Starting a Barbershop? Here Are 5 Things You Need to Know
Are you planning to open a barbershop? Styling services are constantly in demand. But before you start a barbershop, here are five essential things you need to know.
The barber industry has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and for a good reason. A barbershop is a great place for men to relax and feel comfortable while getting a haircut or a shave.
If you’re thinking about starting your barbershop, there are a few things you need to know first. Here are five of them:
1. You Need the Right Tools
Once you have decided what type of shop to run, you need to equip it with the right tools for the job. First on the list is the best pair of hair-cutting scissors. These supplies possess qualities like durability, toughness, and the resilience to withstand the consistent use of cutting hair.
Next is a shaver. While manual shavers provide a comfortable, close shave, electric razors are better for heavy-duty use. Other tools you need include different types of comb, a cape, and tons of shaving cream.
Offer variety for your clients with an array of hair styling products as well. From gels and sprays to waxes and pomades, be sure that there is something for everyone at your shop.
2. A License and Certificate May Be Necessary
Although not required by law in all states, barbershops usually require licenses from the local government agency where they operate. A barber license isn’t difficult to attain.
However, most licensing boards require education or experience before you can sit for their exam. Some boards give students time to finish their training through an internship program combined with on-the-job training under a licensed barber.
The training can take between a few weeks to three months. During this time, you’ll get a chance to familiarize yourself with the tools of the trade and learn proper hair-cutting and shaving techniques.
3. It’s Not Just Passion; It’s Also Business
Starting a barbershop is no different from opening any other business: it requires time, effort, and research.
Before you begin work on your barbershop, determine if there’s enough demand in the area to support it. Familiarize yourself with the competition to determine if you can offer something different from what they already provide.
Define your clients. What type of people do you want to serve? Some barbers prefer working with adults rather than kids. Others might choose to specialize in one gender over another.
Barbershops also involve legalities. For example, you will need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the city or county where you plan to operate. These offices will need some requirements such as your business name, your home address, and the location of your shop. They may also ask for a business plan, certifications and licenses, and your estimated income and expenses.
4. You Need to Have More Skills Than Barbering
Aside from knowing how to cut hair, barbers need to have a range of other skills to make their business successful.
Marketing is essential for any business, and barbershops are no exception. To reach new customers and keep the regulars coming back, you’ll need to create an advertising campaign that resonates with your target audience. This might include print, online, or broadcast ads, as well as social media marketing.
Budgeting is another important skill for barbershop owners. You’ll need to keep track of your income and expenses so you can stay profitable while still providing the best possible service and products for your clients.
Customer service is vital in any industry, especially in one where your clients are literally putting their trust in your hands. If you don’t have good customer service skills and the patience to deal with picky customers, this might not be the right job for you.
Most barbershops nowadays offer something beyond simply cutting hair or shaving faces. They make an effort to build a community for their customers by providing services such as free Wi-Fi, magazines to read while waiting, coffee and water service, and even toys for kids.
5. The Hours Can Be Long, and the Pay Can Be Low
Barbershops typically open in the morning and close at night, depending on your location. Many shops have a set schedule, but others have more flexible hours that depend on customer demand.
This means you can be on call or spend a much longer time in your shop. The need for your services can also peak during specific seasons, like the holidays.
When it comes to your pay, you have many factors to consider. Setting your prices is tricky because you want to make sure you earn enough money but still keep your customers coming back for more. Usually, though, you won’t earn a lot in the beginning since you need to build up working capital.
Starting a barbershop is a business venture that takes a lot of thought and preparation. While it can provide you with a rewarding career fulfilling your clients’ needs, it also requires certain skills and qualities that not everyone has.
The key to success in this industry is balance. You need to know your limits as well as how far you’re willing to go for your clients. If you want something done right—or even just enjoy learning about new things—then this profession might be perfect for you!
