Estimated Read Time: 7 to 9 minutes.
It’s common for barbers to focus solely on the art of the cut, mastering the fade, or perfecting the shape-up. The chair, after all, is where the magic happens—the sanctuary where you connect with your clients and express your craft. But what if I told you that your chair isn’t the only way to drive revenue? What if, without sacrificing your integrity or being pushy, you could offer your clients more value while fattening your wallet in the process?
Take a look around your shop. The clippers, the scissors, the trimmers—all extensions of your skill set, no doubt. But now glance at the product shelves. If they’re barren or sparsely populated, you’re missing out on one of the biggest untapped revenue streams in the barbering world: retail.
Yes, that’s right. Retail products are the secret sauce to amplifying your earnings without needing to extend your hours or double your clients. In fact, integrating a robust retail strategy can transform your business, adding multiple layers of profitability and strengthening your relationships with your clients. Here’s why.
Why Retail Should Be Your Focus (Even If It’s Not Your Focus)
You’re probably thinking, “I run a barbershop, not a storefront.” And you’re right. The primary function of your shop is to provide exceptional barbering services. But offering products that complement your craft can turn your business into a holistic grooming destination.
Consider this: when a client trusts you with their hair, they’re also trusting your expertise. They want to replicate the fresh, clean-cut look long after they leave your chair. And who better to guide them on what products to use than you—the expert who knows their hair, understands their needs, and can recommend the perfect solution?
Retail sales in a barbershop aren’t just about pushing products for the sake of profit. It’s about providing added value to your clients. By educating your clients on the right tools and products to maintain their look, you’ll boost their loyalty and satisfaction. And while you’re doing that, you’ll also boost your revenue. It’s a win-win.
Maximize Your Revenue Without Maxing Out Your Schedule
There’s only so much time in a day, and only so many heads you can cut. So how can you scale your earnings without burning out or sacrificing quality? Enter retail.
Adding retail products to your shop allows you to earn while you work and even after you’ve clocked out. Think of retail as a passive revenue stream that enhances the services you’re already offering. The next time a client asks you how they can maintain their look, you’ve got the perfect product ready for them to take home—and an extra sale in your pocket.
The average barbershop makes most of its money through services rendered. But, according to industry data, shops that actively push retail can increase their revenue by up to 20%. That’s significant. Imagine earning an additional income by simply placing products on shelves and making informed recommendations. With minimal effort, you’re expanding your profit margins.
Build Loyalty Through Products That Solve Problems
When a client leaves your shop, you want them to come back—and not just for the next cut. Products give your clients another reason to return to your shop, even between haircuts. If a client loves the styling cream or beard oil you recommend, they’re not likely to go to a big-box store to buy it. They’ll return to you because you’re the expert who knows what works best for them.
In fact, retail products can foster a deeper relationship with your clients. It’s not just about offering them any old product—it’s about offering products that you genuinely believe will solve their problems and elevate their grooming game. When clients see that you’re recommending products because they trust your expertise, they’re more likely to listen, buy, and come back for more.
Generate Passive Income Through Product Sales
Once your product shelves are stocked, the retail side of your business can essentially run itself. You’re still making cuts, delivering the perfect fade, and offering stellar customer service—but now you have an extra source of income that requires minimal effort.
Sure, it takes a little work upfront to stock your shelves and educate your clients about the products, but once that’s in motion, it becomes a steady stream of additional revenue. And the best part? Unlike booking more clients or working longer hours, retail doesn’t demand more time. You can scale your earnings without increasing your workload.
Enhance the Customer Experience and Retention
Never Be Pushy—Be Persuasive
No one likes a hard sell, especially in a barbershop. Your clients are there for a haircut, not a sales pitch. So instead of being pushy, be persuasive. Educate them on the benefits of a product. Show them how it complements the service you’re providing.
A client who loves their haircut will appreciate learning how to maintain that look at home. And when you offer that advice in a way that’s helpful—not salesy—they’re far more likely to make a purchase.
Educate Your Clients
Education is key. The more your clients understand about the products, the more likely they are to make informed purchases. Take the time to explain how a product works, why it’s beneficial, and how it can solve a problem or enhance their grooming routine.
Clients appreciate barbers who take the time to educate them—not just about their haircut, but about how to maintain it and keep their hair healthy between visits. And when they trust your knowledge, they’ll trust your product recommendations.
Tailor Your Recommendations to Their Needs
Every client is different, and their needs are unique. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all product, take the time to understand what your client is looking for. Is their hair thinning? Are they growing a beard? Are they trying out a new style?
For every change, there’s a product that can help them achieve their goal. When you suggest products based on their specific needs, it shows that you’re paying attention and genuinely care about helping them succeed.
Stock Your Shelves and Stay Stocked
There’s nothing worse than recommending a product, only to realize you’re out of stock. Always keep your shelves stocked with the products your clients need. It’s frustrating for clients to hear about a great product, only to find out they have to go elsewhere to get it.
By ensuring you always have the right products on hand, you’re making the shopping experience seamless and convenient for your clients—and ensuring you don’t miss out on sales.
Use the Products During Appointments
Seeing is believing, and that’s never truer than in a barbershop. When you use a product during a client’s appointment, they can see firsthand the results it delivers. Whether it’s the texture of a styling cream or the smoothness of a beard balm, clients are more likely to buy a product they’ve experienced themselves.
And don’t be afraid to point out what you’re using and why. Let them know how the product benefits their hair and how they can achieve the same results at home.
Transforming Your Shop Through Retail
Retail sales in a barbershop aren’t just about making more money—they’re about offering more value, building deeper relationships with your clients, and enhancing their overall experience. By thoughtfully integrating retail products into your services, you’re creating new opportunities for revenue, loyalty, and growth.
So, next time you’re behind the chair, think beyond the cut. Your expertise doesn’t stop when the clippers do. And neither should your potential to grow your business.
Have tips of your own? The barbering community is always looking to share knowledge—so let’s hear them!
