Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

After 10.5yrs of active duty service in the US Marine Corps, I`ve decided that it is time to move on and FINALLY pursue my Entrepreneurial passion on a full-time level.  Through the years, I`ve researched and considered numerous potential business concepts/ideas to invest my time/money in.  Now that I am within 10 months of my last day on active duty, I`ve decided it`s time to get this thing going.

I`ve considered investing in opening a Barber Shop.  Yup, that`s it.  Not very glamorous or exciting, but it`s a business, right? For a few reasons:

1. I`m looking for a business that can be easily replicated in the event it proves to be successful.
2. Haircuts are not a fad and are part of everyday life.  We all need them, most of us get them at the local salon or barber shop, so it`s virtually recession proof.
3. As a US Marine, I value and appreciate a good haircut from a Barber.  The problem is there aren`t too many around.  Those that are, seem to be in bad shape and not well kept.
4. Again, as a US Marine, I have been searching for that certain Barber Shop that is well decorated, well kept, friendly atmosphere and fair priced.
5. Service men/women get the short end of the stick sometimes.  Businesses that operate near military installations often take their customers for granted, take advantage of them and become consumed with the $$$$$$, which ultimately effects the degree of service and treatment of their customers.

Some factors I look at when considering using a particular Barber Shop:

How I am treated(or not treated) is the first thing I notice when walking into a local business.  Many times, it is the first and last time I walk into that business because of that.  Every Sunday, I head out to my local Barber to get my weekly cut.  Although my current Barber is great, it wasn`t always like that.  In fact, within the past 3yrs I have been with my current unit here on Camp Pendleton, CA., I have visited 6-7 Barber Shops in search of the right one.

1. If I walk into a Barber Shop and I see 3-4 rows of plastic lawn chairs, I walk out.  Any business too cheap to invest in a good set of chairs doesn`t get my business.
2. If I walk in and a Barber yells out "Next!  Look, any of you getting a hair cut?  Let`s go!", I walk out. (Trust me, it happens... a lot!)
3. If I walk in and notice the Barbers don`t AT LEAST make an honest attempt to clean the hair off of your neck/head/face, I walk out.  Believe it or not, most Barbers around here don`t even make an attempt.  I can go on about the poor quality of Barber Shops I`ve seen since joining the Marine Corps, but I`m sure you get the point. 

In my opinion, it`s the LEAST a Barber Shop can do for those who serve our country.  I mean really, how difficult is it to be polite to your customers, provide a wash after a haircut and treat us with a little respect?

I`ve been involved in a few business projects/ventures in the past, but this venture could bring me into areas I do not have much experience in, such as Commercial Real Estate and Leasing Employed or Self-Employed Barbers(leasing  the chair), so it`s going to be fairly interesting.  Particularly since I will remain in San Diego, CA until Sept 2007.

What Would Set My Barber Shop Apart?

1. Salon grade Barber stations, with a masculine look and feel.
2. Well designed/decorated waiting area.
3. Complimentary soft drinks.
4. Massages after haircuts(old fashioned Barber style... not a spa type)
5. Military Discounts.
6. Professional and courteous Barbers.

Without completely slaughtering my idea, what do you think? < style>span.fon_container{ height:15px !important; white-space: nowrap !important; } span.fon_flag{ background: url(chrome://fon/skin/mflag.gif) no-repeat right; height:15px !important; padding:0px 0px 2px 5px !important; cursor: pointer; } span.fon_noflag{ background: url(images/mflag.gif) no-repeat left; height:15px !important; padding:0px 0px 2px 5px !important; cursor: pointer; } span.fon_flag_a{ background-image: url(chrome://fon/skin/mflag_a.gif); } img.fon_flag { margin-bottom:2px !important; vertical-align: middle !important; } span.fon_phone { background: url(chrome://fon/skin/mmid.gif) repeat-x center; height:15px !important; padding:0px 2px 2px 2px !important; cursor: pointer; } span.fon_phone_a { background-image: url(chrome://fon/skin/mmid_a.gif); } span.fon_phone_inner { color: black !important; text-decoration: none !important; font-family: Verdana !important; font-size: 11px !important; font-weight: bold !important; } span.fon_arrow { background: url(chrome://fon/skin/marrow.gif) no-repeat left; display: inline !important; height:15px !important; padding:0px 10px 2px 0px !important; } span.fon_arrow_a { background-image: url(chrome://fon/skin/marrow_a.gif); }

Go for it....I am ex-Canadian military and after 10 years of being retired, I am still searching...

Good Luck

 

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Stuart R. Crawford Business Development Representative IT Matters Inc. IT Matters is the Microsoft IMPACT Award Winner in 2006 for Small Business Specialist of the Year and CEA Silver Medal for Best Small Business Solution in Canada. 412,1000 8th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 3M7 Canada Phone: 403.710.4357 Fax: 403.206.7317 EMail: scrawford@itmatters.ca Web: http://www.itmatters.ca

Sir,

First off, I wish to thank you for serving our country and protecting the freedom and liberty of every American. I salute you! If we were face-to-face, I`d shake your hand.

I`ve been going to the same "barber" for about 30 years. A real barber shop and one you would like - all the right things you describe. And I agree with you. The real barber shop is vanishing to the "quick cut" shops and nothing against them, they fill a need - just not my need.

I know three other barbers besides the one I go to. They are all well off. None would do anything else. And none take cash. Why? I think you can figure it out - has something to do with Uncle Sam and taxes.

Being a barber is one of the last few businesses I feel you can still get away without taking credit cards - all cash or checks. Most people have the cash to cover the price of a haircut on them. Cash business is just sweet. Hard to find them these days though.

Go for it ... and best wishes for success.

R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

 I too thank you for serving our country. It sounds to me that you have a great idea and know what you want which is great.
  Although I go to a salon I am searching for a good one. What you listed is what you use to be able to expect. I agree with Richard that too many shops are going for the quick in and out philosophy.
I wish you much success.
Kathy


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Actually, quite a good idea.  I`ve considered it as well...and I`m a real estate consultant!!  Your reasons for opening a barber shop are somewhat similar to mine - and don`t be fooled - sometimes it`s the most unglamorous businesses that make more than good money!  Take it from me, I`ve spent some time in banking and I`ve seen personal financial statements from people who do some things that most college graduates would not even dream of doing.  Anyway - go for it!  It is a good business, and there aren`t many barbers out there any longer.  They are few and far between.  And I certainly don`t want to sit next to Madge who`s getting her hair highlighted at the beauty "salon", and I don`t want to go see the local franchise clip joint for a bargain price haircut from an 18 year old cosmo school graduate who don`t even care if you come back.  And just what is it with these 80 year old barbers who charge $12.00 in a shop with a row of green folding chairs and 1960`s wood paneled walls?  A coat of paint, a couple of modern pictures, and an investment in a few comfortable chairs could mean the difference in just paying the bills and actually retiring in style. Here in the Chicago area, barbers can easily charge $25 or more and get it (albeit in a modern, updated, masculine setting).  Heck, people visit Starbucks and spend $4.00 for a cup of coffee!!  Sometimes twice or more a day!!!  They will gladly open their wallets for a slick haircut in a cool shop!

Best of luck in your endeavor!

Tom

 

 

Let me start off by saying thank you for your Service to our Country! With that said, I am from Paterson, NJ and I would also like to start a barbershop business with essentially the same elements as you have stated. However there are some unique selling points that I`ve included in my concept that I feel will translate into a distinguishable and marketable business and potential franchise.My plan is developed for a more urban market, however if you are interested perhaps we can get in contact and see if we can join forces!

Let me start off by saying thank you for your Service to our Country! With that said, I am from Paterson, NJ and I would also like to start a barbershop business with essentially the same elements as you have stated. However there are some unique selling points that I`ve included in my concept that I feel will translate into a distinguishable and marketable business and potential franchise.My plan is developed for a more urban market, however if you are interested perhaps we can get in contact and see if we can join forces!

Let me start off by saying thank you for your Service to our Country! With that said, I am from Paterson, NJ and I would also like to start a barbershop business with essentially the same elements as you have stated. However there are some unique selling points that I`ve included in my concept that I feel will translate into a distinguishable and marketable business and potential franchise.My plan is developed for a more urban market, however if you are interested perhaps we can get in contact and see if we can join forces!

Let me start off by saying thank you for your Service to our Country! With that said, I am from Paterson, NJ and I would also like to start a barbershop business with essentially the same elements as you have stated. However there are some unique selling points that I`ve included in my concept that I feel will translate into a distinguishable and marketable business and potential franchise.My plan is developed for a more urban market, however if you are interested perhaps we can get in contact and see if we can join forces!

Let me start off by saying thank you for your Service to our Country! With that said, I am from Paterson, NJ and I would also like to start a barbershop business with essentially the same elements as you have stated. However there are some unique selling points that I`ve included in my concept that I feel will translate into a distinguishable and marketable business and potential franchise.My plan is developed for a more urban market, however if you are interested perhaps we can get in contact and see if we can join forces!