STARTUP: Secrets To Running A Barbing Saloon

Starting a barbing saloon is easy, so says Chime, who owns one around Ologuneru area of Ibadan, Oyo State. His is one of the major barbing saloons in the area. It is decent and well ventilated. But the business can be capital intensive, depending what kind of saloon you’re looking to set up, he says.

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A modest barbing saloon could gulp N170,ooo he says, while a bigger saloon can sink as much as N300,000. He itemises equipment needed for the business as: Two four-by-eight-feet (front and back) mirror - N20,000; a shelf - N50,000; two to three barbing chairs at N50,000 each; original clippers at N12,000 each; clipper treatment – N3,000, 2.7KVA - N35,000; a box of steriliser - N20,000; towel-warmer – N20,000, air conditioner - N75,000; hair/wash hand basin - N10,000; aprons, waste bins, combs, hair cream, shampoo, etc – N20,000.
But all these are just standards, he says. Running a barbing saloon requires much more than setting up a great place, although that is also important. “Your shop has to have the element of human factor. Your shop has to speak to your customers, same as you attitude,” Chime says.
According to him, you have got to have a great relationship with your clients/customers. There is something known as word of mouth advertising. If your clients are happy with your services, they will always come back, not only that, they will also bring a friend and the friend will always bring another friend.
You have to know how to follow the trend. There are new styles and cuts out there, you have got to learn how to stay on top of your game, Chris, who own a barber’s shop in Lagos says. As far as your shop goes, you must have a sound system, a cable TV and your colours must be soothing. “Imagine someone coming in from the hot sun. You want him relaxed before his having his haircut,” Chris adds.

Going a step forward
At-home-services are also a step you give your business an edge, Chris says. You could also set up your shop to sell such things as barbing equipment, accessories and hair care treatments. For instance, you could sell clippers, aftershaves, shaving powder, shaving sticks, etc.

Expertise
Do you need to learn the trade before setting up shop? Chris shrugs and says, “not necessarily.” But if you do know how to give a haircut, that’s definitely an edge, he admits. “What is essential is that you have great stylists with awesome attitude and you’re ready for business.”