Your own neighbourhood barber shop

Local men and boys, families booking regular cuts, and professionals who want a reliable grooming spot.

Per-service pricing and tips, with extra income from chair rental to other barbers, grooming products and memberships or repeat-visit packages.

• Professional barbering skills
• Managing a small budget and lease
• Hiring, scheduling and customer service

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, ideally have the lease reviewed before signing
• Provincial licensing and health and sanitation inspections, check with your provincial regulator and local public health unit
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules by province)
• Collect and remit GST/HST once past the small supplier threshold
• Slow winter weeks and the time it takes to build regulars

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the lease, deposits and fit-out. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on chairs, location and how fast regulars build.

Check commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, ideally with the lease reviewed before signing. Also check provincial licensing and health and sanitation inspections with your regulator and local public health unit, insurance, WCB/WSIB once you hire, and GST/HST.

Estimates suggest at least about 40 hours a week. You need professional barbering skills, the ability to manage a small budget and lease, and hiring, scheduling and customer service skills. Expect slow winter weeks while regulars build.