The subtleties of opening a beauty salon from an industry professional. The beauty industry has always been, is and will be the most popular consumer niche. The desire to be beautiful is inherent in every woman. Nail services, hairdressing services, spas, solariums, massage and beauty parlors - these services will always be in demand in modern society, the profit from this business depends only on the amount of demand.
Author of the material: Ekaterina Stolyarenko, founder and co-owner of the Victoria beauty salon
For a person who decides to open a beauty salon, this business becomes part of life, and sometimes life itself. It is impossible to “boil in this syrup” without feeling passion for the work you do. Giving beauty, harmony and pleasure from transformation - this is the true meaning of the hostess (owner) of such an establishment!
The process of opening your own beauty salon
Just dreaming about your own “beautiful” business is not enough. What you need here is a clear business plan, an absolutely precise understanding of what you do and, of course, extensive awareness of all the services (trends, new products, trends) that you will provide.
Below we will look at all the most important stages of opening a business class beauty salon.
Registration
If you think that the most difficult thing about opening a beauty salon is registration, then you are sorely mistaken. You can register your little child in a matter of days. Individual entrepreneur is registered in accordance with 93.02 OKVED. This is a group in the “Provision of other social, communal and personal services” section. Please note that a beauty salon and a regular hairdresser are registered in the same way. The tax system should be chosen from UTII or simplified tax system
Advice from the Moneymaker Factory: since 2013, the most optimal form of taxation for a beauty salon is a patent form of taxation, and you can keep records yourself using the “My Business” online service.
As soon as the individual entrepreneur is registered, it is necessary to purchase a cash register and register it with the KKM tax office. If you plan to complete these steps yourself, be patient - it will take you 10 to 20 business days. If time is valuable to you, use a special service from cash register sellers - they will cope with their task in three days.
But, if you plan to provide cosmetology services, then you will simply need to obtain the appropriate permission. And you can get it if you provide a medical license.
Required documents
An operating beauty salon must have a set of documents confirming the legality of the provision of services.
So, the list of necessary documents:
- Document for the premises ( certificate of ownership, lease agreement)
- Notification of the start of business activities in RosPotrebNadkhor.
- Conclusion of the SES on the compliance of the premises and equipment, in accordance with the rules of SanPiN 2.1.2.1199-03.
- Bill of lading for cosmetics and cosmetics ( shampoos, conditioners, masks, hair dye and others),
- Price list with current prices for services provided,
- Book of complaints and suggestions ( without fail).
What do you need to open a beauty salon?
To open a beauty salon, you need a clear business plan. It should reflect absolutely everything, from cleaning the premises to the cost of services. It is very important to calculate future profits, expenses and possible losses as accurately as possible. This must be done to avoid situations where costs exceed profits. A well-written business plan is half of your success. Second half - talented PR. Next we will talk about ADVERTISING.
You can use signs, booklets, brochures and billboards(large poster). The most expensive of all of the above are billboards. But at the same time, this is the most effective type of modern advertising. Having installed such "external advertising", for example, near a traffic light, you will get several advantages:
- Advertising for your salon will always be visible.
- At traffic lights, drivers and passengers wait at least 30 seconds (depending on the intersection and traffic intensity). During this time, the information seen is deposited in the subcortex of the brain. Even if a person briefly saw a billboard advertising the services of a beauty salon, everything he saw will certainly remain in his memory. According to psychotherapists, if a person looks at an object for longer than 15 seconds, then the information received from the conscious goes into the unconscious. In other words, the more often your potential clients see the name of the salon and its attributes (slogan, colors, etc.), the more trust and disposition they will have in it.
- Billboards are a great option to announce the opening of a new beauty salon as soon as possible. According to statistics, 3 days of advertising on a billboard is comparable to a whole month of PR activities through brochures, booklets and ticker tape ads on TV.
A prerequisite for competent PR of a “newly created” beauty salon is sign with name. Nowadays it is very fashionable to indicate a slogan in addition to the name of the beauty salon. For example:
Beauty salon "Victoria"
It's easy to be beautiful!
How to choose the right room and location
Having decided on the class of your beauty salon, you can start looking for premises.
It is desirable that this be the first line of houses, preferably the first floor, where there would be a separate entrance, several emergency exits, display windows, high ceilings (at least 3 meters), at least 3 water supply points, a minimum number of load-bearing walls, the possibility of parking and normal business neighbors with whom there will be no conflict situations.
Necessary equipment
- Hairdressing salons and workplaces - in other words, this is everything that the client sees while styling, coloring or cutting hair.
- Chairs with adjustable lift. Lifts vary in type. They are stationary, pneumatic, hydraulic, special - “for drying”.
- Several sinks. Ideally 3-5. They can be made from ceramics or eco-plastic.
- Several dryers - “dryers” for hair.
- Several climazones - devices that speed up the process of hair coloring and perming.
- Consumables, as well as hair dryers, tools, curling irons, tongs, etc.
- All necessary equipment for cosmetology, manicure and massage rooms, as well as for a make-up room.
List of services provided at the initial stage
- Hairdressing services (haircuts, styling, hair coloring, hair extensions, hairstyles),
- Cosmetology services (lifting, sugaring, mesotherapy, permanent makeup, chocolate wrap),
- Massage (anti-cellulite, general, relaxation massage),
- Nail service (manicure, pedicure, extensions, gel coating, wellness treatments).
- Solarium.
- Make-up room (day, holiday, evening and wedding make-up).
How to determine the competitive differences of your salon in terms of customer service?
There is nothing wrong with being afraid of competitors. Eastern wisdom says: “It is not our friends, but our enemies that make us strong.” A business that has no competitors, as a rule, does not develop as quickly and much less successfully than its counterpart, surrounded on all sides by competing sharks.
- Compiling a list of competitors for your beauty salon
- Studying competitors' advertising material
- Collect information about the range of goods sold by competitors and sales conditions, about all the services they provide, about pricing, promotions, bonuses and additional services
- Conduct a survey of customers about what services they use most often. Ask them about the salons they go to, their prices and the nuances of providing certain services.
After processing and analyzing the data obtained, you can easily identify the competitive basis of your beauty salon.
Recruitment
Qualified personnel are your everything! People will always go to a good master! In the first few months, your beauty salon will build up its client base.
How to attract a large number of regular customers?
Firstly, even if your first employees are newbies, and they have just graduated from hairdressing courses, makeup schools and other educational institutions, the client should under no circumstances find out about this. For consumers, ALL THE SALON MASTERS ARE REAL PROS, WIZARDS, capable of transforming them, doing a miracle, turning Cinderella into a beautiful lady!
How to exalt your employees in the eyes of the client?
You can take advantage of foreign experience
Before opening my business class beauty salon “Victoria”, I went on a business visit to the USA, Virginia. There I did an internship in make-up art. I was amazed by the design of the salon to which I was directed. On the walls hung beautifully framed photographs (30 by 40 cm) of all the craftsmen and employees of the salon. In the photo, hairdressers, makeup artists, massage specialists, manicurists and others were depicted in the process of work. This presentation looked so convincing, clients could not even imagine that a good half of the employees were yesterday’s graduates.
You can invite a well-known specialist in your city to conduct master classes!
Of course, not every salon can afford to have a celebrity stylist on staff. But it’s quite possible to invite a super-makeup artist or the most sought-after hairstylist in your city as a special event!
Conduct such master classes several times a year. Ideally, it would be nice to do this every month, but you can also stop at the seasons. For example: we create summer hairstyles together with Vlad Lisovets, winter makeup from a representative of Mary Kay, an autumn extravaganza of hair colors from Estelle Lauder, a slender spring without extra pounds - an anti-cellulite massage from a cosmetology guru.
Hire employees with extensive experience and a few newcomers
In this case, you will receive double benefits. Firstly, you can completely trust experienced professionals. Accordingly, their salaries will be higher. And young employees with lower incomes will learn everything from their experienced colleagues.
Advice from the Moneymaker Factory: It is optimal to outsource accounting and tax accounting, or do it yourself using online accounting services, for example “My Business”.
Providing mono services
If you decide to open a business class beauty salon, you cannot do without providing monoservices. To verify this, conduct a short survey. Believe me, 90% of respondents will confidently say that a fashionable beauty salon must have its own stationary solarium, not to mention a massage room.
Shop based on a beauty salon
How to properly equip a store based on a beauty salon (display displays with jewelry, cosmetic products), features of the range of services?
Nowadays, many beauty salons sell designer jewelry and products from famous brands: Matrix, Estelle Lauder, Bobby Brown, Givenchy, Londa Color, Guerlain, etc. All this “luxury” is displayed in shop windows.
Where is the best place to place them?
Of course, in the most visible place. But there are several nuances here. Under no circumstances should the client have the impression that he has come to the store. All products should be sold unobtrusively, but at the same time actively.
For example, a girl who has just had a salon makeover may be interested in the cosmetics used. The makeup artist, as a salesperson, must convince her to buy the same one. Discounts can be provided. Let them be insignificant, 3-5% - this method of selling works, as they say, one hundred percent!
Install display windows near the entrance, illuminate them with fluorescent lamps, display products in such a way that the most popular goods are at eye level of buyers. Everything else can be placed below. Don't neglect product descriptions. A showcase with cosmetics - a description of companies, a showcase with costume jewelry - a description of materials and manufacturers, a showcase with shampoos and care products - a detailed description of the companies and the result that the buyer will receive after using them.
Reflect the features of the range of services in the interior of the salon. It's simple. It is enough to hang colorful photo descriptions of each service, illuminated by small LEDs. Minimum introductory information. The client comes to the salon to relax and enjoy the procedure, and not to read waste paper. Include three points in the description: definition of the service ( what it is?), what means are used ( company, brand, country of origin), and what this service provides ( Effect).
How to purchase goods?
With the purchase of cosmetics, consumables and other goods, everything is easy. You need to find reliable suppliers. Purchasing goods is a crucial moment that depends on several factors:
- From the season
- From client demand for certain services,
- Based on the number of holidays in a month.
The initial purchase of the necessary goods for a beauty salon will cost you from 200 thousand rubles to 1 million rubles. It all depends on the brands you will use and, of course, on the status of your establishment. The higher the status, the more expensive!
Pricing
Once you open a salon, analyze the prices of your competitors. Give a discount to celebrate the opening. Usually this is no more than 10%. If, according to your calculations, such a discount will not pay off, include it in the cost of the service. For example, French gel nail extension costs 1000 rubles, put the price in the price list at 1100 rubles and give a 10% discount. This way, you will attract a lot of clients without losing a single ruble. If a good nail technician works for you, all women who have had their nails done once will become regular clients. Tested by personal experience!
It is also very good to give discounts to birthday boys, brides and graduates. If you see that there are fewer clients, create a bonus system - “bring a friend for a haircut with hot scissors, get a 15% discount on any three salon services.” In fact, there can be a million ideas. The main thing is to think carefully!
Remember the standard markup on goods sold cannot be less 250% . Otherwise, your business risks becoming unprofitable. The same goes for services. Their cost includes the rental fee for the premises, all monthly fees, employee salaries, and the cost of consumables. For example, banal hair extensions with natural strands cannot possibly cost less than the strands themselves. If a set of natural hair from a supplier costs 2 thousand rubles, then the extension service costs about 10 thousand rubles. It is more than stupid to give a discount of 50 or even 30%.
Conclusion
When opening a new beauty salon, remember one big truth - "The customer is always right". Guided by it, you will attract a lot of new clients. Another truth - “I don’t believe in advertising, I believe my friend”. There are people who fundamentally do not pay attention to advertising in all its forms. Their media is good old word of mouth. A friend whispered, a neighbor told her, a co-worker boasted...
I really hope that these instructions for opening your own beauty salon will become for many of you a reliable springboard into the fashion industry, into the world of beauty, harmony and transformation!
Sincerely, Ekaterina Stolyarenko, co-owner of a beauty salon "Victoria".
Many aspiring entrepreneurs are attracted to the salon business. In the course of developing his plan, they often face questions: how to open a beauty salon, where to start and how much money is needed, where to look for masters, how to make a big profit. But first things first. Let's start with the main points - opening the establishment and organizing its work.
The head of her own salon - this is the dream of many representatives of the fair sex
As in any business, it all starts with analyzing the service market and identifying the basic needs of potential clients. Where to start to open a beauty salon:
- choose a good place for it - passable and popular, noticeable to others, so that there are no similar salons nearby, with convenient entrance and entry from the roadway;
- determine the concept of the establishment - visit potential competitors, find out how they are doing, adopt their techniques, conduct research into solvency and services that clients need;
- obtain all the necessary permits and purchase the necessary equipment, and then begin searching for craftsmen and advertising.
Where to start opening a beauty salon?
Let's dwell on the nuances of how to properly open a beauty salon from scratch:
- if you rent premises in a business center, take care of signage inside and outside, you may not rent the first floors, but you should be easy to find;
- to open in a residential building - ask the residents for permission, record it in writing, place the entrance on the other side of the yard;
- when choosing a place in a shopping center, consider the number of people who visit it; to attract them you will need marketing tricks;
- mid-level establishments are relevant for residential areas, hair salons are an economy option - for markets, train stations, college campuses, business class and luxury - for the city center.
To start any business you need to study a lot of theoretical foundations and practical tips.
And a few more tips on how to open a beauty salon from scratch:
- determine the range of services - their level and class, how many craftsmen will be needed for them;
- if you are a beginner, it’s better not to think about the prestige, VIP or luxury levels, unless you have a well-known brand or a famous master in mind;
- establishments with a high standard are distinguished by high-quality and inexpensive service, elite cosmetics and the presence of highly qualified professionals;
- luxury uses unique techniques, prestige - expensive equipment and finishing, VIP - an individual approach to each client;
- The economy option is characterized by inexpensive services of a hairdresser and manicurist, some cosmetic procedures, simple repairs and cheap equipment, affordable cosmetics and a low level of staff qualifications;
- business class has a wide range of services with a higher price than a simple hairdressing salon, better repairs and equipment compared to it, worthy specialists working on cosmetics of famous brands.
How much money do you need to open a beauty salon?
To answer the question of how much it costs to open a beauty salon from scratch, you need to calculate the total costs of organizing this business. Based on them, the profitability of the idea and its profit are assessed.
Using the example of a budget hairdresser, let’s calculate how much money is needed to open a beauty salon:
- simple repairs will cost at least 150,000 rubles;
- furniture and tools - hair dryers, sinks, cabinets and chairs, etc. - that's another 250,000;
- cosmetics and consumables for 2 months - 150,000 - 200,000;
- advertising and promotion - approximately 30,000 - 50,000;
- salary to employees, depending on revenue - about 50,000;
- tax administration, accountant - 10,000.
Every serious business requires a certain starting capital
In total, this turns out to be about 800,000 rubles, which need to be recouped. If we take the minimum cost of a haircut as 350 rubles. and the popularity of the establishment - it is visited by about 20 people a day, revenue will vary from 4,000 to 10,000. With a seven-day schedule, this is about 120 thousand per month, which can cover the investment in two and a half years. For an elite salon, the amount will increase approximately three times, but it will also pay off faster due to higher prices.
What documents are needed to open a beauty salon?
The establishment must be registered with a number of authorities and authorities, including not only the SES and fire service, but also the district administration. In the future, they will monitor your work.
Here is a list of what documents are needed to open a beauty salon:
- the main paper is the technical passport of the premises, it is issued by the BTI;
- for the sanitary and epidemiological station - medical records for each employee, logs of cleaning and sterilization, operation of bactericidal lamps, accounting of disinfectants, contracts with the laundry, agreements on garbage removal and medical examinations, a passport for ventilation;
- to the fire technical supervision - an evacuation plan and actions in the event of a fire, an order appointing someone responsible for safety, a briefing log and documents for the alarm system and the conclusion of firefighters.
There is a special list of documents required for business registration, established by law.
What should the room be like?
The first thing you need to open a beauty salon is a premises that meets the recommendations of the SES:
- it has a separate entrance and ventilation, not shared with residential apartments, water supply and sewerage;
- is located in a non-residential building and is not located in the basement - it could be a former apartment;
- corresponds to a size of at least 14 square meters for the main hall and 7 square meters for other rooms;
- divided into zones - reception, men's and women's halls, storage room, disposal warehouse, locker room, shower and toilet;
- The walls are not decorated with paper wallpaper, each workplace is illuminated by at least 40 lux.
One of the most important points in the matter is the choice of location for the salon.
Equipment and consumables
Organizing a workspace is impossible without furniture and special equipment. Here is a short list of the equipment you need to open a beauty salon:
- for the hairdresser - a swivel chair for the client and another one combined with a sink, a large mirror, shelves and racks for tools, a boiler;
- for manicure - a table and seats for the master and the visitor, hand baths, an autoclave for sterilization, a lamp for drying gel polish;
- for cosmetic procedures - a special couch and chair, cabinets and a refrigerator for cosmetics, mirrors with shelves and lighting, equipment, sinks with cold and hot water;
- linen - towels, negligees and aprons in three sets for each - one for a shift, the second for work, the third for washing, or their disposable analogues;
- uniform - the introduction of a uniform for staff is necessary to support the working mood and corporate image, but it remains an optional attribute.
To save money, equipment can be purchased used in good condition.
All equipment and materials used must have permits, certificates, and warranty service agreements. The purchase should be made taking into account the list of services provided, the number of specialists and the expected flow of clients per shift.
Don’t forget about cleaning and disinfectants, a first aid kit, shampoos and liquids for coloring and curling, and little things like disposable gloves and napkins.
Personnel requirements
There are no strict educational requirements for employees if they perform simple household cosmetic and hairdressing services. If you are not interested in qualifications and diplomas, then you yourself will have to monitor the quality of the work performed.
Another thing concerns a cosmetologist; he must have a specialization in therapeutic cosmetology or nursing in this area. Then the specialist will be able to perform peelings and tattooing, hardware and anti-aging procedures, and do medical makeup.
In addition to the craftsmen, you will need the following employees:
- administrator, client manager, seller for the sale of cosmetics;
- cleaner, storekeeper, security guard and accountant.
Personnel are the face and hands of the business - so you should hire experienced professionals
Everyone must have medical records.
How to attract your first clients?
You can attract your first visitors in one of four ways, but it’s better to use them all at once:
- colorful, beautiful booklets - deliver them to the mailboxes of nearby houses;
- a sign on the outside of the building - the name should be visible from afar;
- free electronic directories - add your establishment to 2GIS and 4Geo;
- announcement on local radio or TV - launch a video with the opening or promotion on the air.
Beauty salon advertising
Further development of the client base operates according to the “word of mouth” scheme. Your first visitors will help you if they like the services provided. Service should operate on the principle that the customer is always right. Then the person will not only want to come again, but will also recommend the place to his friends and colleagues.
How to open your own beauty salon: business plan
To successfully work and manage all calculations, a clear plan is needed. Then you can evaluate your profit and see which aspects require special attention.
A business plan on how to open your own beauty salon so that it is profitable looks like this:
- active advertising campaign;
- proper marketing of the establishment;
- control over all business processes;
- qualified professional craftsmen;
- high level of customer service;
- quality equipment and cosmetics.
To ensure that your establishment does not operate at a loss, you must adhere to certain rules:
- in the first months the expenses will not pay for themselves, the work will be at a loss;
- the net profit from each service is at least 30%;
- after six months, regular customers make up 60% of all visitors;
- sales of cosmetic products bring in 20% of income;
- employee salaries are considered to be 10% of sales and 30% of the cost of their work;
- at the initial stage, fees are charged regardless of the staff workload;
- the administrator is rewarded with a bonus of 1% of the establishment’s total income;
- if the output of one of the foremen drops, it is necessary to check whether he has a conflict with the administrator, or whether he is working for himself;
- the norms of expenses per visitor are strictly observed, in order to avoid the substitution of expensive drugs for cheap ones or their theft;
- Daily records of consumables and services provided are maintained.
It is almost impossible for a newcomer to the salon business to avoid all possible risks. On the Internet you can find both positive and negative reviews on how to open a beauty salon from scratch, they boil down to the following problems:
- where to purchase equipment - attract special suppliers;
- searching for employees - hire two specialists who can provide a list of services to the establishment, then recruit a staff of young masters from students in special schools;
- obtaining permission to open - contact a lawyer or a company that collects the necessary documents for government agencies;
- franchising - you can acquire the right to bear the name of a well-promoted brand, then it will do advertising and cover part of your costs, but then you will strictly follow the instructions of the main salon without the right to have your own vote.
- Beauty salon - first steps
- Types of beauty salons
A beauty salon is one of the most promising areas of non-manufacturing business. External attractiveness has long ceased to be the prerogative of the fairer sex. Being beautiful - for both women and men - now means demonstrating well-being, confidence and, most importantly, success.
In addition, maintaining a beautiful appearance requires constant effort. Haircuts, manicures, coloring - almost all beauty salon procedures must be repeated regularly. This means that satisfied customers will return to you again and again.
We will tell you in this article how to open a salon and what needs to be done to keep your clients happy and your business prosperous.
Beauty salon - first steps
First, decide on the type of business activity. It is possible to register both an individual entrepreneur and an LLC. What to choose is up to you, but it is more logical to start with a simpler individual entrepreneur, and then, if necessary, switch to an LLC.
If you have not yet decided on the exact list of services that you plan to provide in the salon, then the time to do so is now. Because, firstly, the taxation system will depend on this. “Ordinary” hairdressing services are covered by UTII. If you want to add cosmetology and especially medical services to them, in this case a simplified taxation system will suit you.
And secondly, the exact choice of services automatically answers the important question about the license. A standard set, without medical procedures, exempts you from the need for licensing.
Types of beauty salons
From the very beginning, you need to decide not only on the types of planned services, but also on the class of customer service.
Let's take a closer look at each of them.
- Option "economy" or "standard". Here we accept a minimum level in everything - the repair of the premises and the equipment used, the professional level of the craftsmen and the class of means used. The motto of this option is “cheap, simple, accessible.”
- Business option. The level goes up one or two steps. The premises are no longer just renovated, but with a focus on the interior. Furniture, equipment, cosmetics are of a higher class and more expensive. The masters have confirmed qualifications (which are constantly improved). The motto of this option is: “inexpensive, high quality, comfortable.”
- Option "VIP", luxury. The level jumps as high as possible. Absolutely everything must correspond to luxury - from the design of the salon to the coffee that is offered to visitors. And, of course, at the maximum height there are two main parameters - the class of masters and the level of service. The list of services offered is also significantly higher. The motto of this option: “expensive, exclusive, luxurious.”
If you are just starting a business in this area, then it hardly makes sense to immediately qualify for “luxury”. It requires a kind of foundation - from funds for expensive repairs to the invitation of famous craftsmen. Typically, such a foundation is built on the basis of simpler options for salons and hairdressing salons.
Choosing a location for a beauty salon
The class of your beauty salon will not least depend on the location in which it is located. Agree, a luxurious VIP salon on the working outskirts will look not only strange, but also unprofitable. Just like a cheap hairdresser in the area of expensive business centers.
An important parameter is the permeability of the place you choose. Are there many people there during the day? Is there another beauty salon nearby that will attract potential clients?
The best choice is the first floor and convenient entrance. Of course, straight from the street. Looking for an entrance from the yard will turn off many potential customers.
A few more important nuances. The first concerns the opening of a salon in residential buildings. If you decide to open a salon on the 1st floor of a residential building, you need to collect written consent from all residents.
The basement is not suitable in principle.
A former residential apartment can become a salon (and there are many such examples), but in this case, the cost of converting the premises from non-residential to residential must be included in the estimate.
And if you want to open a salon in a shopping center, tempted by high traffic, remember that not all of these people are interested in your services. You will not automatically receive a queue of clients. In addition, you will need to carefully calculate the ratio of the class of a particular shopping center and your salon - it is desirable that they are similar.
Even the most modest salon should not be less than 14 square meters of the main hall, plus 7 square meters of utility and other premises. Other requirements: water supply and sewerage, separate entrance and separate ventilation systems, non-use of wallpaper for interior decoration, good illumination of workplaces (at least 40 lux), division of the room into functional areas (locker room, hall, utility room, toilet).
The full list of requirements can be read in San PiN (2.1.2631-10).
What documents are needed to open a salon?
When the premises have been selected, the issue of rent or ownership has been resolved, and repairs have been made, you can proceed to collecting documents.
First, you should obtain a technical passport for the premises from the BTI, then register with the city/district administration; obtain permission from the SES; energy control, water supply; fire service.
Documents to be submitted to the SES:
- medical books for each master and an agreement with a medical institution on examinations.
- documents for the ventilation system (transfer acceptance certificate and passport);
- agreement on garbage removal (if necessary, medical waste);
- logs: sterilization of instruments, accounting of disinfectants, etc.;
- laundry agreement.
Documents to be submitted to the district fire inspection authority:
- fire alarm documents;
- staff briefing log;
- evacuation plan in case of fire and employee action plan in case of facility fire;
- order appointing an employee responsible for fire safety.
In addition, everything that is in the salon - equipment, tools, consumables - must have passports/certificates, as well as warranty agreements. All devices require permission from the Russian Ministry of Health.
Towels, negligees, and linen should be either disposable (which eliminates many problems) or in triplicate, which will ensure their uninterrupted and hygienic “circulation.”
It is also necessary to create a Consumer Corner, where a book of complaints, a brochure with laws on consumer protection, trade rules, copies of permits from firefighters and SES and some other documents should be collected.
The list of equipment that is necessary for the actual operation of the salon is also quite large. These include comfortable chairs and large mirrors, tables, a sink combined with a chair, shelves and racks, a water heater, and an autoclave for sterilizing instruments.
Some masters have their own tools, but if not, then the salon needs to buy various combs and brushes, clippers and scissors, brushes and curling irons, hair dryers, towels, napkins.
How to choose a good name for a beauty salon
Both your newborn baby and your business need a suitable name. Therefore, while solving important issues with premises and start-up capital, you can simultaneously think about this important issue. Here are detailed instructions,how to choose a good name
First, about what is definitely not possible.
Use the words “Russia” and “Russian Federation”. More precisely, this is possible if you obtain special permission. But how much do you need it for a beauty salon? That's it, it's completely unnecessary. In the same way, we avoid using the names of Russian government structures, as well as the names of other states. In general, politics is separate, and beauty is also separate.
You cannot use words that harm morality, morality, or public interests. And it’s not in your interests to give the salon a name that repels normal clients.
There is also no need to steal other people’s – even very good – titles. Especially if they are already trademarked.
There are very few restrictions on the name, and they are not difficult to fulfill. It is much more difficult to take into account all the wishes that will make your salon recognizable, attractive, and therefore popular and profitable.
So, desirable points.
- The title should be informative. At a minimum, it is necessary for anyone to understand what area we are talking about. It’s very good if the name also shows your uniqueness and difference from other beauty salons.
- To add uniqueness to the name, you can use your own name (or a derivative of it). The main thing is that it sounds harmonious, attractive and unusual.
- Sometimes you can add a geographical name to the name of the salon - a city or some area. But here you need to have a very precise sense of proportion and taste. However, this applies to every wish regarding the name. This is such a responsible business - the name!
- The abbreviation will add mystery, and at the same time brightness and expressiveness to the name. It may echo some well-known set of letters, or it may have a completely new sound.
- We must be even more careful when using foreign words. Sometimes they can give the name expression and unusualness, but they can also repel with pretentiousness and incomprehensibility.
- Be sure to consider the characteristics of your potential clients. Who are you targeting when planning a beauty salon? For women, men? What age, financial situation?
Make up several options for names that you think are suitable. And start testing on friends and acquaintances, especially those who fit the profile of your client. Conduct a survey on social networks. Ask which name people like best and why. Or maybe your interlocutors will offer their own version?
Keep in mind: if you register an individual entrepreneur, your beautiful name will not be reflected in official documents - only your real name. That is, if you are Klavdiya Petrovna Ivanova, then officially you will be called that way - individual entrepreneur Klavdiya Petrovna Ivanova. But nothing will stop you from hanging a “Fatal Margot” sign on your salon.
Once you have decided on a name and location, the salon needs good, visible advertising. First of all, it must exist. At the salon itself - a must, on remote billboards - preferably. It’s also worth thinking about how to inform potential clients not only about the very fact of your salon’s existence, but also about the main advantages of visiting it. On a remote billboard or in an ad at the entrance, you can place information about what will certainly attract the client - discounts, promotions, unique offers.
Step-by-step instructions for drawing up a business plan
Beginning businessmen are often frightened by an unknown “beast” called a “business plan.” How to compose it? Why is it needed at all? Isn't it easier to do without such complex structures? Is it necessary to calculate all costs down to the smallest detail both before opening a salon and after its launch? Experienced businessmen believe that a business plan is needed, and it will help to make onestep-by-step instructions for drawing up a business plan
Meanwhile, a business plan is an excellent assistant to the businessman himself, a kind of navigator in the boundless sea of entrepreneurship. It will help not only to formulate a clear understanding of the structure of your business, its internal and external relations, but also to describe its financial component - what investments will be needed at what stage, their sequence and possible options. In addition, such a financial justification (indicating the reality of your plans) will certainly be of interest to the bank - in the event that you decide to resort to borrowed funds to develop your business. And it won’t just interest you - without a high-quality business plan, the bank will not do business with you.
Of course, writing a good business plan is not an easy task, and may seem like an overwhelming task for a novice businessman. In this case, there are two solutions. The first is, if funds allow, hire a specialist. The second is to figure it out yourself. Yes, this will require some effort. But how many benefits! Learn a new business, put things in order in your own plans, get a clear plan of action - and even save money.
Let's start with the simplest option (as you progress, you can refine and expand it).
- Write a resume – the most general description of your project. It is desirable that it be brief and understandable even to a person completely ignorant of this business.
- Write down a goal - your final desired result.
- Write down tasks - specific points, the implementation of which will lead you to your goal.
- Describe the structure of your future salon. This also includes the staffing table - what positions you provide, the responsibilities of employees in these positions, their interaction.
- Make a financial plan. It includes a full description of all monetary calculations, starting from the costs of starting a business, continuing with estimates of current expenses and price lists, and ending with the calculation of the payback period of the project. The bank will look closely at this point of the plan if you decide to resort to borrowed funds. Accordingly, your calculations should look convincing to creditors.
- Create a marketing plan. If it is possible to hire a professional marketer, hire one. No, you will have to determine your marketing policy yourself. Who are the people who will use your services? How will they find out about your salon? How will you promote yourself and your brand? Who are your competitors, how will you interact with them, how to use their experience? Are you planning any promotions, and if so, what? In general, marketing is an entire art, and mastering it depends on how far and high you build your business plans.
- Draw up an organizational plan. This is your vision of the business structure, which employees work in parallel and who reports to whom, plus the responsibilities of each employee.
- Write down the personnel policy. Here you determine for yourself the principles of working with personnel, ways to attract eminent professionals, and training young specialists.
If you work responsibly and conscientiously on all the points listed above, consider that you have drawn up the simplest version of a business plan.
Ready-made business plan for a beauty salon
Let's make an approximate financial calculation within the framework of a business plan for a certain beauty salon in an average Russian city. Also you can lookready-made business plan for a beauty salon.
Let's say you open a middle-class beauty salon in a medium-sized city (not Moscow, not St. Petersburg). In your salon, the client is offered: haircuts of all types, hair coloring, manicure, pedicure, eyebrow and eyelash care, hair removal.
The total area of such a room will vary from 60 to 100 square meters. Repairs can cost 150 thousand rubles, monthly rent will cost 20-40 thousand rubles.
Furniture for the reception will cost from 60 to 70 thousand rubles. For a hairdressing salon – 70-80 thousand. For manicure/pedicure – 40-50 thousand. For a staff room – 20-30 thousand.
So, at the initial stage, at a minimum, about half a million rubles will be required. If you are opening a large salon or we are talking about a metropolis with expensive rent, the start-up costs will be higher.
Let's say you fit into the salary fund of 80-100 thousand rubles. Next come utilities - 8-10 thousand rubles, purchase of consumables - 15-20 thousand, advertising - from 10 thousand rubles. The total monthly minimum cost will be 130-150 thousand. Plus rent (in the starting costs we counted it only for 1 month) – another 20-40 thousand. Only 150-200 thousand rubles.
How long will it take to recoup the investment and turn into profit? If your salon is visited by 20 people a day with an average price tag of 500 rubles, then the salon will earn 300 thousand rubles per month. This means that the initial investment will pay off in just 2 months. Then the salon will generate a profit of 100-150 thousand per month.
Of course, these calculations are very conditional. They need to be adjusted based on specific conditions. But carefully calculating expenses before starting a business is extremely important. And also - analyze your competitors. Information about the work of other beauty salons in your city can help you build your business correctly.
How to select staff for a beauty salon
There are no strict requirements for salon staff - everything here mainly depends not on diplomas and “credentials” (although any education, courses or training is a plus), but on the professionalism of the master. If he has a name and a satisfied clientele, then the salon will not be empty. Finding such masters is the main task of the salon owner. After all, whatever one may say, clients come for quality service, the “magic hands” of a master who will make them beautiful, and not for a chic interior or impeccably served coffee.
Another thing is licensed services. The “crust” is also important here - for example, a cosmetologist can be either a doctor of certain specialties, or a specialist with a secondary medical education. But they have the right to perform different types of services.
Of course, the salon, in addition to the masters, will also need other employees: an administrator, an accountant, a cleaner. As the business expands, this list will increase.
Secrets of effective staff motivation
Competent leaders knowsecrets of effective staff motivation. There are two areas that are equally important for motivating good staff performance - material and intangible. From a material point of view, everything is clear - it is necessary to implement a system in which the employee who brings in more income receives more money.
It is advisable to include in the financial part of the project an article for the training of masters. The art of beauty is developing rapidly, new trends, new opportunities, devices and materials are appearing. In order not to find yourself in the rearguard and to be, if not ahead, then at least on the same level with your competitors, you will have to constantly keep your finger on the pulse of all new products.
An effective way of material motivation is a system of fines. Fines must be justified and understandable to all employees: being late, leaving work early, conflicts with clients.
The second area of employee motivation is intangible; it is less clear, especially to those who are just starting a business and have no experience. Therefore, let us dwell on it in more detail.
Money is an important, but not the only incentive in the work of any person. There are many other needs that need to be satisfied by the individual. For example, a sense of self-worth. Some people have such a shortage of it that they are ready to go to great lengths to satisfy it. What can be done? Organize a competition with non-material rewards. For example, place the winner’s photo on a speciala stand with the inscription “Best Employee”, or introduce a nominal position - in cases where this is appropriate.
It is important to recognize and praise an employee. People are built quite strangely - they are always ready to scold, even shout. But when another person has done something good, we tend to remain silent, as if that’s how it’s supposed to be. We behave exactly the same way with our loved ones. My husband didn’t take out the trash – he screamed for half an hour. I cooked dinner - just think, that’s how it’s supposed to be. But no. A person is always offended if others do not notice the good that he has done. So if you are a business owner, make it a rule to praise your employees. Family members too, by the way. And in return you will receive many bonuses, which, note, you receive completely free of charge.
Be careful - find out at least the most general information about the employees. And if you inquire in time about how the child is doing in the sports section, and whether the employee’s mother has been discharged from the hospital, they will answer you with gratitude. And good work.
Opening a salon seems difficult and expensive, but in fact, any novice businessman can cope with this task. You need:
- Make a business plan
- Find a room and make repairs there,
- Complete all necessary documents,
- Buy equipment,
- Come up with a name
- Hire staff
- Run advertising
- Start accepting clients
The idea of opening your own beauty salon can be successful and promising if you have carefully calculated all the costs, potential income and risks. If you are confident in your abilities, go for it!
Often, some business women have the idea of opening a beauty salon and spa centers. Moreover, each individual case has its own characteristics and differences from the standard business plan.
Opening a beauty salon - business plan at the initial stage
The organizers of such a business, firstly, cannot take existing analogues as a basis.
Each individual beauty studio should have its own flavor. Due to the rapid development of the salon business, as well as its characteristic variability, the data available in the media quickly becomes outdated.
Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly study the opening of a beauty salon. A business plan can be very helpful in this case.
Stages of organizing a salon business
It already turns out in practice that the owners of this business are women. Despite the fact that this is the “weak” half of humanity, it is women who understand exactly how to organize a beauty salon.
The first stage, of course, is thinking about the idea itself. It mainly occurs among specialists in this field who are tired of working for someone else.
An example would be a conflict between a manicurist and the owner of a beauty salon. As a result, the specialist is left without a job and offended by the whole world.
It seems to the master that she is able to open a beauty salon, the business plan of which has already been formed in tentative outlines.
The second stage is the direct registration of a legal entity. Here it is very important for yourself to determine the status of a business entity, since it will be very difficult for an individual entrepreneur to obtain a medical license necessary to carry out activities.
The third stage is finding a suitable premises. It requires the most time, since the success of the salon is influenced by its location, namely: it must be at least the first floor of a residential building (it is better if it is a separate building). What matters is its appearance, design, the presence of similar salons nearby, as well as potential clients (in other words, it is very good if the beauty studio is located among residential buildings).
The fourth stage is to document the water and energy supply capacities. This factor is very important for running a business. All documents with energy sales organizations, Vodokanal and local utilities must be completed in the prescribed manner. At this stage, it is necessary to provide for the preparation of documentation for possible redevelopment (if necessary) with the obligatory invitation of a BTI expert as a specialist.
The fifth stage is carrying out a high-quality advertising campaign with the involvement of relevant specialists. In this case, it is possible to install outdoor advertising. There is also such a thing as primary advertising, which must be carried out at least a month before the opening of a beauty salon.
The sixth stage is the purchase of a cash register and the preparation of the necessary package of documents. This may also include concluding an agreement on connecting a fire alarm system.
Recruitment process
This is also a rather labor-intensive and painstaking stage of establishing the work of a new beauty salon. The professionalism of the hired specialists determines how rapidly the client base will expand. 
Therefore, this process is often not only labor-intensive, but also painful, since the salon owner has to repeatedly refuse applicants or fire inappropriate ones.
Those housewives who try the services provided by their specialists for themselves do the right thing. Firstly, they will be confident in their quality. Secondly, they will be able to safely recommend this or that specialist to their friends without harming their image.
An important role is played by the salon administrator. He is responsible for coordinating all the work of the beauty studio, bringing to clients various promotional offers, as well as new items in the hairdressing and cosmetology services provided.
And, of course, an accountant is an indispensable employee. This must be a specialist in accounting and tax accounting.
Equipment
Equipment must be ordered after all the necessary documents for purchasing or renting premises have been completed. Even if this premises requires any repair work, when ordering equipment, its delivery can still take up to three months. Upon receipt, be sure to check all certificates, warranty and service agreements. Its installation should only be carried out by professionals from the supplying companies.
Certification and Licensing
One of the answers to the question: “What is needed to open a beauty salon?” is the correct execution of all permits. There is no licensing for ordinary household services. However, in order to avoid any misunderstandings in the future, it is necessary to address this issue to the local administration.
But licensing of medical activities is mandatory and is carried out by the territorial department of Roszdravnadzor.
Primary printed products
This stage is perhaps the most creative in the entire organizational process. After all, the answer to the question: “How to make a beauty salon profitable?” lies, to a large extent, in the correct design of business cards and booklets. We must not forget about such a necessary document as the price list, which should always be in the lobby and accessible to visitors. Then they will ask questions only about those items of service provision that are not reflected in the price list.
Purchasing consumables
By them we need to understand all the little things that beauty salon specialists need in carrying out their professional activities.
Efficiency of beauty salons
Like any enterprise, efficiency is the profitability of beauty salons, which depends on marketing research of the market for these services, either by the owners themselves or by specially hired professionals. Due to the emergence of new types of cosmetics and equipment on the market, the improvement of cosmetology procedures and hairdressing services, the requirements for organizing a salon business are also increasing.
Then the opening of a beauty salon, the business plan of which is drawn up taking them into account, will be successful. One of its sections should be mandatory advanced training or special training for masters of hairdressing, manicure or cosmetology services.
The total cost of creating a salon
How much money you need to open a beauty salon cannot be answered with certainty. This largely depends on the location of the salon itself. If we are talking about a large city, then the cost of premises is much higher. But this expense item has the largest share in the total cost.
However, in such a city there is the prospect of further expanding the customer base and generating greater profits. At the same time, of course, customer requirements are higher, so highly qualified specialists are needed.
The cost of expenses also depends on the structure of the services provided. For example, if we are talking about cosmetology services, then we should take into account the need to purchase expensive equipment and provide high-quality lighting. However, in this case, you can cheat a little.
For example, if the salon provides massage services along with cosmetology services, then one folding chair-couch is sufficient for these two types. At least for the first time. The main thing is that the administrator correctly draws up a schedule for the provision of such services.
Thus, the cost of opening a beauty salon, for example, in Moscow, in a room with a total area of 100 square meters will range from 98 thousand to 165 thousand dollars.
The largest share of costs is: renovation of premises (50 thousand - 75 thousand dollars) and purchase of equipment (up to 50 thousand dollars).
When considering the structure of the necessary equipment, you should clearly determine what you need to buy first. Thus, a hairdressing chair costs from 4 thousand to 12 thousand rubles, and devices for body shaping and lymphatic drainage cost between 120 thousand rubles.
However, you cannot do without appropriate furniture, the production of which for a small salon will cost from 50 thousand rubles.
So, it must be noted that a beauty studio should be created under the same close attention as any other business. Accounting for income and expenses must be maintained at the proper level, and profitability must be constantly monitored. Only in this way will it be possible to promptly identify weaknesses in the business and respond to them by implementing certain measures.
The beauty services industry is one of the fastest growing market segments. For our users who are interested in how to open a beauty salon and where to start to succeed in this area, we wrote a book in which we described in detail how to organize a salon from scratch.
For ease of study, we have divided it into the following sections:
- market situation and competitor analysis;
- premises requirements;
- equipment, tools, consumables (everything that should be in a beauty salon);
- attracting new and retaining regular customers;
- formation of the cost of salon services and their profitability;
- example of cost calculation to open an economy class beauty salon;
- tax burden of a beauty studio in different modes;
- work automation programs.
Beginning businessmen who want to receive full-scale support when opening their own salon are advised to familiarize themselves with the offers of franchisors in this area. From the video you will learn about what it takes to open a franchise beauty salon using the example of the May salon chain.
Types of beauty salons
Before you open a beauty salon, decide on its class. There are no state standards for the arrangement of salons of different classes, but you can easily understand what price category this or that beauty enterprise is applying for.
In practice, there are three classes of salons:
- Economy class. Specialization in simple services: simple haircuts, hair coloring and curling, manicure and pedicure. They are often located in residential areas or former residential buildings, have a modest interior, low advertising costs, and use inexpensive cosmetics. The main trump card of such establishments is the price, for example, the cost of an ordinary women's haircut does not exceed 500 rubles. The workload of this class is the highest - about 60-65% of working time.
- Business Class. The range of services is much wider: in addition to haircuts and regular manicure/pedicure, they offer hair care treatments, nail services, makeup, massage, solarium, and cosmetology treatments. Such beauty salons are opened in shopping centers, prestigious areas of the city, and business centers. Designers are involved in arranging the premises, professional equipment and expensive consumables are purchased. The cost of a haircut is from 1000 to 2500 rubles. There are fewer clients in business class cabins, the workload does not exceed 50%.
- Premium class. Such beauty salons do not open in every city, because there are not so many clients willing to pay for exclusive services. Most often, premium salons are authored or opened under the guidance of famous masters who have won international competitions and championships. Clients are offered the creation of a complete image with consultation from a makeup artist and hairdresser-stylist, hardware cosmetology procedures, various types of massages, figure correction, and aromatherapy. The highest service, closed guarded areas with private parking, and areas for VIP clients are required. If we talk about a haircut, its cost starts from 3,000 rubles, and the average bill will be at least 10,000 rubles. The occupancy of a cabin of this class does not exceed 30%.
Renting premises for a beauty salon
To open a beauty salon with the best profitability, it is important to choose the right future location. In the service industry, location selection can be a critical factor in business profitability. Pay attention to:
- building density in residential areas;
- traffic in shopping and business centers;
- number of employees in the business part of the city (at least 1,000 people);
- convenience of transport or walking accessibility;
- absence of direct competitors.
Until January 27, 2014, Appendix No. 1 to sanitary requirements for premises areas SanPiN 2.1.2.2631-10 dated May 18, 2010 No. 59 was in force
Now Appendix No. 1 has been excluded from SanPiN 2.1.2.2631‑10 No. 59, but a number of requirements remain:
- a separate room or place for disinfection, pre-sterilization cleaning and sterilization of instruments, equipped with a sink with hot and cold water supply;
- cabinets (cosmetic, pedicure, massage, solarium, piercing, tattoo) should be located in different rooms;
- it is allowed to combine manicure and pedicure services in one office if one workplace for a manicure-pedicure specialist is organized;
- hairdressing salons must have utility, auxiliary and household premises;
- It is allowed to combine a lobby with a cloakroom for visitors and a waiting room, as well as a meal room with a dressing room for staff, if there are less than 10 workers per shift.
Therefore, to accommodate an economy class cabin, you need a room of at least 50 m2, for premium establishments - at least 100 m2.
If you find a suitable premises, do not rush to sign a lease right away! First, you need to obtain permission to start work, that is, coordinate your activities with the local administration, SES and Fire Inspectorate, otherwise your expenses for renting premises that are “not suitable” will be in vain. The local administration issues permission or refusal to locate a service enterprise based on an application and documents confirming the right to use the premises. You will have to contact the SES and Rospozhnadzor several times. Initially, obtain a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion on the design documentation. Another tip: don’t agree to short-term rentals, it’s a huge risk. If the owner of the premises finds a more profitable tenant, you will have to move out, which implies expenses that a young business is unlikely to be able to bear. In addition, for a salon to generate real profit, it must be in one place for at least three years.
What do you need to open a beauty salon?
Unfortunately, all your expected income will remain figures on paper if you cannot obtain a package of documents for opening a beauty salon. Considering that manipulation of clients’ hair and nails can cause skin damage and the transmission of various diseases (fungal and even dangerous ones such as hepatitis, HIV, syphilis), the provision of services in beauty studios is subject to special regulatory documents.
Documents for opening a beauty salon
What documents are needed for a beauty salon? At first glance, the list looks short:
- conclusion of the SES on compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements. This document is the most difficult to obtain, because... the premises must comply with the strict requirements of SanPiN 2.1.2.2631‑10.
- conclusion of the Ministry of Emergency Situations on compliance with fire safety rules;
- permission to open from the local administration.
However, in the process of obtaining these permits, you will be faced with the need to prepare project documentation and several dozen more documents that are needed to start work and in future activities. You can find a complete list of documents that must be in the salon in our book.
Medical license for a beauty salon and requirements for obtaining it
A license is not needed if the range of services consists only of haircuts, hair coloring and curling, manicure/pedicure. If the services are medical - cosmetology, all massages, procedures that damage the skin (piercing, tattooing, peeling) - then a license is required. Regarding a solarium, the situation is this: if the equipment passport indicates that it is a “medical equipment product,” then a license is also needed.
The license is issued on the basis of two documents: Government Decree No. 291 dated April 16, 2012 and Order No. 121n of the Ministry of Health and Social Development dated March 11, 2013. Among the requirements:
- the equipment is registered with Roszdravnadzor and has certificates of conformity;
- employees providing services have medical education and specialist certificates;
- the premises meet certain requirements;
- a contract for equipment maintenance has been concluded with a licensed organization;
- a regulation on internal control of the safety and quality of medical activities has been developed.
An important condition: if a beauty salon is opened by an individual entrepreneur, then to obtain a license he must personally have a medical education and work experience (at least 5 years if he has a higher education and at least 3 years if he has a secondary education), even if he himself will not provide these services . When registering a salon as a legal entity, the same requirement is imposed on the head of the organization, while the founders of the LLC are not required to be professional doctors.
Consumer corner in a beauty salon
In addition to permitting documents, a consumer corner must be equipped in a visible place in the salon. The list of documents 2019 for a beauty salon will be similar to the list that you can familiarize yourself with. In the same article you can download a notification form that must be submitted to Rospotrebnadzor before the start of real activities.
How much does it cost to open a beauty salon from scratch?
How much money does it take to open a beauty salon? Costs depend on the class of establishment, locality and conditions for the provision of premises. If you rent in a small city, you can get by with the following expenses:
- economy class salons - about 1 million rubles;
- business class salons - from 1 to 3 million rubles;
- premium class salons - from 3 to 10 million rubles and above.
If you are not yet ready to incur large expenses to maintain the image and prestige of your establishment, we advise you not to immediately think about how to open a premium-level beauty salon. In our book, we provide a ready-made example with calculations for an economy class establishment as a business plan for a beauty salon. The cost calculation for the purchase of equipment for 7 workplaces was based on the catalog of a specialized website offering the selection of furniture and equipment using 3D modeling. The income part is presented in the form of an example of calculations of the profitability of various services, using the algorithm of which you can preliminary estimate the payback in your specific case.
The profit of a beauty salon will be 20-30% higher if you organize the sale of professional cosmetics and related products. We also talked about how to do this in the book.