The beauty and personal care sector has experienced steady growth in recent years, making hairdressing salons a very attractive business opportunity.
Opening a hairdressing franchise allows entrepreneurs to benefit from the backing of a consolidated brand such as MILANO COSMETICS and a proven business model, minimising the risks inherent in creating their own business from scratch, as they take advantage of the franchisor’s previous experience and knowledge.
If you are interested in this sector, here are the main requirements for opening a hairdressing franchise and how to prepare your way to success.
Initial investment
The first requirement for opening a hairdressing franchise is to have the necessary capital to cover the initial investment. This amount may vary depending on the franchise, the size of the premises and its location. Self-employment models are available from €9,900 plus tax.
The costs usually include the entrance fee, the fitting out of the premises, the purchase of equipment, furniture and necessary products, as well as administrative and legal expenses. It is essential to carefully evaluate the financial plan and investment conditions offered by the franchise.
Payment of Royalties, Fees and others to the franchisee
Normally in all franchises, percentages are charged on monthly turnover or fixed fees, in our case we do not charge any type of fee or commission, so all the profit goes entirely to the franchisee owner of the salon.
This is a very important difference with respect to the competition in the sector.
Location of the premises
Choosing the right location for your salon is one of the key factors in its success. Franchises usually require the premises to be in strategic areas with a high influx of people, such as shopping centres, central areas or residential neighbourhoods with a high demand for beauty services, but there are also options for success in small towns, villages and neighbourhoods where the average rental price of the premises is cheaper and therefore more likely to succeed in the business.
In addition, it is important that the premises have the minimum dimensions necessary to install work stations, reception and waiting areas, and an area for the sale of the brand’s products. In our case, we are talking about premises from 40 square metres to 80 or 100 metres.
Compliance with legal regulations
In order to open a franchised hairdressing salon, it is essential to comply with all local legal regulations, both commercial and sanitary. This includes obtaining the necessary licences and permits to operate a salon, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
It is also necessary to comply with health and safety regulations required by health authorities, which involves ensuring that the premises are properly fitted out and that staff are trained in health and safety standards.
Franchisee Profile
Although it is not always necessary to have previous experience in the beauty or hairdressing sector, many franchises value that the franchisee has management, leadership and customer service skills.
The ideal profile is a professional hairdresser or beautician, since all the turnover generated by their work goes directly to the owner of the salon, as well as making it very easy for them to start up the business.
There is also an investor profile that surrounds himself with good professionals and follows the instructions of the franchisor who are success stories.
As this is a business where dealing with people is paramount, it is important to have interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate work teams. In addition, commercial skills are valued, as the success of a franchise also depends on the ability to attract and retain customers.
Training and education
Most hairdressing franchises offer comprehensive training programmes for their franchisees and employees. This is an essential requirement, as it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the business model, the services to be offered and the sales and customer service techniques.
The training includes everything from the operational management of the business to the handling of hairdressing products and equipment, ensuring that the franchisee can run the business efficiently and that the team offers quality services.
We also include specific training in the latest techniques such as balayage, baby lights, etc… so that the salon staff are at the forefront of the latest technical hairdressing techniques.
Fitting out the premises
Fitting out the premises is a key step in meeting franchise standards and providing a pleasant environment for customers. Generally, the franchise provides a specific design that includes furniture, colours, workstation layout, lighting and other aesthetic details.
It is essential that the store meets these specifications in order to maintain a consistent brand image and provide a customer experience consistent with the franchise.
There are premises that have a very good base to adapt them to our activity without major financial outlays.
Recruitment of staff
A successful hairdressing salon depends to a large extent on the quality of the service and the staff. Therefore, another essential requirement is to hire qualified staff, such as stylists, colourists and hairdressing assistants.
The franchise usually offers support in the selection process, as well as continuous training to ensure that the team is up to date with the latest hairdressing trends and techniques.
Advertising and promotion
Franchises often include in their service package the implementation of marketing and advertising strategies. However, it is important for the franchisee to assist in the local promotion of their business.
This may involve participation in launch campaigns, promotion on social media and establishing partnerships with other businesses in the area. Fulfilling this requirement will help to attract customers from the opening and build a solid customer base.
Commitment to the brand
The success of a franchise depends to a large extent on the consistency of the customer experience and quality of service. It is therefore essential that the franchisee is committed to the brand’s values and standards.
This involves following established protocols, using the franchise’s products and ensuring that the team reflects the brand’s principles in their dealings with customers.
Ongoing support
One of the greatest benefits of joining a franchise is the ongoing support offered by the brand. To this end, it is important that the franchisee is open to receiving advice and participating in the periodic evaluations that the franchise carries out to improve the performance of the business. This support ranges from assistance in operational management to the implementation of new trends in the hairdressing sector.
Opening a hairdressing franchise is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs who wish to enter the beauty sector with the backing of an established brand. Complying with the aforementioned requirements, such as the initial investment, the choice of premises, compliance with regulations and the hiring of qualified staff, is key to guaranteeing the success of the franchise.
In addition, the support in training, advertising and operational assistance provided by the brand, together with the franchisee’s commitment, will allow the business to grow and position itself in the competitive hairdressing market.
