Open a barber supply shop

Local barbershops, mobile and self-employed barbers, hairdressers, students and customers buying grooming gifts.

Mark-up on products, plus repeat orders from regular trade customers. Some shops add blade sharpening, clipper servicing or trade accounts to bring people back.

• Product knowledge of barber tools
• Selling and customer service
• Stock control and buying

• Check lease terms carefully, including length, break clauses and who pays for repairs
• Check business rates and whether any relief applies to you
• Get shop insurance covering stock, theft and public liability
• Check electrical product safety and cosmetic product labelling rules for what you sell
• Stock ties up cash, so avoid over-buying slow-moving lines

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Stock ties up cash, so avoid over-buying slow-moving lines when you first open.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000 as an estimate, depending on your location, product range and how many local barbers and customers you attract. This is before rent, stock and other running costs.

Check lease terms carefully, including length, break clauses and who pays for repairs. Also check business rates and any relief, shop insurance covering stock, theft and public liability, and electrical product safety and cosmetic labelling rules.