Back Bar Basics

We often like to buy just one or two of our favorite nail products because we don't want to have too much stock and risk not using it, but some products are worth buying in bulk.

BY GELISH

09.03.25

If you're a salon owner or independent nail tech, you've probably wrestled with the decision of whether to buy products in bulk or just stick to a couple of bottles of your tried-and-true favorites. It's a common hesitation; after all, no one wants shelves full of unused inventory. But when it comes to your salon's back bar—the products you use daily, like acrylic powder, monomer, gel top coat, nail prep essentials, etc.—stocking up can help you stay prepared, save money, and keep your business running smoothly. It's not about hoarding; it's about being smart with your business. Here, we share why you should stockpile and which products you should focus on.

1. Bulk Buying = Bigger Savings

If you haven't shopped in bulk before, you may not have noticed, but the more you buy, the less it costs. For example, if you're regularly working with acrylic, then buying the 8 oz. bottle of Gelish ProHesion Nail Sculpting Liquid is going to save you almost $2 per ounce over the 2 oz. bottle—even more of a savings if you opt for the 32 oz. container. For salon owners with multiple techs, this is even more important: A larger bottle shared among the team helps avoid constant reordering that drives up costs and eats into profits. And for smaller items that aren't available in bulk, keep an eye out for sales where you can stock up on favorite essentials—20% makes a big difference when you're buying 20 bottles.

2. You'll Always Be Ready

What happens if you're running out of your go-to top coat in the middle of a client appointment and it's early in the day? Or what if a client wants a full set of acrylics with gel polish, plus a repair and art all in one visit, and you're low on supplies? A well-stocked back bar means you'll always have the essentials on hand no matter what your schedule throws your way, and you'll never have to interrupt your flow or compromise your service quality. Not to mention, there's a peace of mind that comes with knowing you're always prepared.

3. Create a Customized Client Experience

A well-stocked back bar allows you to create a customized experience for your clients from start to finish. That means, for example, having multiple fragrances of BareLuxury by Morgan Taylor on hand to be able to offer your clients a personalized pedicure; being able to provide your client with just the color of Gelish she wants—even when the previous client used the last of the bottle because you have another on hand; and having enough retail available to recommend products relevant to the client's needs and services performed. This type of tailored care creates a great reputation for your business and leads to long-term client retention.

4. Products to Stock Up On

Not every product needs to be purchased in bulk, but a few staples definitely make the list. Consider keeping an extra stock of:

Gelish ProHesion Sculpting Liquid & No Spill Refill: Do you do acrylic sets daily? 'Nuff said.

Morgan Taylor Essentials Strip Ease: Removes even the toughest lacquers (think: inky shades and packed glitters) with ease while protecting the keratin protein structure—why not keep a bunch of this essential around?

Gelish Artificial Nail Remover: It's just smart business sense to have this remover in bulk for all your Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish services.

Gelish Nail Surface Cleanse: This go-to product is used in practically every service, so grabbing a 32 oz. bottle is a no-brainer.

BareLuxury Lotions: Keep the 32 oz. lotion in the back and portion out just enough for each service so as not to waste product and to ensure the cost savings. Our favorites? Orange & Lemongrass, Ginger & Green Tea, Seaberry & Kukui, and Lavender & Sage.

Gelish Bundles: Grab six-piece sets of Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in themed collections—like Nudes, Glitter Glam, and Blushing Beauties—at discounted prices.

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1. Bulk Buying = Bigger Savings

2. You'll Always Be Ready

3. Create a Customized Client Experience

4. Products to Stock Up On

Get The Products

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