Hmmm...

Sounds like you're in a really bad spot. I am not a really big fan of companies who offer the 'cheapest' alternative to get volume sales, because what they end up doing is:

a) Reduce the margins needed for shops like yourself to survive
b) Destroying the market price because the general price is now lower, and can never go up
c) Destroying the trade itself eventually because nobody can survive on those margins

What they almost always end up doing is once they have made a 'load of money' most of the unreputable companies always shuts down and scarpers off. Reason I know is I've seen this happen in many places before, most notably in England where I used to live where the cheap Vietnamese buffet restaurants has destroyed all the Chinese restaurants up and down the country. In the process of making buffet food they've used less quality foods, whereas the Chinese have mostly always used better quality meats and veg. And I support shops providing customers only the best quality whatever the circumstance....because I am like that myself! I only offer the best to anybody in life.

I have an idea for your shop. What you could do is for those customers who come to your shop who use the nail bar, is to offer tea or coffee for them for free. It doesn't cost a lot in the long run - but its effective enough to catch extra sales. You could even air condition the place so the smell is not there or even make the occasional sandwiches. Basically turn it into a 'luxury' nail bar...and make them think. Do your customers want to go to a smelly place to do their nails...or somewhere as nice as yours, at the same price you've charged or slightly higher price than the $35? In times where most companies only offer 90% service, the idea is to go the extra mile and offer 110% to your customers. If you deeply love what you do, rather than just do it for the money (as I gather from those ghetto shops around you) you will make it.

whoa. just read this now. x.x

hm. have you thought about making a marketing plan? or think of new ways to attract customers? haha. this is just me putting on my marketing-biz student hat.

What a shame!  But is must be hard to compete with the 'chop shops"  The manicures may be cheaper at those places but I bet they don't last very long.  People should realize that they get what they pay for.

That sucks! If I was in TO, I'd bring my entire family and friends to you! Good luck!

its a dog eat dog world!!!

there are many such businesses in singapore.
I suppose it is really competitive.
oh - didnt knew they swap the materials! wah!

i admire you for sticking to your principal and belief.

jia you~

argh that sucks... =T