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Starting up a business is tough, and making that business successful is even tougher. If you’re starting out in the barbershop business, how can you stay afloat? How can you even begin making profits?
Here are a few tips to help you get your barbershop off the ground and running.
Licensing and Examination
The first thing you’ll have to take care of is your barber license. All states require them and usually require you to take an exam to get your license. If you’ve already passed this hurdle, you can skip to the next section, but if you haven’t, this is the place to start.
Whatever your views on the laws are, currently, you’re required to attend a barber program and pass the tests required to become a barber in the US. The programs are usually less than one year, setting you up for a great career in far less time than it takes to get a college degree.
So once you have your license and pass your exam, what’s next?
Location, Location, Location
An important thing to get your barbershop going is to have a good location. But what defines a “good” location? A lot of it comes down to your personal tastes and decisions, but you also have to factor in your experience level.
As great as it would be to open in a high-end neighborhood and cater to wealthy clientele, you will probably struggle to get customers as a new, inexperienced barber. You can build your way up over time, but don’t expect to start at the top!
Even so, you can make wise decisions as you open up a business for your “regular” customers. Find a convenient place that people will come visit, and don’t pay high rents if you don’t have to. You can shop around for a location that you think will serve your clients and business well but won’t break your bank every month.
Be the Best Barbershop You Can Be!
A key aspect to growing your business is making your customers want to be there. From customer service to your personality to the actual haircuts and services you provide, you want to make sure they get the best experience you can give them.
The most obvious thing is to continue practicing and growing your barber skills. Even though you’re out of school, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you know everything! It takes a lot of skill and practice to give people great haircuts that they’ll want to return for.
Aside from your skills, you want to do your best to make your small business a place customers want to come back to. Repeat customers are a large part of your client base, and you want to do everything in these early months to make sure they’re happy to return.
This can include decorating your shop to make a comforting atmosphere, being very friendly and charismatic, or doing other little things to make the experience a good one. Do your best to bring people back and improve your business profits!
Learn More!
It takes a lot of work to start a barbershop business, but you don’t have to do it all alone! We’re here to help young entrepreneurs get their start in the barbershop business, and we can help you too.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have, and we’ll do our best to get you on the right track. Our goal is to help you succeed!
