New salon?? help

[AdamB]

Hi guys, I've been hairdressing for 10 years now and have worked for all kinds of salons, 18 months ago i left to become mobile to earn more money ,which has been great however now i'm wanting to set up my own salon, I'm wanting to start pretty small, but I'm pretty clueless to expenses and how much to expect to spend fitting out a small 3/4 seat salon any advice would be great- thanks, Adam

 

[topcuts]

hi and good luck! well done for braving it. i came back from oz went mobile then opened a small 3 seater salon and now have a large 6 seater salon inc therapy room, nail technician, spray tanning, separate basins area and garden, staff room etc. so YOU CAN DO IT!

ok i guess i would allow £5k for a smaller salon and £10k for a larger salon

why? how?

well allowing for getting furniture off of ebay (dont buy new a this stage) then plumbing, decorating, advertising, leaflets etc......

you think it is going to be cheap but it never is. everything you do could present additional work so allow for it and you may be left with some pennies and pounds for nice touches rather than just the practical

as long as its clean and tidy clients dont expect ponce and pretties. they would rather a economical cut/colour with a good stylist than a posh salon with crap services (sorry for swearing) this is what i worked on and in less than a year i had moved and expanded

prepare for some slow days though and strong grit to keep going when it is tough. and be good with your accounts. dont miss a trick and prepare for sleeping and eating it too.

 

[Nu_yu]

Totally agree with 5k! Start small with the basics clean and fresh and the rest will come along gradually! Look out for vat free days at the wholesalers as the 20% discount will really help! Also were you planning to rent out the chairs or employ? I rent out 2 chairs and the girls supply there own equipment and products which freed up a bit of extra cash to spend at the start! Goodluck x

 

[Hannahsmith88]

Hi I'm 23 and also looking to open up with my best friend! Just found a room to let at a big fitness and Beauty club! £800 per month all in which I thinks good for a start as it's £400 each! It's close to where I work now and hopping clients will follow.. I'm so nervous but been at my salon 6years and feels like slave labour and it's making me not enjoy it anymore, we've also said 5k but probably will have to do a small lone ;( but can't wait as at the moment I finish work at 6 then do hair all evening till 10pm! Can't wait to stop doing stupid hours even if I work till. 8pm every night! If anyone has any tips or help that would be great! As we need to get our own insurances.. What insurances do I need I no of public liability, also do you think it's a good idea? I've emailed the gut again with lots questions on whether they will help with advertising and negotiation on costs!

 

[Nu_yu]

Have you spoken to the princes trust? I used the psybt which is the Scottish version! They specialise in helping young people start up in business! They give you the loans grants and all the help you need! Would totally recommend them! Hth x

 

[Hannahsmith88]

I no this isn't my post but they emailed me and left a message saying to ring them! When I looked into it before though it did say you have to be unemployed or working less than 16hours per week

 

[Nu_yu]

This I'm not sure of! Wouldn't hurt to call them! I was under the impression that it was just for people under the age of 25 but it was a couple of years ago that I did it! They helped me with everything to do with starting a business from funding to accounts, leases and insurances! If your not eligible maybe they would know somewhere else that could help! Or try business gateway or your local
Council! X

 

[Hannahsmith88]

O brilliant thank you! Can I just ask how long the process took? As the shop I want is to let now! And has been a few months, I'm worried someone will snap it up first?