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Open a Hair Salon: The Ultimate Guide
Thinking about opening a hair salon? Use this step-by-step list in order to make your hair salon opening a success!
DEFINE YOUR BUSINESS
Select a hair salon business model
Employee-based
Booth/station rental
Identify what makes your salon unique
Identify your key target market(s)
Define the salon’s culture
Select salon business name
Decide on your salon service offerings
PLAN YOUR BUSINESS
Organize finances
Create salon goals
Set a budget
Elevate financing needs/options
Finalize service pricing
Identify start-up costs
Operational costs
Booking and CMS software - http://heymt.com/salonopen
http://heymt.com/salonopen
Accounting software
Website (design, development, domain & hosting)
Workstation furniture
Waiting area furniture
Hair stylist equipment and tools
Salon lighting
Towels and smocks
Sink basins
Laundering solution
Will you purchasing a washer dryer or using a laundry service?
Plumbers, electricians & handymen costs
Salon decor
Consumer product inventory
Purchase backbar order
Identify ongoing costs
Lease or mortgage payment
Labor costs (i.e. wages, payroll taxes)
Utility bills (power, security, water, waste, etc.)
Internet/phone bill
General maintenance & repairs
Booking and CMS software
Accounting software
Credit card processing fees
POS/Terminal
Website maintenance - http://heymt.com/salonopenmarketing
Marketing costs - http://heymt.com/salonopenmarketing
CHOOSE BUSINESS LOCATION
Dedicate substantial time for location search
Submit LOI (letter of intent) and application
HOT TIP! If negotiating a lease - make sure your rent commencement date is contingent on having all licenses permits resolved first
SETUP YOUR BUSINESS (Paperwork)
Get salon's Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Register for state and federal taxes
Open business bank account and credit card
Setup a business accounting process
Decide on a business accounting system (i.e Quickbooks) or hire a bookkeeper.
Obtain permits and licenses
Cosmetologist license
State & local business license
Get certificate of occupancy
Get resale certificate
Get business insurance
Join trade organization
Here are a few of the big ones: Professional Beauty Association (PBA), ...
SETUP YOUR BUSINESS (Physical Location)
Contact utility providers (power, security, water, waste, etc.)
Hire any required contractors/sub-contractors
Order salon equipment and supplies
Purchase salon outdoor/indoor signage
HIRE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Identify best hiring channels
Create a list of all needed positions
Create stylist training plan
Post jobs listings for team members
Interview & hire team members
Schedule & train staff on salon processes
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS
Develop & launch website - http://heymt.com/salonopenmarketing
Develop a marketing strategy
Create social media account(s)
Finalize branding
Print business cards & other collateral
Setup search engine info
Be sure to set up your Yelp, Google Biz, and Apple Maps account so you can keep the info accurate and up-to-date – crucial for SEO purposes.
Connect website to online booking software
Grand opening marketing strategy - http://heymt.com/salonopenmarketing
Post flyers in local businesses
Reach out to local publications
OPEN YOUR BUSINESS!!!!
Crush it!
This creates a private checklist in your account.