Hi kaala
I don't post often as I also feel that most questions can be answered by the search facility.
Whilst I agree with most geeks and also feel slightly annoyed/frustrated with the general attitude that anyone can open a salon with no training or understanding of the industry, especially when I have devoted 15 years to the industry.. I can also sense your determination to make this work.
I do also agree with other geeks that it is perhaps your approach to this thread which has got others ruffled.
You must understand that our industry is full of "quacks" and others making a quick buck, always at the expense of our clients and therefor giving the industry a bad name and also cheapening our precious industry. I'm not saying that this is what you intend to do, just that it happens alot.
However on a positive note I have opened and run 2 successful salons for owners that have no beauty experience ,both fashion background ) as well as working for the amazing Thea green/ nails inc who I find truely inspirational in what she has achieved.
You can do it if you have the knowledge, drive ,determination and patience.
The salons I have opened and run have relied heavily on me to advise on products,staffing ,costings,payroll, flexibility to stay late/ open early according to the needs of the business as well as being honest, trustworthy and loyal. I didn't come cheap
I have tried to answer your points step by step as per ur opening post:
, I want to include, hairdressing, nails, st tropez spray tan, dermoligica facials and massage.
* reasearch your products, dermologicadoes not seem to offer salon loyalty ... Do a quick search on here and see of that is really the brand best to support a new salon... Are there others that will support u better and help you more (ie not selling online for cheaper)
St tropes is not the only well known fake tab, look into novotan, Siena x etc to name a few and see which one will suit and support your business better.
What equipment will I need?
Generally a couch, steamer, nail table, mag lamps, uv lamp (if offer gel etc... Look into the brand you wish to provide) correct stools for therapist, foot spas. It all depends o the services you rill provide.Don't forget all the disposables, towels, couch roll, sterilising equipt, bowels, the list is endless
How much space will I need?
Depends on staff levels, treatment rooms etc
How many workers will I need?
I'd start small and grow into your staff. Do not expect a full diary with out a client base. As suggested you may want to rent out a room, chair,or table to start with and then employ a part timer and work up. Staff can be the biggest problem for salons!
What licences do I need?
Depends where you are based. You will need a special treatment license through your local council. The salons I opened needed to hold an a1 license as well as each therapist applying for a treatment license from the local council.
What insurance do I need?
The best you can afford... Use the search facility on salon geek.
How much will it cost to turn the space into a salon? We started with 40k just to start and open the doors. You may want to put aside 6 months rent/ wages etc so you are covered for a while
Who do I get to do it?
Do what?
How much do hairdressers get paid or how they get paid? (I heard sometime its commission based)
Remember you pay peanuts you get monkeys. You need people with experience or you will get stuck!
You can do min wage and comission, you could do a fixed rate rent or self employed on % that way there responsible for there own taxes etc.
There is a geek called Jemima who has (what I think ) a great pay scheme where the therapists can earn extra per hour depending on bookings... Try and do a search.
I want two beauty technicians who can do nails, facials,tans and massages, how much do they cost?
See above
What level of training is required and how do I check?
Personally I'd go for someone with loads of experience as that will be more of a benefit then someone with every qualification and no experience. Generally I won't take on less then level 3 nvq + experience.
How do I make sense of the mintel reports?
Never used it, I've found my clients will eat beans on toast for a month rather then go without there waxing, nails etc. it is also very regional what and how much people will spend
What is the average cost of starting up a salon from scratch? You can start small with less then 2k, or go for the full shebang for 40 k + it depends on you, how you want to start, what products and services you wish to offer, what type of staff you get in, legal fees ie contracts, accountant fees payroll PAYE... It's down to you and your vision and budget.
This just scratches the surface. My advice is to do as you said with training first and don't spend a penny on the business until you are confident that you know the services. I would hate to see you pour your money down the drain.
Good luck in what you decide to do and remember that training and knowledge is power. You can never do enough training so do nvq3 and make sure you are on all the product courses you wish to offer.
Feel free to pm me.
Good luck and let us no how you get on! X
