Neighborhood beauty supply store

Local residents, independent stylists, braiders, barbers and nail techs who buy supplies in person.

You buy from distributors at wholesale prices and sell at a markup. Repeat customers and professional buyers help keep sales steady.

• Customer service
• Product knowledge of hair, skin and nails
• Inventory and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping

• Sales tax registration and a seller's permit with your state, plus a local business license from your city or county
• Check which products are regulated, as some cosmetics and chemical products have labeling or sale rules, and buy only from reputable distributors
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus property insurance for your stock
• Theft and unsold stock can eat into profit, so plan your ordering and store layout carefully
• Lease terms, zoning and sign rules vary by city, so check before you sign

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the size and location of the store, your opening stock and your fit-out. These are estimates, so price out your own space and inventory.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, product range and local customer base. Theft and unsold stock can eat into profit. These figures are estimates, not guarantees.

Check sales tax registration and a seller's permit with your state, plus a local business license. Check which products have labeling or sale rules and buy from reputable distributors. Also check insurance, lease terms, zoning and sign rules.