For most stylists and salon professionals, renting a salon suite is an important rite of passage. It's something you look forward to doing after you've put in your time as an employee for a big-brand salon or as a chair renter in someone else's space. Renting your first salon suite means you're in the big leagues and ready to really embrace your future as a stylist. However, before you take the plunge and sign the lease on your space, there are a few things you should do to prepare.
Hype up your marketing.
The minute you start renting that suite, your expenses are going to go up. You're not just covering a few hundred dollars in chair rental fees anymore; you may owe thousand per month for your rent. You need to go into this certain that you have enough clients to earn enough to pay your bills. So, before you even open your salon suite, kick up your marketing. Start scheduling appointments for when you do open. Offer discounts for current clients who refer new clients to you. Post those social media ads. You want that first month to be booked up before you even officially move in.
Consider location.
This is especially important if you plan on taking your current clients with you once you rent your salon suite. You really don't want to rent a suite that's more than 10 minutes or so from your current place of business. If your new suite is too far away, many of your clients may leave, rather than following you, because they do not want to drive any further. It's often worth paying a little more to rent a suite that's closer to your current location, simply because doing so will help ensure you stay booked.
Check what comes with the suite.
Make sure that you get a full list of what's included in the suite long before you actually move in. You need time to shop for the items that are not included. It's common for suites to already be outfitted with chairs, heat lamps, and wash stations, but every situation is different, so don't assume. If possible, make plans to visit and go through the suite in person before you sign a lease so you know exactly what's being supplied and how much you'll need to spend on additional equipment.
Renting a salon suite is a big step in your career. If you follow the advice above, you'll be making that step responsibly.
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