BusinessHABProfessional Cosmetologist: Our guide on how to become Professional Cosmetologist covers all the essential information to help you decide if this business is a good match for you.
Learn about the day-to-day activities of a professional Cosmetologist shop owner.
The typical target market, growth potential, startup costs, legal considerations, and more.
Professional Cosmetologist provide men and boys with grooming services, such as haircuts and shaves.
They are small shops that specialize in cutting men’s hair and shaving the neck and face.
Since the times of ancient Rome, approximately 296 BC specifically.
The Cosmetologist has been known as a place to socialize in the neighbourhood.
It is a place for men to network and connect with others in the community.
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Professional Cosmetologist
1. Know the rightful person for the business
Those who are dedicated to working hard.
And delivering outstanding customer service will find success in this industry.
Professional Cosmetologist:
2. Know the business activities
There are a number of items that will require your attention from day to day:
- Scheduling client appointments
- Consulting with customers regarding the cut and/or shave they would like
- Cutting and/or shaving clients
- Interacting with customers throughout the day
- Providing information regarding proper aftercare, when necessary
- Cleaning and maintaining all equipment
- Keeping shop clean
- Reordering supplies
- Networking and marketing
- Administrative tasks
Professional Cosmetologist:
3. Know the target market
Your customers will primarily be adult males.
From time to time, you will have a younger boy customer in need of a haircut.
Your client base will be comprised of individuals.
Who appreciate the artistry of a quality barber and enjoy the camaraderie.
And social atmosphere that a barbershop offers.
Professional Cosmetologist
4. Know how to make money
A barbershop makes money by charging a fee for services provided.
5. Know the growth potential for the business
Deeply entrenched in history, barbershops are considered one of the most lucrative businesses in the world.
Entrepreneurs who are willing to invest time and resources have the potential to expand their venture well beyond their primary location.
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Professional Cosmetologist:
6. Get the needed skills and experiences
Before getting started, you will need to attend barber school.
And obtain the necessary certification.
Additionally, many states require barbers to log a certain number of training hours.
Ranging anywhere from 800-2,000 hours.
This is a highly social profession.
So you must be able to connect with clients from all backgrounds. The ability to listen is just as important as conversing.
As the owner, strong business acumen would also prove beneficial.
If you fall short in this area, consider taking a basic business course or hiring a consultant.
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Professional Cosmetologist
7. Know the costs involved
Experienced Professional Cosmetologist owners suggest a minimum capital investment of #150,000 to #200,000. This includes the following items:
- Attending barber school
- Office space – cost varies, based on location
- Construction costs – your space must be up to current electric and plumbing standards
- Permits and licenses
- Insurance – speak with a licensed agent to determine what policies you need
- Marketing materials
- Shop equipment – cash register, business management software, signage.
- Shop inventory – chairs, child seats, clippers, scissors, trimmers, razors, brushes, mirrors, shaving powder, hair cream, after shave, cleaning supplies, etc.
- Furniture and miscellaneous necessities.
- Website.
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Professional Cosmetologist
8. Get to know the steps to start Cosmetology business
Once you’re ready to start your Cosmetology business.
Follow these steps to ensure that your business is legally compliant.
And avoid wasting time and money as your business grows:
- Plan your business. A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. A few important topics to consider are your initial costs, your target market, and how long it will take you to break even.
- Form a legal entity. Establishing a legal business entity prevents you from being personally liable if your barber shop is sued.
- Register for taxes. You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
- Open a business bank account. A dedicated checking account for your barber shop keeps your finances organized and makes your business appear more professional to your customers.
- Set up business accounting. Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
- Obtain necessary permits and licenses. Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
- Get business insurance. Insurance is highly recommended for all business owners. If you hire employees, workers compensation insurance may be a legal requirement in your state.
- Define your brand. Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
- Establish a web presence. A business website allows customers to learn more about your company and the products or services you offer. You can also use social media to attract new clients or customers.
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Professional Cosmetologist
9. Get a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship.
As you start planning your business.
Connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
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Professional Cosmetologist
10.Get some insider tips
Cosmetology business owners offer the following tips:
- Before renting your space, research the areas to determine the necessity for your services.
- This will also help in deciding how much space you need and how many chairs you can rent to other barbers.
- Get experience in the industry before opening your own shop.
- When deciding on a location, make sure you set up in a high traffic area with ample parking.
- Start small, building as the business grows.
- Don’t initially invest in the most expensive equipment or too large of a space.
- Consider your clientele, when setting your hours of operation.
- For many, nights and weekends are preferred over weekdays.
- Try to design your shop with an old school feel with accents of trendy flair throughout.
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Professional Cosmetologist
11. Promote & market the business
To introduce yourself to the neighborhood.
Consider having a grand opening event.
Drop off flyers at businesses and homes in the surrounding area.
Community newspapers, local TV stations, and radio stations are also a great marketing resource.
Advertise the event well in advance and offer specials for those who mention your flier.
A basic website and a social media presence should be part of your marketing strategy.
Research blogs that your clientele might read and advertise on those websites.
The National Barbers Association offers marketing opportunities for Professional Cosmetologist.
They are also a great resource for keeping up with the latest in industry trends.
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Professional Cosmetologist
12. Learn to keep customers coming back
In the service industry, word of mouth often proves to be the strongest marketing tool.
Strive to deliver exceptional customer service to each client.
Encourage patrons to refer their friends by offering a referral discount.
Many barbershops have also successfully retained customers by offering a membership or discount days for regulars.
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Professional Cosmetologist
13.How and when to build a team
While it’s recommended that you start small.
You will need to hire additional barbers once the shop starts to gain recognition.
Each barber should be licensed and well-groomed.
He/she should be personable and dedicated to delivering quality customer service.
Veteran shop owners caution against hiring perfectionists.
Successful barbers are detail-oriented, but able to work swiftly.
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Professional Cosmetologist
14.Get Certificate of Occupancy
A Professional Cosmetologist business is generally run out of a storefront.
Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a barber shop business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued.
- If your place of business will be renovated before opening.
- It is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your barber shop business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
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15. Know how much you can charge customers
Pricing varies, depending upon the services you offer.
Your location, and experience.
Neck clean up prices average #100, while haircuts can range anywhere from #200-#1000.
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16. Know the ongoing expenses
There are a number of items you should budget for to properly run a barbershop:
- Rent, phone, Internet, and utilities
- Marketing materials and campaigns
- Insurance
- Replenishing of both professional and retail supplies
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of shop and barber equipment
- Payroll and taxes – To reduce this expense, consider hiring barbers as independent contractors.
- They will compensate you for use of your chair by either paying rent or a percentage of their income. Commissions range from 30-70% of the barber’s profits.
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Professional Cosmetologist
17. Know on how to make profit
The average annual profit for a Professional Cosmetologist shop owner is #35,000.
Many have reported profits of #70,000 and higher.
Depending upon location and the number of barbers they employ.
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Professional Cosmetologist
18.Learn to make your business more profitable
Professional Cosmetologist owners suggest the following strategies to increase annual profits:
- Offer additional services, such as facials, hair coloring, and custom design haircuts.
- Have a retail section that includes products such as hair gel, razors, and brushes.
- Offer a mobile barber service.
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