Mission Statement

A mission statement serves as the solid lines in which your business can color. Your statement should be simple and should contain achievable goals. Include in your mission statement:

• What services you provide
• What quality of service you provide
• Who you provide the services for

This simple, clear-cut method of defining the purpose of your hair salon can help you to manage costs by helping you to avoid any expenditure that does not directly further at least one of the goals you have mentioned in your mission statement.

Market Analysis

While your mission statement addresses the subject of who your business exists to serve, a proper market analysis can pin your target market down even further. A clear picture of your intended clientele market can help you to control costs by helping you to market effectively your services, without spending a penny on markets that are not likely to give you a substantial conversion rate.

Financial Plan

A clear financial plan is an unavoidably important element in your overall hair salon business plan, as it tells you where you will get the money to make your business a success and how you will go about earning money in the coming months and years.

If you need to raise funds for your salon opening or overhaul, you can pinpoint the specific banks, private investors or other lenders you plan to approach with your completed business plan.

In order to project your earnings accurately into the future, you might consider using a software tool specifically designed for this purpose. Software purchases require an immediate investment but they are worth the money spent, as they will save you time on complicated calculations and will give you an unbiased estimate of the amount of money you can expect to take in, given your current course of action.

Think used barber chairs are hard to find? Think again. The Internet has tons of listing for them, along with pictures showing the chairs. Many brand new chairs can cost anywhere from $400 to $800, money that start-ups may not have. A used barber chair, on the other hand, may only cost around $100 to $200, leaving more money for new business owners to put into another part of their business such as supplies.

Auctions are another great place to look for used equipment and you can luck into some sweet deals where you can also get a used child’s booster seat along with a chair. In some cases, you may find a used barber chair in very good condition for under $100 at an auction.

It’s important to keep in mind that you will want a chair that will do everything you need it to do. Some chairs recline while others do not. Make sure to find out all of the features of a chair before buying it. This will save a lot of money and aggravation in the long run. Make sure the chair has a working hydraulic lift so that it can be adjusted according to the height of your customer and the height which is the most comfortable for you.
Most used barber chairs come in moisture resistant materials and some even have wooden arms which add a stylish flair to the chair. As a salon owner, a good, reliable and attractive barber chair is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will purchase for your shop. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank in order to have one. Be smart and find the one that will chop costs for your business. Happy snipping!

When it comes to things like used salon chairs, it's really important to always inspect the products before purchasing. Your salon will gain a reputation among clients and their friends. Your main concern in buying used should always be condition. The last thing you want your clients to see when they walk in the door is a shoddy and questionable presentation. After all, they are trusting their hair, skin and nails to you and they need to have the confidence that your cleanliness is top notch. While you may be tempted to save money with items that may be right on the edge, don't do it. For just a little bit more, you can find items that are in better condition.

There are several places to start in your search for used salon chairs and styling equipment. First, if you have a styling college in your area, it's probable that they have a higher turn around than average on their chairs and other equipment. Ask them if they can contact you when they are liquidating. Also, keep an eye out for salons that may be closing or even moving to another area. There also may be auctions that deal with these types of products and you can be placed on their items that are in closer proximity to your location to facilitate a good inspection. Or, employ an agent in the area that you trust to ensure that you are getting what you pay for.

Buying used is a classic strategy to save money. Whether you shop tag sales for your home or are do hard core bargain hunting for your business, you will come out ahead by taking the time to buy used. For your salon, there are many options, including buying used salon chairs. Make sure to inspect all supplies carefully for cleanliness and condition. Don't be afraid to spend a little bit more to get a better looking product. The idea is to save money, but you also need to be aware of the overall appearance of your location. By doing so, your customers will happily come back to you again and again.

It will be difficult to start up a nail salon, but with careful planning and hard work, it can be done. Obtaining space for the salon does not have to be expensive. The silver lining in the terrible economy is the ability to rent a commercial space for a reasonable price. Or if you can't afford to rent or lease a space, you can always set up your nail salon at home and move into a store once you've got a few regular customers.

The real concern regarding start-up expenses is not in paying the rent-no it is procuring the nail salon equipment. If you want to treat your customers to a quality manicure, you are going to need to purchase the higher-end nail salon equipment. This includes brands such as Belvedere, Collins, Pibbs, and Kaemark, all of which are rather expensive. You have the option of purchasing less prominent salon equipment, but it will probably result in low quality treatments and a damaged reputation that could take years to shed.

A better option is to purchase used nail salon equipment. Quality nail salon equipment can last dozens of years, but salons, in the hopes of looking modern, get rid of what they deem "unfashionable" equipment. You can snatch up barely used nail salon equipment for a fraction of the price! Some great pieces of used nail salon equipment to look for are shampoo chairs, used styling cabinets and even reception desks!

If you're just getting started in the salon business, don't waste your time and money on brand new equipment. Getting the top brands of used nail salon equipment will help you start up a quality salon business without breaking the bank.

Everyone knows that people who are starting a small business need to be frugal with how their money is being spent. A good salon will have several things: A professional chair, curling irons, straighteners, blow-dryers, chair dryers and many pairs of quality scissors. Now if you're buying this equipment new, you will most likely spend most of your money on the professional chair alone, which retails at about $1,000. Instead of doing that, many people are realizing that it is possible to purchase a complete set of used hair salon equipment for around the same price.

Some believe that getting used equipment will compromise the quality of their business. Please know that many salons out there are cutting edge and financially established. Therefore not a year goes by that they aren't getting new equipment for their business. When they purchase new equipment at top dollar, all of their older equipment will be released onto the market at steeply discounted prices. You, a new business owner trying to get your feet off the ground can scoop that equipment up for your salon and save a lot of money by doing so.

There are times that a small salon owner will feel like there's no possible way that they can get everything they need for the money they have. However the frugal business owner will use the used equipment option for themselves to save thousands of dollars without cutting back on quality. If you have been trying to get your salon off the ground but have been unable to break even, this would be a wonderful option for you. Whether you are starting a large salon or just a small one-chair salon, the benefits of buying your equipment used are innumerable.

At every stage of their visit to your salon, your customers must feel pampered and as if they are receiving the highest level of care, which can result in big bills when new equipment comes out. How's a salon owner to cope with mounting bills without losing their competitive edge by missing out on new equipment?

Purchasing used beauty salon equipment to use in your salon is a great way to maintain a high-quality level of service while at the same time cutting your costs. By looking on websites like Ebay.com for used salon equipment, or used beauty salon equipment, you can find anything from aromatherapy steam salon skin care equipment to styling capes, and some sellers even place entire businesses on the chopping block!

What's great about these offers is that each individual piece of equipment will cost far less if purchased used, while still delivering (if you, the buyer, is careful to do your homework) excellent quality assistance for you and your employees in your beauty salon.

This is not to say that purchasing used equipment, especially over the internet, is without its pitfalls. As with any online purchase (and many purchases out in the brick and mortar world) you must be sure to carefully inspect what it is you're purchasing (or its Ebay listing). You should look at the description of the equipment carefully, then try to arrange to visit for an inspection or have a nearby friend inspect the equipment for you. Purchasing used equipment can save money if it's done carefully!

Stylish selections of gently used salon furniture are readily available. There’s something for most tastes and budgets, and can be found in very good condition. People in the salon business tend to be very helpful, this includes furniture sales. They often have suggestions for the perfect fit. Some companies will accept a trade-in which only sweetens the deal.

It’s tempting to buy couches and chairs covered in striking fabric for a unique look. Avoid cloth completely, unless you want to replace the furniture often. There are too many sprays and hair floating around a salon, the furniture looks and feels dirty. Believe it or not, there are salon owners that expect people to sit on these. It should be illegal in the states which still allow this.

The riskiest part of buying used salon furniture is when dealing with anything electrical or hydraulic. Go with a company that has actually checked and refurbished this equipment. To purchase waiting room chairs, nail stations, or a desk, there isn’t much that can go wrong as long as it’s sturdy and not overly worn.

Many clients will bring their children when calling for your services. Designate a small furnished area for entertaining little ones. This will lower daily stress in the salon, and reduces wear and tear on furniture meant for adults.

Good exchange exists in the market of used salon furniture. There are many reputable companies with years of experience. They offer great ideas and are excited to assist. Purchasing pieces of gently used salon furniture is a well-groomed plan.