Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1359889
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 51 BOOTH AND CHAIR RENTALS PROS • Peer assistance: If you find you're out of 20v developer, it is easy to borrow a bit from a friend and replace it the next day. • A receptionist: I sure miss them in my suite! • Cleaning service: Most salon owners include salon cleaning in your rent. • Camaraderie: It's nice to have other stylists around to bounce ideas off of or ask for help on a tough corrective color. CONS • Daily management: You and the salon manager may not be compatible. • Minimal product income: You may only be able to get 5–10 percent commission on your retail sales. • Provoking peers: Sometimes you may feel you can't escape a crabby or critical stylist who works right next to you. • Creative space: Are you the type of stylist who has flair? (OK, dumb question.) Salon owners won't always take into consideration what music you want to listen to or what decor makes you feel better in your craft. SALON SUITE RENTAL PROS • Business name and branding: You can name and brand your business any way you want. • Salon décor: You choose your salon style, music, diffuser smells, retail, and more! • Online presence: You can run and operate your business the way you've always wanted to. And you can post pictures and videos on social media all day long. • Flexibility: You have the ability to sub-rent your space the days you aren't working. • Max retail income: You will make the full profit on everything you sell. Many times, companies will send you free products to try out their lines. You can choose your favorite products or stay exclusive to one line. • Personal connections: I love going into deep conversations with my clients. The salon suite gives me the option to have those tender one-on-one moments with each and every client. There are Compatibilities New Clients: If you are renting a suite, you can create your own online presence and social media. On the other hand, in a booth or chair rental, you may get more walk-ins without the marketing effort since the salon owner is working hard to get new clients in the door for you. It all depends on what you prefer. Out-of-Pocket Expenses: In most cases, you will need to provide your own shears, blow-dryer, brushes, capes, and color line. Some booth and chair rentals offer the shampoo bar and towels with the price of the rent. Insurance: No matter which way you choose to work, you will want to protect your business with AHP liability insurance. Nothing is more important than protecting your livelihood should an accident happen behind the chair. Think It Through • Circle the pros and cons in this article to find out which ones will affect you most. • Search salons and suites in a five-mile radius, and book a deep conditioning treatment with a stylist or suite owner to get a feel for the location and vibe of the salon. • Ask your clients their thoughts on your current salon, and consider their feedback. • Finally, make sure your move will benefit your clients; if you want to move, you'll want them to move with you!