Start a Barbershop
Starting your own business is a big decision. However, if you are good at what you do and have thought about starting your own barbershop, consider the following: Everyone needs a haircut. A good barbershop can do well, even in a recession, because hair will not stop growing no matter what the economy does. Once you get your barbershop business started, it is relatively easy to maintain. You can start a barbershop by following just a few steps.
Steps
- Get a barber's license if you do not have one before you open a barbershop. Do research on barber schools and enroll in a program that meets your local state's license requirements. You can check the requirements on the website for the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).
- Do research on local legal conditions that you must meet to open a barbershop by going to your state government's website. This would include, but not be limited to, the shop size, equipment and electric and plumbing standards.
- Apply for a business license.
- Make a budget for your business and ensure that you have funds to cover all the necessary start-up costs, including money for the lease, equipment, supplies and wages. You may need to apply for a business loan if you do not have these funds available.
- Write out a business plan that includes your future goals, a time line, your budget and an exit plan in case the business fails. Stick to the business plan throughout the process to keep your barbershop on track.
- Go to your state's Department of Revenue website to find out the state's tax rules and to fill out forms to get your Sales Tax ID number. This number will show that you are charging the proper sales tax to your customers and will allow you to purchase your materials at a wholesale price.
- Locate a good place for your barbershop and work out terms for a lease. Location is very important. You want to find a highly visible area so people know you are there and open for business.
- Purchase all necessary equipment and supplies for your barbershop business and hire employees if you need to. Equipment would include workstations for each barber, styling chairs, booster seats for kids, containers for disinfectant, dryers and hood dryers, chairs for the waiting area, cabinets for supplies, receptacle for towels, reception desk, floor mats, etc. Set up your phone system and point of sale (POS) register.
- Research other shops to get a good idea of how much you should charge and what services you should provide to be competitive.
- Do some marketing to make sure you get your barbershop's name out there. Start a barbershop website, get on Google maps, make some fliers and get some business cards. Make sure you have a nice, easy-to-read sign outside of your shop and that it is easily visible from the road.
- Put your business plan into action and open your doors for business.
Tips
- Do your research when purchasing equipment and shop around to get the very best price.
- Make sure you have a good calendar system set up to schedule your appointments.
- Check out the Chamber of Commerce to get a wealth of information on requirements the local government may have to open a business in your state, city and county.
Things You'll Need
- Barber's license
- Business license
- Budget
- Business plan
- Sales Tax ID number
- Equipment and supplies
- Marketing materials
