People spend a massive amount of money on hair and beauty services. According to a study by First Research, beauty salons and barbershops generate an average annual revenue of $20 billion in the U.S. alone. Even during an economic downswing, people want to look their best – which makes barbershops and salons an excellent business opportunity for entrepreneurs.
From expensive hair care products to basic equipment like cutting tools, trimmers, dryers and chairs, salon owners need to comply with the constantly changing state and federal regulations designed to promote safety and protect consumers from accidents and injuries. If you own a salon, there are certain things you need to know and understand before purchasing equipment.
What to know before purchasing equipment
The best way to understand what equipment you need to buy, and how and why, completely depends on what services your barbershop or beauty salon provides. Here are the points you need to consider before purchasing equipment.
Be realistic with space
The size of your shop often dictates the nature of the services you provide.
How much equipment will you need to provide the service? Well, if the space you have lets you efficiently fit in all the equipment you need, good for you. Otherwise, you should look for beauty salon equipment companies that offer salon layout services. They ensure that everything fits well, and that space is utilized efficiently.
Focus on durability and quality
Pay close attention to the durability and quality of the equipment you are buying. You likely use chairs, styling units and ACs on a daily basis.
Make sure you know where the equipment is manufactured. American and European-made equipment and furniture is generally more durable, and made with expert craftsmanship. When you buy such equipment, make sure you get details of durability from customer service advisors.
Look at the specifications, features and materials used, and make sure the items you buy can last when used on a daily basis. Also, you can read customer reviews to check on the quality of the equipment.
Assemble the equipment
You might have heard other business owners tell scary stories about the time they spent hard-earned money on equipment. Maybe the chairs were delivered in parts that required countless hours of assembly time. Maybe tables came with legs that simply wouldn’t stand up! Equipment either arrives pre-assembled, or in parts that you have to put together. Alternatively, you can check out certain equipment makers that provide salon equipment pre-assembled, or requiring minimal assembly.
Plan your budget
Buying a styling chair for less than $100 may sound like a score, but that deal you made could lead to a lot of problems in the long run, like needing replacement or frequent repairs.
They weren’t kidding around when they said “You get what you pay for”. Invest in high-end, quality equipment – though such stuff may be expensive, there are various alternative funding options that can help you out.
Delivery and shipping process
When taking delivery of a shipment of equipment, think first about when you’re going to need it. Are you buying to upgrade your business, for instance, or are you shopping to equip a new location? Second, look for a style that matches your shop’s ambiance.
Equipment and furniture for any beauty salon or barbershop is a big investment and you will need adequate time to get the style and equipment of your choice. No matter how and where the salon equipment is made, it can easily take around two to twelve weeks to receive it.
It’s common for salon equipment manufacturers to have their products delivered to customers by freight companies. Get in touch with customer service, and ask about the delivery process and shipping charges. Research and make inquiries about the lowest possible rate. There are various shipping companies, which means that some hard work can earn you a competitive price for shipping.
Equipment warranty and returns
Before purchasing equipment, find out if the manufacturer or retailer you’re buying from offers a warranty. Make sure you read and understand the company’s return policy as well; you can always ask the customer service adviser about this.
Keep these points in mind before purchasing equipment for your business. Make sure you buy quality equipment because your customers will evaluate your business based on their experience and quality of the service you provide them. By providing the best service, you can automatically ensure a returning client base.
