How to Start a Barber Shop

The demand for good barber services will always be strong. What's more, today words like pedicure, manicure and facial cleansing are becoming more common at barbershops. These extra offerings make this line of business even more lucrative. If you have the skills and experience to deliver quality barber services, or if you can hire a team to do so, opening your own barber shop may be a business tailor-made for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a convenient location. Like any other service business, location is a key factor to consider when setting up a barber shop, particularly if you want to encourage walk-in business. You need to look for a place that is strategically located and easy to access. A corner shop or an intersection where the human traffic is high is the most convenient location for setting up a barber shop.

2. Obtain a business license. Research the local statutes and legal requirements for running a barbershop enterprise. These include the minimum shop equipment requirements, shop size requirements, tools, lighting, and plumbing. Your local chamber of commerce may be of assistance in helping you get this information.

3. Draw up a budget for the start-up and operational costs of your barbershop. Start up costs will range from the cost of leasing a shop space to capital for purchasing necessary equipment, materials and supplies that you need. Determine the source for this funding, such as personal savings or a business loan.

4. Obtain a sales tax ID. This will enable you to purchase supplies and materials wholesale. Shop the different wholesale suppliers and compare the prices and discounts that each offers to determine the most economical one for your shop.

5. Brainstorm the different methods you can use to market your barbershop services and build a client base. This can range from postcards offering coupons for first time customers to launching a Website for your barbershop.

6. Visit other barbershops in the area to see what kind of services they offer. Check out the prices that are charged. Determine how you can distinguish yourself from your competition. For example, you could offer free coffee and nibbles or an offer for a free haircut once a customer gets 10 haircuts.

7. Remember that no one ever forgets a bad haircut. Make sure that you have the skill and experience to deliver quality service. If you personally don't, hire barbers who do. Focus on managing the business side of the barber shop.

8. Write a business plan that takes into account all the research and planning that you conducted in each of the above steps. A business plan is important to keep your business on track, and it is also necessary if you seek a business loan.

9. Implement your business plan and open your barbershop. Put an emphasis on client service, particularly in maintaining a calendar of appointments. Double bookings or taking in more clients than you can handle will not be taken kindly.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with the Small Business Association to see if you qualify for any grants or loans that the organization can help you with.

Resources

• Small Business Association

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How To Make Big Money With Low-Budget Postcard Projects. PostcardProfits.com

[yabarber]

on 11/8/2009 or you could get a step by step learning dvd thats what i did then i worked under a master barber once i learned i got the dvd from http://www.howtobecomeabarber.com hope that will help great ehow man post some more great info