So, you’ve kitted out your barbershop with fantastic furniture, and hopefully some classic Mirplay chairs, but what else might you be missing? We spoke to a panel of expert barbers to see commonly missed aspects of running a barber shop, that might just make your life easier!
5 things your barbershop could be missing:
Card payments
Will there be cash in 10 year’s time?? Card payments are a must, or you are missing out of a lot of potential custom. Mike Taylor from Bonds Barbershop says since he added card payments he saw his takings rise. “Now we take more card payments then we do cash payments.” He tells us. Remember to take card payments you will need the internet. It’s always best to shop about for your provider don’t just use your banks product.
Insurance
You need to have insurance in place for public liability as well as for your equipment and your services, most of you now this but if your barbers are self-employed they will ALL need their own insurance. As a barbershop owner make sure the staff all show you their public liability insurance. The good news is you can get this for as little as £35 from Just Hair insurance. Make sure you show your certificate in the shop.
PRS, PPL
Yes, there is two music licenses you need to get, there is also no way around this even if you listen to 5 live all day as they play music in the adds meaning you need both of these licenses. You can get discount for these if you are a member of the NHF. If you do not have these in place you could get a heavy fine.
Contracts
Your staff should of contracts in place, so they know what is expected of them, also contracts will protect you from uncertainty and ambiguity. In a contract you can underline their employment and you can also make sure you have measures in place, so your staff don’t get poached by the shop next door. By Joining the NHF you will have access to contracts and to a legal team.
Appointments
It is still good to offer a walk-in service in a barbershop, but the world is changing, and a lot of men do want to book an appointment as we all have really bust life’s now. A landline is a must, but it is worth looking in to getting a booking system app. The market is almost spoiled for choice with which app to use. We love Nearcut and Queue Junkie, where your clients can put their self in your shop queue from a coffee shop and come in for their cut right at the right time.
Things also for your barbershop to consider is a health and safety poster, membership with the British Master Barbers and the NHF, The Mike Taylor Education resource book or other training resource, and a first aid kit.
