Color chemicals, a new hair dryer, storage for all your scissors, and ugh, rent. The salon game can be expensive. But maybe you’re ready to move past a booth in someone’s salon and start your own business. Where do you start? Since you’ve got the clients, all you need now is the perfect salon for lease.
But before you sign on the dotted line, keep an eye out for these key features:
Reasonable Pricing
This depends on the size and location that you’re looking for, but make sure you do some research about your price point. You could join some local Facebook groups for other salon owners and ask about their rent prices for comparison. To include the price of utilities in your calculations, you could ask the owner, try to get ahold of the previous renter, or call the city and ask for estimates.
Enough Space to Work
This one seems like a no-brainer, but make sure the salon for lease is big enough for you to work comfortably. Are there enough chairs and stations for all of your clients? Can they move around freely without bumping into each other or knocking over products? Is there room for storage and break areas?
We don’t recommend sacrificing space for a lower rent, unless it’s just temporary until you can afford a larger space. Your layout can affect the flow and energy of your salon (aka, the way your clients feel while there), so it’s worth investing in a few extra square feet.
Good Management and Maintenance
Is the owner responsive to any concerns you have about the space? Will they fix plumbing or electrical issues in a timely manner? Are there regular cleanings and pest control? It’s important to feel like your concerns will be heard and addressed, so make sure that the landlord has a good reputation for management and maintenance.
You can get this information by asking very specific questions during your tour. You might even be able to ask for a “reference” from the previous renter or other tenants. It might feel a little uncomfortable asking the manager for that information, but trust us—it’s worth it in the long run.
The Amenities You Need
The amenities at your location will make or break your experience. Does the salon have good lighting? Can you control the temperature in each room (especially important for those warm blow-dry sessions)? Are there enough outlets for all of your styling tools?
One of the most underrated but essential amenities in a salon for lease is laundry. If you’re having to take all your linens home or have them done professionally, that’s going to cut into your profits. And if you have a nail or waxing station, having a sink within reach is a must.
When deciding which amenities are the most important to you, write down every action you do each day and the tools you use to accomplish them. Do you use the internet? Make sure the salon has wifi. What about water pressure in the sink or handicap accessibility? Sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference in your daily experience.
Get Everything You Need With Indie Salon Suites
Choosing a salon for lease can be overwhelming, but with some research and intuition, you’ll find the perfect spot to set up shop. Just remember that you can never ask too many questions or do too much investigating before signing a lease.
When you’re ready to start looking, Indie Salon Suites to your list. We offer fully equipped salons for lease with all of the amenities you need—laundry services, stainless steel countertops, beautiful and functional spaces—for an affordable price.
Whether you need a place for cosmetology, nails, medspa, or esthetician services, our locations offer everything you need to run a successful business. Reach out to schedule a tour and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions!
