Want a Service at a Reduced Rate? Try the Services at a School

In this economy, is it possible to maintain life’s expensive necessities, as well hold onto those little luxuries? The answer is yes, by taking advantage of services offered at schools… cosmetology schools, dental and dental hygiene schools, and massage therapy schools. Often, these schools offer services by students who need to train and work for a certain number of hours to get certified. This means reduced-rate or free services for you.

You can do a search for services (haircut, massage, manicure) online or search for such services on Craigslist.org.

Often, the service is by appointment only and may not have the hours as convenient as a regular salon, so be flexible with your availability.

Appointments can fill quickly, so schedule your appointment well in advance.

Keep in mind that the location may not be as close and convenient as you’d like.

The services take place in a “clinical setting,” so don’t expect a lush environment.

Students take their time, so be patient. Enjoy being fussed over.

The students are supervised by instructors who are trained professionals, so rest easy.

Students aren’t perfect, however. Accidents happen. This is a trade off for the reduced rate service you are getting.

If a student makes a mistake or provides a service that you are not happy with, often the school will fix or improve the problem.

Ask if tipping is permitted. If it is, tipping is optional.

Dental Schools

Find local dental schools by state at the NIDCR website or call your state dental association for any additional schools.

Also, dentists often offer “free dental care” to give back to the community for those in need, or for children. Keep on the lookout for those services, although the lines/wait time can be long.

Universities like Tufts Dental School in Boston, MA attracts the top medical professionals in New England as they learn the newest dental techniques. Surrounded the best? Not a bad position to be in when getting your teeth worked on.

Massage

Search online for “massage therapy schools” in your state. For example, Allied Health Schools has their nationwide listing on their website. [Note: Allied is just one example of a school; the author does not confirm that all the schools listed offer free or reduced rate massages].

Hair, Makeup, Nails, Facial, Barber

Beauty schools like Aveda Institutes have schools nationwide that offer haircuts, manicures, etc. at reduced rates. Search online for “beauty schools” or “cosmetology schools” in your state to find a school offering the services you desire.

You can also search online for “free haircuts.” Various salons who want to give back to the community or who offer their staff training sessions provide free-haircuts during certain days/nights and times. They especially want to reach to the unemployed and those in need.

Ehow offers tips on finding a free haircut in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

If attending a school isn’t right for you, then there’s always the barter method. If you are skilled in a field or offer consultation in a particular field, keep in mind that you can always trade services, as well.

Do you have any other suggestions for getting services for free or at a reduced rate? Please share them in the comments section!

–Diva Kimberly Llewellyn