How Much It Costs to Start a Barbershop: Examples & Budget
Starting a barbershop requires a significant investment, with costs depending on the size, location, and type of services offered.
For a smaller barbershop, you might need around $35,500 to cover basic leasehold improvements, essential equipment, and initial marketing. A larger, premium barbershop with custom interiors and advanced technology can cost up to $165,500.
In this post, we’ll explore real examples of barbershop startup costs, including franchises. Then, we’ll break down startup costs for independent barbershops, providing both low and high estimates for categories like equipment, leasehold improvements, and marketing.
FREE BARBERSHOP BUDGET TEMPLATE
This is our free budget template built for entrepreneurs who need to estimate their startup costs for a barbershop. We’ve included low and high estimate cost breakdowns. Free download.
Barbershop Startup Cost Breakdown Summary
How much does it cost to start a barbershop? Starting a barbershop can cost between $35,500 and $165,500, depending on the scale of the shop, equipment, and services offered.
Smaller barbershops can begin with basic equipment, minimal renovations, and essential tools. Larger, more premium barbershops require a larger investment in custom setups, advanced technology, and extensive marketing efforts.
- Low Estimate: $35,500 covers essential barber chairs, basic leasehold improvements, and minimal marketing.
- High Estimate: $165,500 includes premium barber chairs, custom interiors, advanced technology, and a comprehensive marketing plan.
| Cost Item | Low Estimate ($) | High Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Leasehold Improvements | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Barber Chairs & Stations | $5,000 | $30,000 |
| Equipment & Tools | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Technology & Software | $1,500 | $7,500 |
| Signage & Branding | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Initial Marketing | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Inventory (products, supplies) | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Permits & Licensing | $500 | $3,000 |
| Utilities Setup | $2,000 | $7,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Staffing Costs | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Contingency Fund | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $35,500 | $165,500 |
For more transparency we have listed out below a detailed overview of the largest startup costs involved with opening a barbershop:
Leasehold Improvements Costs for a Barbershop
The leasehold improvements category covers the necessary modifications to the physical space of your barbershop to meet functional and aesthetic standards. These improvements can range from basic cosmetic updates to more extensive renovations, depending on the scope of the project.
For a smaller barbershop, improvements typically focus on essential updates such as flooring, painting, and basic lighting installations. This can cost around $10,000. For a larger or more upscale barbershop, leasehold improvements could reach $50,000 or more, including custom-built stations, enhanced plumbing, and advanced electrical work.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the low and high estimates for leasehold improvements:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate ($) | High Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring (vinyl, tile, etc.) | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| Painting & Wall Treatments | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| Lighting Installation | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Plumbing (sinks, wash stations) | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Electrical Work | $1,500 | $7,000 |
| HVAC System Setup | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Custom Furniture or Built-ins | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Decorative Elements (mirrors, artwork) | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Total Leasehold Improvements | $10,000 | $50,000 |
- The low estimate of $10,000 represents basic updates such as flooring, painting, and simple lighting installations, ideal for a small barbershop with minimal customization needs.
- The high estimate of $50,000 includes more extensive updates like custom-built barber stations, advanced plumbing and electrical work, and high-quality interior décor, suitable for a premium barbershop aiming to offer a luxury experience.
Barber Chairs & Stations Costs for a Barbershop
The barber chairs and stations category is one of the most significant startup investments for a barbershop.
These items serve as both functional and design elements, impacting the overall client experience.
For a small barbershop, you might opt for essential but high-quality barber chairs and stations, costing around $5,000. In contrast, a larger or premium barbershop may require custom-made chairs and advanced stations with additional features, bringing the total up to $30,000.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the low and high estimates for barber chairs and stations:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate ($) | High Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Barber Chairs (3-5 units) | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| Custom or High-End Barber Chairs (3-5 units) | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Work Stations (mirrors, shelving, countertops) | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Additional Chair Features (hydraulic lift, recline) | $500 | $5,000 |
| Total Barber Chairs & Stations Costs | $5,000 | $30,000 |
- The low estimate of $5,000 covers essential barber chairs and basic workstations with minimal features, ideal for a small barbershop setup.
- The high estimate of $30,000 includes premium, custom-designed chairs with advanced features, along with well-designed workstations to enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of the space. This option is well-suited for upscale barbershops that want to provide a luxury client experience.
This breakdown allows you to plan the investment based on the size and service level of your barbershop, helping to align your budget with your operational goals.
Equipment & Tools Costs for a Barbershop
The equipment and tools category includes the essential items that barbers use on a daily basis, such as clippers, trimmers, razors, and sterilization tools.
For a small barbershop, investing in basic but high-quality tools can cost around $2,000. However, for a premium or high-volume barbershop, the cost of professional-grade tools, additional equipment, and backup sets may drive the total up to $10,000.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the low and high estimates for equipment and tools:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate ($) | High Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Clippers & Trimmers (multiple sets) | $500 | $2,000 |
| Straight Razors & Shears | $300 | $1,500 |
| Sterilization Equipment (UV sterilizer, sanitizing liquids) | $300 | $1,000 |
| Towel Warmers & Hot Towel Machines | $200 | $1,000 |
| Hair Dryers & Styling Tools | $200 | $1,000 |
| Barber Capes, Aprons, Towels | $200 | $500 |
| Miscellaneous Tools (combs, brushes, etc.) | $100 | $500 |
| Backup or Specialty Tools | $200 | $2,500 |
| Total Equipment & Tools Costs | $2,000 | $10,000 |
- The low estimate of $2,000 includes essential barber tools such as clippers, trimmers, razors, and basic sterilization equipment, perfect for a smaller barbershop with minimal staff.
- The high estimate of $10,000 reflects the investment needed for a high-end barbershop with professional-grade tools, multiple sets of equipment, backup tools, and additional items such as towel warmers and advanced sterilization systems.
Technology & Software Costs for a Barbershop
Technology and software are critical for efficiently managing a modern barbershop, from appointment scheduling to point-of-sale (POS) systems.
For a smaller barbershop, basic systems for booking and payments might cost around $1,500. For larger or upscale barbershops, more advanced systems that include customer relationship management (CRM), custom apps, and marketing tools could raise the total to $7,500.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the low and high estimates for technology and software:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate ($) | High Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Booking & Scheduling Software | $500 | $2,000 |
| Point of Sale (POS) System | $500 | $2,000 |
| Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software | $0 | $1,000 |
| Website Development & Hosting | $300 | $1,500 |
| Mobile App for Booking | $0 | $1,000 |
| Marketing Tools (email campaigns, loyalty programs) | $200 | $1,000 |
| Total Technology & Software Costs | $1,500 | $7,500 |
- The low estimate of $1,500 is suitable for small barbershops that require basic booking and POS systems, as well as simple website development.
- The high estimate of $7,500 includes more advanced tools such as CRM software, mobile booking apps, and marketing automation tools, making it ideal for larger or more premium barbershops looking to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations.
Initial Marketing Costs for a Barbershop
Marketing is essential for attracting clients and building your brand presence from the start.
For a smaller barbershop, initial marketing efforts may focus on basic local advertising and social media campaigns, with costs around $2,000. For a larger or premium barbershop, a more comprehensive marketing plan that includes influencer partnerships, digital marketing, and a grand opening event can cost up to $10,000.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the low and high estimates for initial marketing:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate ($) | High Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Advertising (Facebook, Instagram) | $500 | $2,500 |
| Local Promotions (flyers, posters, local ads) | $500 | $2,000 |
| Website Development & SEO | $500 | $2,000 |
| Grand Opening Event | $500 | $2,000 |
| Google Ads/Pay-Per-Click Campaigns | $0 | $1,500 |
| Influencer or Community Partnerships | $0 | $1,000 |
| Total Initial Marketing Costs | $2,000 | $10,000 |
- The low estimate of $2,000 covers basic social media advertising, local promotions, and a simple grand opening event, making it suitable for a smaller barbershop with local clientele.
- The high estimate of $10,000 includes more extensive efforts like Google Ads, influencer partnerships, and a larger-scale grand opening event, ideal for a barbershop aiming to establish a strong brand presence in a competitive market.
