Opening a Standard Barber Shop in Nigeria: How to Get Started
Platinum Times describes how to open a typical barbershop in Nigeria in this article.
Opening a barbershop will be a great idea because it has the ability to bring in a healthy profit, especially when time is taken to carefully organize and manage the business.
Most people don’t realize how profitable this business can be over the long term, which is a major factor in why they don’t think it’s a wise one to start or invest in.
Additionally, people may not realize how profitable the business is as a result of their avoidance of running it because they are terrified of the allegedly enormous investment required.
This business has the advantage of being able to be started modestly with the little money you have, but like any other business, it could take some time for you to build it to the size you desire. But if you work hard and are dedicated, you’ll get there, and in the meantime, you’ll still have an opportunity to make a fair living.
But there are also some women who work in this field. Men predominate in this field.
For people who want to work for themselves and learn a talent that will allow them to augment their income, this business is advantageous.
Additionally, this business can be started by those who are unemployed or who have lost their jobs but are fortunate to still have some savings.
Benefits of owning a barbershop include:
1. Almost Everyone Needs Your Services
Everyone is in need of your services. Men are more likely to use this service than women because men must visit a barbershop to get haircuts.
Nowadays, women will periodically cut their hair, especially if they aren’t making or styling it.
Some ladies prefer certain cut styles or keep low cuts, which makes them frequent barbershops.
Basically, as we can see, everyone has to get their hair cut, including men, women, and children, so there is a strong need for barbers.
2. Everyone strives for attractiveness
A gorgeous haircut makes one appear presentable and attractive.
Some people try doing their own trimming or shaving, especially if they don’t have the time to go to a barbershop, but they eventually prefer to go to the salon to get that “professional touch.”
Requirements for opening a barbershop
1. Get the basic training and education you need
Some people think that barbering is not difficult to do, but you must properly understand how to barb if you want to keep and grow your customer.
Cooking a barbecue requires a specific level of knowledge and care, both of which must be acquired. Because you are working with individuals and their hair in addition to their appearance, you must treat and make them look great; doing so will inspire them to come back.
2. Locate a good area
Some people believe that the location of this kind of business doesn’t really important as long as you find and rent a shop in a busy area with lots of customers nearby.
The most crucial thing is to locate a store that is large and can accommodate lots of customers. Additionally, check if the setting is welcoming and comfortable.
There is no need for people to worry about how they can start out small if they have to spend a lot of money renting a shop.
As was previously said, as long as it has enough space and is not located in an expensive district, you can rent a shop anyplace. Additionally, you need a lot of room to give customers who are waiting for their turn a comfortable place to wait.
If you have a vast space, you may want to start with the most important smaller objects rather than buying everything you’ll need to fill it.
3: Get the Equipment You Need
To run the business successfully, you’ll need the following equipment:
CLIPPERS: In order to protect you or your clients from harm, these should be of a high standard.
Because some clients have head injuries that could potentially infect other clients, a sterilizing unit is needed to clean the clippers after each usage. With the aid of the sterilizing unit, this can be avoided.
STERILIZING AGENTS: This are particular gels or creams that, in the absence of a sterilizing unit, can be used in place of it.
FANS AND MIRRORS: A barbershop would be lacking without a mirror. There should be at least two to three mirrors in your barbershop, and one huge wall mirror might cost anything from N30,000 to N40,000. While fans are also useful, air conditioners can eventually take their place.
HAIR PRODUCTS AND COSMETICS: These include hair creams, hair sprays, colors, powder, aftershave, relaxers, conditioners, and more. The cost of these items will initially depend on how much you purchase; N15,000 should be plenty.
GENERATOR: Since the power supply cannot always be relied upon, especially in Nigeria, you will most crucially require a reliable standby generator to provide electricity. You may need about N180,000 for a TG 3700 generator.
Combs, hairbrushes, scissors, blades, tissue sheets, barbers duster brushes, and neck straps are other auxiliary instruments.
Other crucial parts of your barbershop’s decor that might distinguish it and attract new clients include:
A great, comfortable revolving chair that costs between N40,000 and N65,000 each (two are recommended for a start).
A customer waiting chair/couch with ergonomics which could cost about N50,000
Paint the store to give it your own distinctive look. It ought to cost roughly N30,000.
Paste wallpapers and images from barbershops, which should cost about N1500 each.
To amuse customers, use a TV or music player. About N50,000 will buy a brand-new 32-inch television.
What Are the Conditions for Success?
If you should go ahead and invest in this profitable business. Make sure to register the business and follow all legal regulations before starting.
You should be able to provide exceptional customer service, especially by hiring more staffs to ease work load.
More so, it is essential for you to know that you’ll meet new people every day and need to treat them well to get them to come back to your shop.
Conclusion
In spite of the fierce competition, running a barbershop is still a profitable business in Nigeria. As a newcomer to the industry, keep in mind that impressions count for a lot.
Make sure to give your new customers the best service possible during the first few weeks after obtaining the necessary resources mentioned above to launch your firm. Then, leave the publicity/awareness to your delighted, new customers.
You will ultimately realize that you need to make investments in extras to spruce up your salon with games, a quality sound system or DJ, or even covertly sell eatable items.
This might be a promising start-up idea, you should give it a try!.