, they were the 1st (luxury) to go when my tech retired and nobody else did sculpted/free-form like she did. They all do tips now that don't work on my flat nail beds. Paid way too much for too long to have them pop off a day or two later. Guess they don't teach anything but shortcuts anymore.
Idk if anyone knows this but inflation isn’t actually a thing what it really is is people decding they want to make more and so they increase it when ever and claim inflation. In some cases like farmed vegetables and fruits (due to weather) it can be an issue but for the most part its greedy corporations trying to squeeze you dry. They literally have meetings to talk about how much stress a consumer will take in order to get a product to do this. It’s scummy
It costs me $80 when I go and I tip $20 and I’m there an hour to hour and a half depending on if I get a pedicure so I don’t see how it’s possible they earn less than $7 an hour. Maybe it’s a UK problem but my nail tech owns the salon so I know she isn’t making less than minimum wage because they are busy every day, six days a week! I’ve been getting my nails done for 30 years and never heard of this brand! I only use OPI products
Ail techs could loose people NOT ONLY from their price increases but also switching from that brand to a different one. I know personally if my tech raised her prices (which she has) I’d stay, but if the quality of products went down too I’d leave
I just got licensed as a massage therapist in the US and im waiting for the same thing with the suppliers for massage stuff. Massage warehouse is constantly having "sales" but everything still seems overpriced.
Literally get my nails done for £25. Brilliant nail shop. There has been nothing around Glasgow about this 🤷🏼♀️...I live in Scotland though and dont know whats happening in England 🤷🏼♀️
I no longer go to nail salons. They are so under paid that they cut corners in the US when it comes to health and safety. One too many infections in my cuticles. I think only good can come from paying people a wage that encourages them to care about their job.
I'm an American nail tech and I haven't heard of this company. Also why aren't UK nail techs raising their prices every 3 years? That's what they taught me in my nail tech school.
After covering so many random dramas, I won’t be surprised when he comes out with a “my grandma making homemade honey mustard dressing is ruining my life” drama
I came.
Here to check for that exact dramma!
And, we’ll all be here with bells on 😂🍿
That was good 😊
Hell yeah, this is where I come for all the random drama. Helps me continue to avoid TikTok without having to miss out on the ridiculousness, gotta love Markie for taking one for the team.
Lol right and this drives my hubby crazy cause he’s all over the place
As a nail tech (based in the us), the gel bottle is overpriced as is 💀 the quality does not match the price. To see that nail techs aren't making enough already, now they're going to charge them more? Insane.
I’ve liked TGB but I’m a home nail artist. 🥲
@blaah9999 it's not a bad brand! I've tried a few products and I feel like they're one of those brands that charges for their "aesthetic" vs their actual product. But definitely workable products, not the worst out there 😂
I’ve been doing my own sets and collecting polish for 30+ years and have tried it all. TGB is average quality products in cute packaging. This was a bad move for sure!
Exactly!!! I agree. I get just as good coverage from Amazon stuff. I prefer apress myself
And when you file it to take it off it smells like actually feces
Corporations ALWAYS look for excuses to raise prices but when the things they claim made them raise prices fall, they more often than not do not adjust. it is nothing more than smoke and mirrors, tied with lie upon lie.
And they always just conspicuously ignore people pointing out that they make like 400% profits before their "temporary" price increase.
Trade minister tried explaining this matter and going around some word salads and still not making sense. Only take was "it doesn't work that way"
its all about the profit for the shear holders ! " a corporation made lets sy 1.8mil that year but with total yearly production cost 800k + ( including labour and distribution ) with a a total profit - 1.milll- yr2 profit 2mil yr 3 profit 11mill the big cheese need at to get more than the pervious year profit with a nice 3mil onto there bonus
@@FrenkTheJoy and Agriculture still gets bailouts and is the #2 recipients for tax incentives. So they get bailouts/incentives, use excuses to raise prices and then keep them artificially high, as they pay lobbyists and line the pockets of politicians.
I don't get my nails done, but support the wage increase. Nail technicians deserve a good pay.
Suppliers increasing supply prices is just evil greed.
TGB are basically claiming "oh we are so poor so we need more money, please ignore the 8 Mil profit" it's disgusting how money hungry they are!
Tiktok might as well hire Markie to be the Lead News Anchor for a Tiktok News channel🤣
😂😂😂he does a good job!
Im a nail tech on hiatus(baby) and this company has probably doomed itself by saying this. Their quality is NOT good enough to be charging those prices ESPECIALLY when they are known for ALLERGIC REACTIONS!!
congrats on the baby! be sure to take care of yourself aswell 🩷
And cracking. My nail tech uses their product and they cracked but my nail underneath is fine idk how that even happens!
Congratulations! ❤❤❤
So basically theyre saying "we can't be bothered to take a tiny cut in profit margins, why would we when we can place the financial burden of our business decisions on the shoulders of the people who bring us 100% of our income" 😑 that's EXACTLY the same as McDonald's saying they have to raise their prices every time minimum wage increases even though their profit margins are mind blowing 🙄
Or Wendy's original statement that they would be adhering to "surge policy" cost raises.
That's the thing tho: there was nothing cutting into TGB's profits. It was just the nail techs raising their own prices for their work, they'd still have to purchase the materials from TGB & other similar companies. TGB was just shamelessly greedy and made it *incredibly* obvious what they were doing, then panicked when they got called out on it
Nail techs are very good at boycotting product lines. It makes a difference too. A company where I live absolutely hates me because I boycotted their products and told my friends. I’m a good enough nail tech that everyone listened to me and boycotted too! Don’t make a talented nail tech mad. They influence a lot of other techs and new techs coming into the industry. We are mentors. If we say don’t use nobody uses it.
💚💙 Nail customer here. This sounds like the "Haves" saying how dare the "Have-nots" try to better their lives. Disgusting. Boycott this company 💙💚
Exactly!!! And it’s a lot of work these techs put into thier artistry
I appreciate that there is a disclaimer that you don’t know much about hair, nails, etcetera. BUT you kill it each time and always welcome input and feedback. 👏🏼
this reminds me of when they added a new plastic tax in Sweden, to motivate companies to stop producing plastic, and the companies responded by raising the price of their plastic products bc they “didn’t have any choice to”. They did have a choice, they just didnt want to pay the price of the tax.
In the Netherlands they just implemented a plastic tax too. Its meant to encourage manufactures etc to stop using plastic packaging. Especially in relation to food items. How they thought it would work is beyond me. Its regular joes who pay the tax every time you buy something that uses plastic packaging. You order fast food? You pay plastic tax for the container it comes in. You buy veggies that are wrapped in plastic at the grocery store? You pay the tax. Theres nothing to make companies want to stop using plastic and the tax money, it goes straight into the governments pocket because they havent delegated its used for something directly.
@@sudonim. Exactly its so dumb
I think your immigration problem is far worse than your plastic problem
You know that their second response is they’re expecting that they’ll give you the price drop for three months and that you guys will be too stupid to still use them. They think you guys are stupid. This is crazy.
More like they're hoping new nail techs wouldn't have heard about the shit storm they caused because of greed and use their products because it's on sale
@@jgasparmiswiredke AMAZING POINT; didn’t even think of it from that angle ; u smart
They are also probably hoping that people will stock up because it is on sale. So they will continue using it on their clients for longer and give them positive advertising on social media. To help balance all the others who will stop using them and, rightly, talking negatively about them online.
Honestly, I'm so here for Markie covering dramas happening across diff niches.
Agreed love them best when they are new to me.
Me too, I enjoy the ✨ diversity ✨
This is a prime example of rich people doing stupid shit, because they simply don't understand NOT being rich and can't see the world from anyone else's perspective. Though there is that saying about how a fool and their money are soon parted. That company was beyond foolish, now they're saying bye-bye to a loooooooot of money.
Do you mean the nail techs are fools if they buy from this company?
@@NotAnotherKuromi How....in the fuck did you come to that conclusion? Like literally HOW.
They're saying the company are fools for upping their price the way they did because now they're being boycotted by the nail techs.
HOLY SHIT. How is your reading compression THAT bad. I'm fucking baffled.
"Callum covers drama on a topic he has no clue about" IS my new favorite genre. More, please!
I’m a uk nail tech, who also loves a lil internet drama, markie covering this is so wild to me true worlds colliding
I think what makes this whole situation worse for a lot of nail techs here is that the CEO of the gel bottle lives an extremely lavish lifestyle. Regularly flaunting flying private jets to her resort she bought in Mexico.. or showing off her mansion here in the uk. I’m all for a female founded business succeeding but this was an insane oversight that I’m not quite sure how they didn’t see coming?
Such a slap in the face. How did they ever think this would go well?
i have a hard time believing that a company that earned at least £8M HAVE to increase the price to make ends meet.
i get my nail stuff from what im assuming is a pretty small business considering they’re located in norway, and their prices are extremely fair 🤷🏻
I’m a nail tech located in Norway, what business is it?
@@dancesmokesmile344 it’s a white label business so i don’t think an actual technician would use it, but it’s Nail4You :)
It’s not even 8M earned, it’s 8M PROFIT, so this is how much they’re left with after all expenses. There was absolutely no excuse for that disgusting behavior
11:07 They're definitely lowering prices in hopes that their buyers don't remember the price increase. Seems very slimy. They don't need to raise prices, they just wanted to have a reason to ride the wave of everyone else raising prices on the 8th
This is a clear case of being penny wise and pound foolish, as my dad would say. Here's what I think happened. They had some growth targets that they weren't making, and they crunched the numbers and decided that if they increased the margins on their products they could hit their profit targets for their shareholders without increasing their sales. And hey, all the nail techs are raising their rates on April 8th, so they'll be able to afford the price increases! Nobody stopped to think about the optics and realize that this was guaranteed to lead to a backlash, losing customers, and losing sales.
as somebody who gets acrylic nails done every 4 week, I'll never ever argue with my nail tech about her prices as she is one of the most talented sweetest girl I've ever met and ill never question her for her talent or time
So, they say over the past 2 years they've had rising costs, but even with those increased costs they're making £8M _profit_ (i.e., excluding those costs), making that argument - much like the other ones - absolutely invalid.
Let me spell it out: if you're a company who has rising costs and still turn a profit, you've won capitalism. You're earning more than you're spending, you're a healthy company that, unless one or both of those two factors change, can exist in perpetuity. There is no financial need to increase prices.
it's just greed, plain and simple
And that's JUST the UK profits. I bet the US profits are a lot more
I agree with your second point but there are people who make a profit but just manage to scrape by. Self employed people, small businesses, often they would benefit from employing another person, or outsourcing but they can't afford to because their profit margin is so thin. However this is a huge company making enormous profit, that most businesses would be envious of!
People on tiktok are so brain broken that they see collective action adjacent to what unions do for fair wages and think it's price fixing??? jfc
This does kinda sound like a grey area tbh
Hi, Nail Tech here based in Australia.. this was a global thing that was done x
And yes, if you break down the cost of products, education and training, overheads etc most of us don’t even make a wage.
In the beauty industry, we have been left behind and are the lowest paid yet need an insane amount of skill, knowledge and product variety 😢
As a woman who doesn't do her nails, or even wear makeup, this is obviously unfair, and I'm 100% on your side. You deserve a decent living!
The first part is just to highlight how much I have no stakes in that industry. It's common decency!
Clearly you need to learn how to do your job better. My mom works as a nail tech in New Jersey and get paid 50k after taxes
I’m a stylist. I charge a luxury amount and I have had people complain to me about how much a manicure is. I’m like… “you spend $600 every 6 weeks but can’t do $120 every 3 weeks?” Girl bye
i only do my own nails, but even that can take hours if i do designs. the fact that nail techs make so little is criminal if we compare it to the working hours of other jobs :/
@@cczsus6513 not every location is the same. this is very unnecessary.
Also, the fact that Gel Bottle chose to do this is disgusting but not surprising sadly.
Side note: when you are going to a Nail Tech, there are key things to look for.
1. Hygiene
2. Drill bits must be cleaned and sterilised after every single client.
3. Hand files and arbor bands are single use. Periodt.
4. Their communication. Are they explaining why they do certain things.
5. Are they helping you achieve any nail goals you have?
6. Do you feel comfortable with them?
7. Are they using high quality products? They should know what they’re using.
8. Can they answer your questions around correct nail care?
9. Are they practicing proper and safe techniques when working on your nails.
10. Are they always striving to grow as a professional and keep their education up to date.
Sorry for the long post. Our industry is rife with poor practices and poor products 😢 xx
Excellent! Needed to be said😊
Callum - go visit a nail salon and ask what the techs there think of this whole thing. You can walk away with lovely nails and content…win win!
This is speculation & an observation I’ve made over my years getting gel nails/acrylics done - but what if The Gel Bottle is secretly using UV resin as gel nail polish & selling it as such? Because let’s be honest here - gel nail polish smells almost the same as UV resin & works the same as UV resin. This doesn’t seem like it would be a huge issue, but it is considering one is safe for your body, & one is not. I’ve seen some of the breakouts people have had on their hands from The Gel Bottle products & it looks very similar to UV resin burn. Again, just speculation but that makes sense to me because I’ve NEVER heard of another bigger gel nail company, causing rashes.
so what I'm assuming is the 15% off is taking it back to original prince, hence no loss to then increase and ramp profit with minimal reputational damage. a classic pr /marketing stunt
this is literally becoming a saga at this point. The Unknown Drama Saga, The Markie Discoverance Saga, The Lesser Side Saga....... alright I don't do to good on the spot.
It's so funny bc I'm a Cosmetologist in the states. People always throw hands here too. Everything is going up in prices so we have to increase our service prices. A thing of lightener used to be like $20, now that same tub? $45+
i trained to be nail tech but had to quit. i worked enough to know how much skill goes into it. the SPEED at which color go even if you can have perfect black with 2 thin coats - is insane. i've seen nail techs trying to cut corners on time to fit as many people as possible sacrificing proper sterilization of tools and not rejecting clients who have fungus (for example. which takes up to a year or even more to cure, depending on how bad it was and how fast nails grow). i can't afford getting my nails done and frankly scared after what i've seen. but if i did i would rather pay more and know i won't have to risk infections because nail tech barely has enough money to survive and HAS to cut corners
I’m a US based nail tech, have tried Gel Bottle and let me just say…. It’s really not that great and is already a bit pricey as is. Did they really think this would go over well?? Nail techs in general get crap for what we charge already because people feel like they deserve nails (instead of realizing it is indeed a luxury service not a necessity), that we should be charging the same price that was charged 30 years ago. And then they point out the UK nail technicians are making very little money yet. They’re going to increase their prices at the same time they are so it makes zero sense because then the nail technician is still paying more for their product. meaning their price increase did them no good. The gel bottle should be ashamed of themselves, and personally, I will never be purchasing from them again. There are way nicer brands for a comparable price or less money with better quality, better opacity and better ingredients. A big 🖕🏻to The Gel Bottle from me 😁
Oh yes and on a side note, the US needs to do the same. It’s really sad how little the majority of nail techs make per hour. Soo US can we jump on this?
If your worth it and maintain customer service then raise your prices but don’t expect everyone to do it. here in Houston some people tried it and there all doing discounts now lol because the Asian spots lowered there’s on the same day. It’s all about building customer loyalty. I have a hard time believing good nail techs in America making anywhere near 7$ an hour most are tipped more then that let’s be real.
The trick to raising prices is be willing to go through hard times until you have a full customer lineup most won’t wait it out and will offer discounts.
If you really think these other brands who just "had to" release statements pointing out how THEY'RE NOT increasing their prices and THEY stand with the nail techs, released those statements out of true solidarity and not as a marketing scheme to get more customers. You have a lot to learn about business. Chances are with prices increasing everywhere on everything, they will be doing that too, just not at the most brain dead time
I'm a nail tech in Utah USA. Raising our prices is acceptable. I am negative every set because the products are outrageously priced. Now we have tonpay more? I dont own any gel bottle products and now I won't. Thanks for covering this.
I was a nail tech and do people not charge for the additional materials anymore? Like you want design, freehand and gems whatever it is, people gotta be laying extra for that. I do know of at least one tech now that only does plain and charges per hour not per set as a way to off set the cost of materials now
@@alanarama oh I absolutely do. A couple stickers and dots no, but like something on every nail, you freaking bet I do. The actual extension isn't the hard part its the art.
If you are in the negative every set you do, you are bad at business. You should take a better look at your pricing. If you have to pay more to do the nails you should ask more from your clients, plus your own income.
@@SuperMichgirl "bad at business" funny ive been in business over 20 years but thanks. Its a big picture thing. Given the price point on items, all items, across the board. Idk why people like you insist on taking shit to other humans you know dick about.
Do I do my own gel nails with Mylee? Yes. Did I still watch this whole video despite I having never seen a nail tec in over 3 years? Yes.
Oh I've heard so many good things about Mylee, the only make-up influencer i still follow (Sophie) had used it for the longest time!
I've started investigating what brand to potentially go with when trying to do my own nails. Is Mylee one of the better ones to go with ?
I read it’s better to go for gel products made in UK, EU or USA in trustworthy factories. Mylee is not.
@@Bettyspaghetti666 oh okay thank you , that's quite helpful
Nail techs are underpaid ❤ stay strong though and NEVER EVER do work for less than you’re worth.
The company raising the prices is just price gouging. Trying to stiff the techs. Dumb maneuver
2:59 I’m a nail tech (located in Norway) and I actually didn’t know this was happening! I’ve been on sick leave for about 2 month, and hadn’t paid attention at all. They’re already overpriced. It’s not even the best quality. TGB isn’t the brand I use the most, but I was supposed to order some for personal use/for home instead of for my salon kit, so that sucks
I am also from norway and not a nail tech but i get my nails done and i pay 300$ for a new set and 120-150$ for a refill because of lenght and design. I think prices here in norway are higher then many other places and most nail techs here charge a fair amount for their time and work
I thought this was gonna be another 1on1 drama between nail tech and customer, but this sounds way more interesting!
I think it’s very clear what’s happening they are one of the major suppliers and they think they’ll get away with it and they probably will
I really like that Markie covers so many different communities, and that he does research but is transparent about his gaps in knowledge.
Lots of techs actually pay for the space they work out of, at least in America. They can be independent contractors that pay for their own supplies.
Nail tech here, I pay $275 a week for my space. That’s just my rent, not my supplies that I constantly need to replenish nor the continuing education I do every year to stay current on the trends. You are correct in saying we have to pay for our space, unless we are an employee working for commission but then you have no say in anything and that’s not for me. Depending on where the individual is located price for space varies but I’ve seen as much as $800 per week in Vegas
Okay I don’t know much others get their nails done but I never paid under £50/£100 an hour for my nails (from small businesses). I wish it was less and have now shifted to doing my own nails, but nails were always so expensive.
The best HEMA free polish is by Light Elegance, they're not famous because they don't advertise heavily nor have social media famous people do their media.
US nail tech here, and I second the Light Elegance recommendation!
UK techs, we stand with you. Get your worth!
I haven’t been on TikTok in over a year because Markie covers everything! 💜
Ppl in the US pay $100/200 to get nails done depends on how long and intricate the designs
Company showing it's ass aside, I am in love with this collective action from the techs - good for them!
Literally nothing better than getting a Markie video notification🥹❤️
Yeah there is, getting a layze notification!
The gel bottle has HEMA so if you are allergic you should not use it, you should definitely test this on yourself and products before using (I’m a nail tech) but they tried it with the same day increase.
To many dramas on tiktok this is like every week a new dramaI hear about yet never get it on my fyp😔
more than one a week tbf
3 a week at this point
😂 my favorite random lore about myself is that i went to nail school part-time during my senior year of high school because my state pays for trade school if high school students attend concurrently. i did everything, graduated, got my hours, passed the state licensure tests- and then i just never filled out my licensure paperwork bc i hated it the entire time i was in school. times like this, im very glad i didn’t end up going that path. my heart goes out to all the nail techs dealing with this rn!
Markie has an indescribable talent for making me care about things I would never be interested in otherwise
Just another greedflation move. Repulsive, makes me sick of how greedy these companies are 🤮
Eclipse, nail tech price raise, Mario maker shutting down. April 8th has a ridicules amount of events happening
The consistency is unmatched!
Lol ahh the 6 months delay that works on short term memory!
I truly hope no one forgets this and falls for the cynical move and supports more ethical businesses longer term!
Markie can you please just keep up with the ultra-niche TikTok dramas? I love all of these.
(And no shade to folks dealing with super low wages and stuff, not being flippant about the issues at hand)
I don't have TikTok but I am always looking to see if you post drama about it. Like this is now your thing. I feel informed on all the tea between your work and the "Do we know them" podcast girlies ❤️
Keep it up you are almost at 500k
What a rubbish and tone deaf thing to do. Shame on The Gel Bottle.
Markie gives me the news i didn't know i needed to hear.
It will be the start of the UK tax year. That's partly why the changes are happening at the same time.
My gf is a makeup artist but has loads of friends that are nail techs and I’m not sure if it’s just here but idk a single one that is on £7 odds an hour just going off their prices however I may be entirely wrong unless it’s just because they’re self employed.
Literally just commented similar. My old nail tech was £60/70 (granted, she was different as she did like sculpted nails so each nail would be really detailed using powders rather than standard polish) but even standard nail sets are £20 minimum
Nah yall don’t get the concept. They charge like $20 or whatever but they’re paying for product, bills, overhead, school and training ect, which, after being deducted from each $20 set, means THE NAIL TECH earns $7 or less.
I’m not sure how you two don’t understand that but it’s called PAYING THE BILLS. 🤦🏻♀️
@@Spooky_Platypus I understand but you’re also comparing apples to oranges. U.K. vs US is obviously different in terms of cost - even things like lash extensions are the same and run into the hundreds in the states where they don’t in the U.K.
You also don’t need a license in the U.K. like you do for a lot of beauty treatments in the US - and training is also often a lot cheaper. I’m looking into becoming a self employed lash tech currently, so I do get it.
@@Celandines minimum wage is minimum wage. It doesn’t matter where you are. They’re making less than minimum wage in their own country. So I get it. I used $7 as an example.
You.... do realise that they are not earning the full 20/60/70 that they are charging right? They have to pay rent on the space, product, equipment, marketing etc. how does this concept escape you?
I've been in the business since 1990 and this happens all the time.They do it all the time.And you know what?I get a $100000 fine if I divert things by selling them second hand or even to a friend but they get to sell them to Walmart.So I think that that's really sketchy.And you should ask walmart what they pay
I may not know much either, but this is disgusting.
Markie thank you for what you do man. You call out some major issues that no one else talks about
I mean, I used to pay my nail tech about £60/70+ for a 2.5 hr set.
I’ve never known any established nail tech to charge less than £20/£30 for a standard set which usually don’t take more than an hour at most so I’m not sure where they’ve got £7 an hour from
Mine goes on what you’re getting. She charges a base rate of £35 now bc inflation but it was £27 when I first went to her. If you get gems, it was £1 for 10 small and she obviously went up from there she’s incredible
I explained this to you on another comment but they go home with $7 or less AFTER PAYING THE BILLS. It’s not what they’re actually charging. Jesus the educational system has failed so many people.🤦🏻♀️
@@Spooky_Platypus see my reply. There’s really no reason to be rude either 🤷♀️
@@littleteeny exactly! I know a lot of people tend to charge per nail gem too which also makes total sense
7:52 I don't know enough about this situation. But props to HONA for putting that out
my mum used to work quite high up in the gel bottle inc; peacci is owned by TGB, it's just their products meant for non professionals. i'm not surprised they've gotten into drama here, the company is awful.
I'm HIGHLY allergic to Modelones gel products. Ruined my nails, nail beds, and skin past my wrists. Haven't been able to wear nails or polish at all in 2 years and I still have breakouts now...
Oh my God I wrote that like 30 seconds before you read out Modelones as one of the ones to avoid!
But I had been using Modelones for YEARS and never had any problems, then all of a sudden BAM! my hands are jacked up... The company refunded me for most of the products, but it's literally been over 2 years since I completely stopped doing anything to my nails (😥) and my skin is still effed up....
As a woman who used to have my nails done for years (and I'm talking about late 80s) you can only imagine the trauma of what I had to go through to get my nails restored. I would never go back and have any tips done - gel is one of the worst to use. Not only is it difficult to take off, but I feel it's a ploy to bring you back to the salon so they can take it off with that nail file machine. Yes I enjoy being pampered but not at the expense of getting my nails ripped off. On the business side, I can understand the nail techs in having to raise their prices. I don't know any nail techs who are rich other than the ones who own their business and even then, how many years does it take to see real profit?
Gel soaks off with acetone. If a file is being used, you went to someone who has no idea how to use the product safely.
Getting so close to you 500k subscriber mark! I’ve been watching you since the beginning and it’s so awesome to watch you succeed because I swear every time I log into CZcams you have another video out. The dedication is showing!!
Thank you for bringing light to this, it’s crazy what’s happened. The word needs to spread!
If only there was some sort of organisation that people in an industry can join to collaborate on prices and industry standards and address issues... Maybe we could call it "Union". See if it works??
I don't have tiktok so really enjoy you doing these tiktok drama ones. Well, i love all your videos! Thank you
I've never seen a company make such a horrible decision since Coke came out with New Coke. Coke had enough customers to weather the storm. I don't believe a nail company will.
As a patron of nail techs, I will not allow this product to be used on me. After watching this, TGB lost more than just their customers. I, personally, stand with the techs.
I'm a nail tech and it took serious training to learn my craft! I had to learn the entire skeletal, circulatory, muscular, systems etc... and take infections disease courses along with learning how to apply nails without hurting people...
Really? I would think you would just need to know the hands and feet. How long was your training
I taught myself to do gel nails during the pandemic, and I’ve never gone back. it just feels easier and safer to do it at home. Plus I don’t have to sit in the chair forever.
Greedy companies make me so mad. I hope there is real long term consequences for them for trying to do this.
Oh the randomness of the topics being covered recently!! Keep them coming!! 🎉
Pure unadulterated corporate greed... If they really wanted to support small businesses they have could have considered something such as a guaranteed price freeze for the next 18 months. Short term losses are long term gains and all that.
🙌🏻 YES! More drama we didn’t know we need in our lives! 😅Meowch love, MARKIE. 💕 🐾
I stopped getting them done they been raising their prices and the quality has went down bad. I can’t afford to pay for something I wind up hating it didn’t use to be so expensive
Same, they were the 1st (luxury) to go when my tech retired and nobody else did sculpted/free-form like she did. They all do tips now that don't work on my flat nail beds. Paid way too much for too long to have them pop off a day or two later. Guess they don't teach anything but shortcuts anymore.
Idk if anyone knows this but inflation isn’t actually a thing what it really is is people decding they want to make more and so they increase it when ever and claim inflation. In some cases like farmed vegetables and fruits (due to weather) it can be an issue but for the most part its greedy corporations trying to squeeze you dry. They literally have meetings to talk about how much stress a consumer will take in order to get a product to do this. It’s scummy
❤ seeing ur subscribers go up each video. Keep up the good work
Support your nail techs! I love them, the biggest brand should also, duh!
Omggg you have a new tattoo! It looks good!
Man. That second statement started with digging the hole deeper. Thats... Usually not how you go about trying to fix things
I’m from the US and my nails take about an hour and they charge 80-160$ and expect a tip 😢
hey - you're almost at 500k! good on you, guy!
I love these TikTok drama videos you’ve been making.
I wish EVERY nail tech there could see this video and your explanations so they'd STAY AWAY from that gel bottle place!
Markie you are my favorite random niche drama source
It costs me $80 when I go and I tip $20 and I’m there an hour to hour and a half depending on if I get a pedicure so I don’t see how it’s possible they earn less than $7 an hour. Maybe it’s a UK problem but my nail tech owns the salon so I know she isn’t making less than minimum wage because they are busy every day, six days a week! I’ve been getting my nails done for 30 years and never heard of this brand! I only use OPI products
Ail techs could loose people NOT ONLY from their price increases but also switching from that brand to a different one. I know personally if my tech raised her prices (which she has) I’d stay, but if the quality of products went down too I’d leave
I just got licensed as a massage therapist in the US and im waiting for the same thing with the suppliers for massage stuff. Massage warehouse is constantly having "sales" but everything still seems overpriced.
HONA's statement was so wonderfully snarky, I love it
Yessssss! He's finally reached one of my special interests 🙌
I never even realized these communities HAD drama hahaha
Literally get my nails done for £25. Brilliant nail shop. There has been nothing around Glasgow about this 🤷🏼♀️...I live in Scotland though and dont know whats happening in England 🤷🏼♀️
I no longer go to nail salons. They are so under paid that they cut corners in the US when it comes to health and safety. One too many infections in my cuticles. I think only good can come from paying people a wage that encourages them to care about their job.
I'm an American nail tech and I haven't heard of this company.
Also why aren't UK nail techs raising their prices every 3 years? That's what they taught me in my nail tech school.