Get into the hairdressing business

Haircutting may be a traditional activity but thanks to fashion trends a Barber Shop will always be a innovative business.


If you add to this a variety of personal care services that are in great demand, then you will know why it suits you get into the hairdressing business (for gentlemen and children).

Compelling Reasons to Consider This Business

  1. In the first place, it seems that Barber Shop is one of those few businesses that transcend from generation to generation.
  2. Despite recent economical crisis, This business has been one of the least affected in terms of income because in one way or another, we all need a haircut permanently.
  3. The demand for services has not only been maintained but seems to be growing.
  4. According to experts, this sector has a great tendency to expand.
  5. More than an exclusive activity for professional and specialized stylists, the hairdressing business has evolved to be more commercial and easily managed by entrepreneurs
  6. Whether start your own business or you decide acquire a franchise, the haircut offers interesting investment attractions.
  7. It is an easy business to learn and does not require (necessarily) any kind of specialization.

Tips for Setting Up a Successful Hair Salon

  • The store. First of all make sure that the place is pleasant and that it has a very attractive and modern image. The people who will visit you want to look good and want an establishment that inspires confidence. It must also be located in a shopping center or on a main street with good people traffic.
  • The staff. Your staff must be very neat, polite, respectful and careful. Considering that in this business the attention is totally personalized, the charisma and education of your hairdressers should be a priority. They especially must be trained to deal properly with children.
  • The presentation of the hairdressers. It is ideal that they wear uniforms and that their haircuts are modern and neat at the same time. Remember that the person who comes to your premises will imagine the results according to the person who attends them.
  • The number of employees. The number of hairdressers should be chosen carefully according to a mathematical formula that balances your costs and your profits in your budget. In fact, you can start with 2 or 3 hairdressers and gradually increase the number as your demand grows. And if your budget is limited, you yourself should act as a hairdresser at the beginning of your operations.
  • Combined (mixed) wages. It is recommended that salaries include a fixed base and another part for commissions (a percentage per client) in such a way that your fixed costs are not directly affected but that you can pay proportionally to the demand for work of your business.

Initial Investment Costs
When investing you should consider some of the following main costs. Estimated example for a small hairdresser 3 or 4 seats. Prices in dollars (us $).

  • Registration and legalization fees for your business. (us$ 400)
  • Local rental. First month plus deposits. (us $ 3000)
  • Furniture and equipment (US $ 5000)
  • Estimated total: $ 8400

Monthly budget
Within your monthly operating budget, you should consider some of the following main costs. Prices in dollars (us $).

  • Premises rent (us $ 1000)
  • Personnel expenses and salaries (US $ 1500)
  • Financial expenses (us $ 150)
  • Purchase of supplies (US $ 200)
  • Loan amortization (US $ 150)
  • Advertising and others (us $ 150)
  • Total: us$ 3150

Estimated sales
Considering that you will have 4 hairdressers in your dealFor an average of 25 daily cuts, considering that the demand is higher on weekends, we would be talking about 750 cuts per month at a price of US $ 5, so you would have an estimated monthly sale of US $ 3,750.

As you can see, the difference between sales and income would only be rounding a margin at the beginning of US $ 600. Which may be less, just covering operating expenses. As in any business, this is perfectly normal at the beginning because remember that the growth curve tells you that at least the first 6 to 12 months, you would just be beginning to cover your costs and you would be receiving real profits until after the first year.

Of course this with a good promotional effort, quality service, added value and a good price. Also remember that these numbers are estimates and may vary according to the costs in your city as well as the advertising options and the prices for services that you can adjust. Each case is different and these numbers are presented for reference only.

And, as in any business, the creativity and sagacity of the entrepreneur make the difference.

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