You finally decided to open your own barbershop! Now that you’ve made this major finance decision, it’s time to start formulating a plan of action. You’ll have many costs to take into account before you even open your doors, so ensure you have a budget.
Once you have an established plan and filled out the legal paperwork, start gathering all the equipment—you’ll want high-quality items at a discounted price to best serve your business needs. Lastly, there are a few final touches for you to apply, such as building up a client base and finding other businesses to collaborate with. Time to jump in and discover the essentials to opening a barbershop!
Make a Plan
Before opening your doors, develop a detailed business plan to ensure success. During this step, take time to plan out your costs, understand long-term expenses, and define your target market. Each of these will impact the way you establish and market your brand.
Moreover, create business goals for yourself and an organized list of when you should complete the necessary tasks such as acquiring space, getting legalized, and purchasing equipment. Lastly, begin developing expectations for your shop so that they’re in place when you start interviewing potential employees.
Why a Plan Matters
Creating a thought-out plan is crucial as it sets you up for success—you know how much money you’ll need to start, what prices you’ll have to charge clients, and how you’ll meet your business goals. Moreover, as you consider the money-making plan, keep in mind you’ll have to get insurance, cover payroll, replace equipment over time, and purchase supplies. To make a profit, your revenue should exceed these costs once your barbershop opens.
Additionally, a plan allows you to explore various creative avenues for shop setup since you don’t want a run-of-the-mill barbershop. If you set your shop apart from the others through layout or décor, you’re sure to attract more customers, thus building up your client base.
Legalize the Business
Once you’ve decided what you want to do and how you’ll get there, think of a name for your business. This should be creative and easily remembered. Your business’s name is what sticks out to clients, and you want to make a lasting impression. After thinking of a name and researching it to ensure it isn’t already in use, get it registered as your own.
Find a Great Location
Next, pick a location for your business. Decide on a place with plenty of space and convenience for customers. Your business should be easy to access and in a high-traffic area for prime public awareness since this will boost revenue.
Get Registered
Now that you have a name and location, the next step is to get the business legalized. You’ll need to fill out the required paperwork, have licenses, and acquire a business tax ID. Remember to also purchase insurance as you go through the legalization process.
Gathering Equipment
Once you’re legally established, have the proper licenses and permits, and have acquired a space, it’s time to gather the required equipment for your shop. Some of the equipment and supplies you’ll need include:
- Barber shop chair
- Clippers
- Scissors
- Furniture
- Towels
- Combs and hair dryers
- Shave lotion and styling gel
This equipment is essential, as each piece will serve a different purpose in your shop and ensure your clients are comfortable.
Furniture Pieces
Making sure the inside of your shop is aesthetically pleasing is essential to a successful business. There are various pieces of furniture you’ll need inside your salon, the most important being barbershop chairs and a styling station to cut customers’ hair. Shop for high-end chairs right here at Salon Equipment Center to give your clients a sense of luxury.
Additionally, you’ll need other furniture such as sofas, tables, and a reception desk. Consider adding a gaming station and comfortable furniture in the waiting area so clients can enjoy themselves as they wait for their appointment. Making sure customers are both happy and comfortable while they wait is a great way to ensure they return for future appointments.
Equipment Pieces
You’ll have to stock your shop with various pieces of equipment. You’ll need clippers for cutting clients’ hair properly, and since it’s a crucial tool, it’s recommended you own several pairs, both for backup and tending to multiple clients. Additionally, make sure you have several pairs of scissors on hand.
Necessary products you will need include shaving cream and styling lotion. Pamper your customers with plush towels and create a professional yet comfortable atmosphere.
Apply the Final Touches
Once you’ve done the above steps, create a website for your business so you can get started on a successful marketing campaign. Additionally, research your target market to discover various ways to successfully appeal to them.
Build Up Clientele
Before you open your doors, don’t forget to start creating a client base; the earlier you start marketing, the better! Begin by knowing what demographic you want to reach, then hire a staff that can meet that group’s requirements. Next, utilize word-of-mouth marketing techniques. Tell your inner circle about your business, post on social media, and request others to spread the word. If you have money leftover in your budget, consider placing an ad in the newspaper or attend local events.
Additionally, create pages on various social media platforms to attract new clients to your business. Post photos of your shop and necessary information such as address, hours, and phone number. In doing this, you give customers easy access to your shop and a way to learn more about the services you provide.
Create a Business Network
Lastly, work with other businesses to discover tips for running your own or ways of improving your shop. For example, by working with a local artisan, you could find easy routes to improving your shop’s design to boost revenue.
Moreover, by networking with other businesses, you improve your success rates by increasing your word-of-mouth marketing. Other businesses can put up flyers for your business and you can do the same for them.
Before you open your doors, remember the essentials to opening a barbershop: establish a clear plan with achievable goals, get legalized, purchase equipment, and draw in a target market. Once you’re ready to begin purchasing the necessary equipment, remember that Salon Equipment Center offers quality equipment at the best price. By following this guide, your business is sure to succeed.
