subject: Requirements For Setting Up A Salon Business [print this page] Owning a salon business is the next step for any hairdresser, but there are certain requirements that must be attained beforehand. While the requirements of a salon depends largely on the design, rent considerations, opening inventory, fixtures and other variables, the key components that any salon must have include space, personnel, leasehold improvements, and equipment.
Unless of course you have a house spacious enough for a salon and in an area with suitable zoning restrictions, you will have to rent space. Cities usually allow salons to be placed within a residential area, but due to zoning regulations it may prove difficult to establish a salon as a home business. Residents in the area may also like the increase flow of traffic and parking within your neighborhood.
As for personnel, the number and kind of people you need to hire will depend on the kind of services you intend to offer in your salon business. But in most cases, the salon will need to have one or more stylist and a receptionist. Other personnel include shampoo technicians, barber, nail technician, facialist, make-up artist, and massage therapist.
It is also important for aspiring salon owners to undertake leasehold improvements based on the planned interior layout, design, and plumbing specifications. Defined, leasehold improvement is the construction of new buildings or improvements done to existing structures by the lessee. The lessee has the right to use the improvements over the term of the lease, though in some states the improvements will revert back to the lessor once the lease expire. Keep in mind however that moveable equipment and office furniture not attached to the leased property is generally not considered as part of the leasehold improvement.
The type of salon equipment to be purchased, on the other hand, will depend on the services the salon business will offer. Some examples of basic salon equipment include that of the styling chair, hair driers and clippers, wash basin, supply trolley, manicure sets and aprons. Shampoo spray and hair steaming machines, facial beds, and other body and skin care instruments may also be purchased as well. Potential salon owners who are planning on selling beauty products in their salon will also have to invest in inventory.
To minimize costs, it's recommended to contact beauty salon equipment suppliers and try to get a reasonable deal. Online stores such as eBay are also good alternative sources of equipment.
Expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 and $30,000 for the salon equipment alone. A budget must also be reserved for initial training, professional licensing fees and working capital that would last at least three months. All in all, depending on the kinds of services to be offered in the salon, the total cost can go from $10,000 for basic operations to as high as $100,000 for a full service venture.
