Trimming Your Salon Startup Costs

Trimming Your Salon Startup Costs
Salon start up costs are top of mind for an aspiring owner. Find out how you can trim your costs and save money for your business.
by Square May 25, 2017 — 6 min read
Trimming Your Salon Startup Costs

As a salon owner, you are responsible for the financial health of your business, which means you have to make a lot of decisions when it comes to planning and budgeting. And seeing all those initial bills pile up might make your head spin, but don’t fret.

The first key to managing your salon’s finances is to understand how much it costs to start a salon. Here we break down your costs into the five different categories you should think about when starting a salon.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Salon?

Dissecting salon startup costs is important when starting your business, and it can help you save money in the long run.

There are five main areas that influence the startup cost of your salon:

General business requirements

You cannot open a salon without the right licenses. And in some cases, those licenses can be pricey.

First, salons cannot service customers without a licensed beautician present. This means that you and the rest of your stylists must hold a state cosmetology license or be enrolled in an accredited beautician program. A cosmetology license must be issued in the state where your salon is located and the license must be posted in your store.

There are many programs available for aspiring beauticians to receive their license, and each state has different licensing hour requirements for its programs. After completing a beautician program, stylists must pass a state board test to complete their license. Tests generally include both a written and practical portion, issued by the state cosmetology board.

Next, most salons have a small retail floor, which is a great way to feature products you use at the salon and upsell clients. If you decide to sell products, you are required to get a seller’s permit, which varies by state.

Along with specific salon licenses, all businesses are required to register their business and obtain a business license, issued by the secretary of state. Your valid business license must be posted in your salon at all times, and most states require annual renewals. Specific salon requirements vary by state, so be sure to check out local requirements and contact your state cosmetology board to gather further information on receiving a salon-specific license.

Additionally, having small business insurance for your salon covers you from a number of liabilities, including injuries on premise, loss of equipment, theft, and various other legal occurrences that could affect your business. It’s wise for all business owners to invest in business insurance to ensure protection.

The building costs of your salon

The size, location, and overall ambiance of your salon can dictate the success of your business. They also influence the cost of your salon.

Your first major decision is whether to lease or buy a space for a salon. In most cases, leasing a space is more cost effective for a first-time owner, but it depends on your location.

If you do decide to lease, make sure you dive into the terms of the lease, paying close attention to its length. You want to sign a lease that ideally gives you enough time to establish your salon and build a great reputation.

Salon building costs are determined by the type of space you select and the square footage. To prevent overspending, you need to maximize space. Think about how big your waiting area needs to be and how many chairs you need. Can stylists share chairs or do they need their own? All of this factors into the size of your salon.

Your salon’s ambiance is another key factor to your success, so look for a salon space that speaks to the type of clientele you want to attract. Do you want to create an intimate setting in an upscale boutique or a relaxed space for families? The space you select has a big influence on the people who come in, so it’s important to research different neighborhoods, find competitors in the area, and select a layout that reflects your goals.

Salon equipment

You can’t do business without the right salon equipment. But it is often difficult for owners to find the balance between spending too much and not enough. So here is a list of essential salon equipment necessary for your salon to get up and running.

Additional hair stylist supplies

After getting basic equipment for your salon, it’s time to invest in supplies for your stylists. While some salon owners require stylists to have their own tools, offering a basic set of supplies puts all employees on an equal playing field.

hair supplies
Here is a basic list of items each stylist needs to have access to:

Reliable payments system

Taking payments at a salon should be top of mind (you want to get paid), and there is a lot to think about when selecting a payments option.

Square POS

A payments processor handles credit and debit card transactions for your business, and you ideally want a system that:

Making money keeps your salon afloat, so learning how to accept payments effectively is crucial for your business.

How to Cut These Salon Startup Costs

After assessing your basic salon startup costs, you can start to think of ways to trim these expenses and create a realistic budget. Here are a few things that can help you cut costs at a salon.

Maximize your salon space

Each square foot of your space should be profitable. Consider keeping the reception area small but efficient by having it double as a retail space. Having products in the waiting room not only helps you utilize square footage but is also a great way to upsell products.

Minimize your equipment and product costs at your salon

When you first open a salon, learn how to create a cost effective salon scheduling strategy that will allow you to save money on stylists equipment ans supplies. That means you might have stylists with opposite schedules share a styling station, or you could limit the number of shampoo stations.

After determining what you need, look for deals on equipment and products. Many of the products and equipment you need can be purchased at wholesale prices, with a valid cosmetology license. This can significantly lower your costs for salon supplies.

Additionally, some salon owners request that their employees have their own tools and styling products when first starting out. This might keep some stylists from working at your salon, but it can be a huge cost saver.

Invest in an integrated salon POS system

Salon point-of-sale (POS) software not only allows you to take payments from your customers but also lets you simplify your salon operations. Some of the benefits included in a salon POS system are:

The initial costs of opening a salon can be overwhelming, but planning can help mitigate your stress. Aside from creating an efficient budget and exploring ways to cut salon costs, you can follow these seven tips for taming stress.

Don’t let the initial cost of starting a salon hinder you from pursuing your dream. Do your research to figure out your salon costs and open up your salon with confidence.

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