The licensing authority that establishes the requirements might be a barber examiners board, a board of cosmetology, or a similar board.
Barber school will teach you how to use different scissors, clippers, combs, and other hair styling tools. You’ll also learn how to clip hair (including facial hair) and gain experience sculpting different hairstyles. When researching barber schools, find out how large the class sizes are. Smaller classes are generally better, since you’ll likely get more personalized instruction. The cost of attending barber school varies significantly from place to place. In the U. S. , for instance, costs can range from $6,500 to $10,000. [2] X Research source Barber school programs necessary for certification typically last about 1 year.
If you’re asked to find an externship on your own, approach various barbershops and explain that you are a barber school student in search of work opportunities. Provide the barber with all relevant information, including how long you wish to apprentice there, what your experience is to date, and what your career goals are.
Proving you’re experienced typically requires attaching a letter or signature from the licensed barber under whom you trained or worked, as well as the transcripts or degree from the barber school you attended.
As an employee of another barbershop, you’ll typically pay rent for a chair. For instance, you might pay $100 per week to cut hair at the shop, and take home everything you keep. Alternately, you might be paid an hourly wage when working as an employee.
These costs are used to pay for store equipment (cash registers, security systems, ventilation, and so on), insurance, marketing and advertising, inventory (combs, shampoos, clippers, and so on), and miscellaneous costs (like your sound system, waiting area chairs, and TV).
Lenders will also want to know basic information like the location where you want to locate your business, the cost of your lease, your expected monthly earnings, and the specific products and services you’ll provide. [7] X Research source Lenders might also want you to pledge company assets as a form of security interest. This means that in the even you cannot repay your loan, the lender will be permitted to take some of your barbershop’s property or income.
Shop around for loans from several lenders. Choose the loan with the low interest, the fewest fees, and the longest repayment period. Look over potential loans with an accountant or financial advisor you trust. Your financial expert should enable you to help you identify the best loan for your barbershop.
Shop around for loans from several lenders. Choose the loan with the low interest, the fewest fees, and the longest repayment period. Look over potential loans with an accountant or financial advisor you trust. Your financial expert should enable you to help you identify the best loan for your barbershop.
If you plan on being the sole owner and operator of your shop, you should found your barbershop as a sole proprietorship. If you intend to act as the head barber and hire a staff of other barbers to help out, your best bet is to establish your shop as an LLC (a limited liability corporation). If you intend to start a large barbershop business with multiple locations, a large staff, and investors, you should establish your shop as a corporation.
The license application often requires information about the address where you want to open your shop, the estimated cost of the lease, and the type of business you want to open. The business license is different than the barber’s license. The barber’s license enables you to work as a barber, while the business license is necessary for you to own and operate a business.
Ask the licensing authority if they recommend or know of additional licenses you might require at the local, state, or national level.
Liability and accident insurance to protect you from client lawsuits Fire, flood, and other types of insurance to protect your building
The conditions which qualify as a good location for a barbershop vary substantially from place to place. A good location might be downtown, in a big city, or in a rural area. Talk to a realtor if you need help identifying a good location in your local region.
The process by which you’ll buy the necessary equipment varies depending on which equipment you want. Some of the things you want to buy (scissors, clippers, and televisions for waiting area customers) might be available in stores. Some equipment (like special combs or dyes) might only be available online. Some items will likely be available both online and in stores.
Building clientele takes time. Be patient in your first few months and promote your business continuously. You can post before and after videos on Instagram and TikTok to visually communicate your service. [17] X Expert Source Brian HonigmanMarketing Consultant Expert Interview. 16 April 2021. Try to build a relationship with your customers and provide them with a more personalized experience. [18] X Expert Source Brian HonigmanMarketing Consultant Expert Interview. 16 April 2021.
An ad for TV or radio might use a catchy song or “jingle. ” All your ads should include the name of your business, your address and phone number, and an enticing list of the service your provide. 30-second TV ads range in cost from $200 to $1,500 USD depending on your location. When producing a TV ad, include footage of your clean and inviting barbershop. Print ads in local newspapers often run between $50 to $200 USD for a small black-and-white ad of average size. If you include images of yourself or your employees in your TV or print ads, appear friendly by smiling and waving. If you need help developing your ad, consult a local graphic designer or marketing agency. Offering grand opening discount haircuts and specials is a great way to drive new clients to your shop.