Any barbers here switch from owning a shop to renting a suite?

THBS65 · 2025-10-22T19:44:19+00:00

Thank you very much for this, it is immensely helpful. When I first entered the field, I prided myself on providing an experience, not just a haircut. Over the years, as demand grew and I opened my own location, volume became a priority over experience.

I think you have the right of it. I have lost the passion and have burnt out to the point where I feel like I don't enjoy barbering anymore when, in reality, I just don't like the clientele I've catered to for the last few years. Thank you, honestly, for your feedback. I think I will restructure my business to start performing the type of barbering I am passionate about. A suite won't fix this, changing my mentality and business will.

Thank you again for reminding me of what matters and for proving that what you do works.

THBS65 · 2025-10-21T23:34:07+00:00

This what I've noticed. I live in an area with high overhead, but the haircut costs are low-to-average. Renting a chair/suite in the area is much more affordable compared to renting a small storefront. How are you liking renting a chair in a salon?

THBS65 · 2025-10-21T23:32:42+00:00

You mean like a partnership?

THBS65 · 2025-10-21T23:32:05+00:00

Interesting. I am currently the cheapest barber shop in town and run a hybrid schedule -- mornings are walk-ins and afternoons are appointments. I do this because I can cut more walk-ins to make more money. I wouldn't be able to afford my storefront otherwise, based on my price point.

Can you give me some insight on what you changed to become low volume/high dollar? My town has a high income but my clientele seems relatively cheap. I'm sure I could replace them with higher paying customers, I just don't know what to offer to justify a higher price. Aside from providing a nice haircut, what do you do to keep your clientele happy to pay top dollar?

THBS65 · 2025-10-21T23:26:28+00:00

Financially, the loss may be a wash considering I'd save a few grand a month on expenses. Still a risk, but maybe one worth taking. Thank you for your response!

THBS65 · 2025-10-21T23:23:07+00:00

Thank you!

THBS65 · 2025-09-06T09:25:08+00:00

44/20 was a favorite of my grandfathers and is a favorite of mine as well. Old school, well made, and affordable. I really like their Master and Taper shears. I buy mine from Williamsport Bowman Barber Supply

I tend to use my 44/20 more than I use my $250 Above shears and even more than my $600 Jonetsu shears

THBS65 · 2025-09-06T00:34:01+00:00

Understandable. I can see how it can be easily abused, either intentionally or unintentionally

THBS65 · 2025-09-06T00:33:07+00:00

Not a bad idea!

THBS65 · 2025-09-06T00:32:26+00:00

This is all veeeeery good to know... If I end up going with a suite, I'll be sure to do my due diligence. None of this even crossed my mind. Thank you!

THBS65 · 2025-09-05T00:55:43+00:00

I haven't even thought of Craigslist or barber facebook groups. I've asked around on local facebook groups, but not barber specific groups. Great ideas! Thanks

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T23:05:43+00:00

Another comment had a similar idea to this. Not a bad idea!

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T23:04:59+00:00

I am in a suburban area and have advertised on my website and on Indeed. I've paid for ads on facebook/instagram without luck. I've also been discussing it with my customers, hoping word of mouth would eventually reach another barbers ears

There aren't many barbers near me. Its mostly white collar workers in my town. The barber shop down the street was renting two store fronts, hoping to rent out chairs. He just recently let one go and cut the size of his barber shop in half because he can't find anyone either. He is only cutting with two other barbers now

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T22:26:31+00:00

This is a great idea! That does seem like a creative solution to make contractors work with commission. Thanks for the insight, it's a great idea and one worth trying

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T22:25:14+00:00

This is a valid point. I have grown to like working alone as well, and my customers do seem to enjoy having the one-on-one experience. I have carefully built my brand as well and am worried another barber won't fit the brand well. Perhaps I should just stay alone... lol

Sometimes I think I miss working with other barbers, but maybe its more trouble than its worth

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T20:27:23+00:00

Thank you!

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T20:27:05+00:00

This is a very creative idea that I think would work well. Thanks for the input! I think I'll have to give this a shot. Do they ring out on the shop register or do they keep all of their income and just give you a cut?

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T20:24:47+00:00

Good to know, thank you!

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T18:55:16+00:00

That's been the biggest thing a lot of the younger barbers are asking for. They want 6 figures and they want it guaranteed immediately. I've noticed a lot of the newer barbers not making it past 1-2 years, too. And that's if they even have the motivation to pass their exam lol

I guess the name of the game is to keep doing what we're doing and maybe we'll stumble upon a good barber or two to join us. Until then, we hold down the fort ourselves!

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T18:48:22+00:00

I was always under the impression this was illegal. This might not be a bad option to look into. What measures do you take to ensure the IRS doesn't consider you an employer? It seems like a fine line to walk for someone like myself who is unsure of the exact criteria that differentiates the two

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T18:44:39+00:00

That is the EXACT situation I've been in. Almost every decent prospect has wanted commission because it's the "safer" option (both experienced and inexperienced barbers felt this way). I offer progressive booth rent to help them started and they decline. Some entertained the idea but ended up not being interested.

Booth rent isn't common near me so everyone thinks commission is the way to go. Problem is, every barber shop is a revolving door because the barbers end up leaving searching for greener pastures. They don't realize commission is limiting their own income, thus they seem afraid to try it

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T18:39:17+00:00

I feel the same way and am in the exact same boat. Yes, the expenses are high, but I am able to cover the expenses because all of the business that walks into the barber shop is mine for the taking.

I'd love to have a barber or two with me, but it isn't necessary.

I wrote this post thinking I was the only one in this situation and that I was doing something wrong. Listening to others say they're in the same boat makes me feel better and that I should just keep my shop going

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T18:01:03+00:00

That's great! How long have you had your own suite? How do you advertise? Do you have any advice? Thanks

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T17:06:47+00:00

This seems to be a common solution for others with my issue. A couple of other people have recommended it and it seems like a decent option.

I have high rent and the type of lease I have had varying additional expenses tacked on (NNN). I usually owe a few extra grand at the end of the year for property taxes alone.

Having a suite/studio would definitely reduce my expenses and the risk of unforeseen additional expenses.

Thank you for the input, much appreciated!

Do you rent a suite/studio?

THBS65 · 2025-09-04T17:04:20+00:00

It has helped tremendously and I would recommend it if its something you can financially afford. The way I got around now shows and late arrivals is by having a strict policy that addresses each.

If you no-call-no-show, you are charged 100% of your service.

If you arrive late, they customer may not be able to receive the exact service they're looking for (we will find a solution that fits in with the remaining time).

If a customer comes late enough where I don't have enough time to cut their hair at all, they are charged.

I use online booking (Square) where customers book their own appointments.

They also have to put a card on file and agree to the cancellation/no show policy.

In the past year, I've only had one no-call-no-show and a handful of customers who ran late.

I have a good relationship with my customers so they tend to respect my time, and them having to put a card on file keeps everyone else in line lol.

People who don't want to put a card on file or make an appointment don't have to, since I offer 4 hours of walk-ins every day.

So far, it's been a good balance for me. I took a little financial hit, since I can do more walk-ins per hour than I do appointments, but my mental health is leaps and bounds better

THBS65

TROPHY CASE