has anyone done booth rent esthetics? what was it like? ups? downs? Help
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Hi Kari ... I'm in the process of acquiring a room on the second floor of a building that was once a townhouse complex; now converted into a business area location.
Not sure of the definition of 'booth' ... but, I am pleased with the arrangement as it offers ample parking, and I share the rest of the 2nd floor with a certified massage therapist ...so the arrangement is a nice one. There's a bathroom available for us and clients within the confines of the 2nd floor and we have a 'closet' that holds an upright washer and dryer, etc.
The nice thing is working along with another whose business is primarily quiet works well for me too ... It's not like being in a hair salon where there is constant chatting, and music levels a bit more than what we're used to.
I hope this helps you ... Fondly, Joy
It's mostly "ups" Kari. I am not sure as to what type of set up you have as a "booth renter".
But I rent a room, and am licensed by my state as a stand alone business.
You should be supplied with a contract which should stipulate what both parties are responsible for.
Often I see people who are "booth renters' that are actually employees. If you are required to work specific hours not of your choosing, use products of owners choosing, do not have free and exclusive access to your space, and have duties or chore requirements that benefit the owners business and not your business you are really an employee. However - these abuses are rampant and we have to navigate this entrenchd system as best we can.
Please don't forget that a contract is between two parties - you do not have to sign anything that is not to your liking. You are free to make additions or changes - and I highly recommend that you DO.
So - for the good part:
You have the freedom to set your own schedule, to choose your own products, and design and perform the services that YOU want to do. You get to design a menu of services that fits with your philosophy and is uniquely your own. When you can do things the way YOU want them done you experience a much higher satisfaction in your work. For many of us, NOT having someone tell you what to do (especially when it's lame or dishonest) is a HUGE relief.
Downs are the same as with any business owner...you get to worry about building your business, attracting and keeping customers, and earning enough to pay your bills!
Hi Cindy, thanks for providing your information, I sincerely appreciate it. I am in the middle of searching for a location (treatment room) and though I have tried looking for guidelines to help walk me through the process, I have not been able to locate anything or get anyone to share their experiences. I’m simply looking for a course of action that can help me avoid costly and unnecessary mistakes. Therefore, your information is timely, great, and to the point.
Hi Cindy, thanks for providing your information, I sincerely appreciate it. I am in the middle of searching for a location (treatment room) and though I have tried looking for guidelines to help walk me through the process, I have not been able to locate anything or get anyone to share their experiences. I’m simply looking for a course of action that can help me avoid costly and unnecessary mistakes. Therefore, your information is timely, great, and to the point.
…and Joy thanks for asking the questions!
Kari ... Your sense of contentment is valuable ... with it ... everything else will come to fruition ... :-)
LOL - you sound exactly like we all do before we take this step!
You already have a start with a few pieces of equip. (Don't buy the cabi yet - I used a crockpot for YEARS).
The disposables don't cost much - start small.
Product is always the biggest investment. But if you find a company with no minimums, you can build that up over time too. I use the small size of everything in my backbar - which is not as cost effective over time - but saves a TON initially.
Unless the rental is really outrageous it's not necessarily wasteful.
I guess you have to look at the local area and decide if there is adequate opportunity.
A good waxer always seems to build clientele FAST.
And you are an experienced esthetician - so you would probably be able to build your facial business steadily...you just have to figure out how to get them in the door!
Kari, I totally understand, and I too am (somewhat) in the same boat as it pertains to building clientele, but I have purchased items a little at a time, and my hope/believe is that I can begin building with minimal (i.e. the basic necessities) equipment/supplies. One of the biggest lessons that I have learned (while working for others) is not to start out too immensely. Meaning, as long as I have the necessities to begin, (I believe) my talents, knowledge, services provided will help enhance my numbers, and then I will increase my equipment/supplies as I grow. Does that make sense? Please let me know your thoughts, because I could be missing something. (Lol!)
Similarly to Lugenia, I too, started slowly and continue to build a strong base (as well as momentum.) Slow and steady is my motto.
Factors to consider, that others may have already suggested:
. Finding a point of sale program that works well for you. (I use quickbooks.)
. What type of scheduling program you will use. (ie phone, email, text, software program?)
. If your landlord requires any extra insurance?
. Parking availability for your clients.
. Advertising + marketing strategies (This is my biggest downfall.)
That said, I'll expand on my background(if it is of interest.):
Straight out of esthetics school, in 2004, I began working as a booth renter. I slowly built a small clientele with the bare minimum backbar(found companies that didn't require an opening order), retail and equipment. But I also missed out on the ability to learn from other seasoned estys as well as the privilege of a built-in clientele...
However, despite the financial hardships, I gained.
. My own private space- no drama from a salon setting.
. A truly autonomous schedule. (Freedom to create your own schedule beyond the confines of a commission setting.)
. The freedom to decorate and create an entire atmosphere conducive to my vision for my clients.
Due to a divorce, I did take a break from esthetics for a few years, but am happy to say I am now able to devote my time and passion toward esthetics again. After a nearly 3 year break, I reopened my private studio Fall 2010. Again, I began slow and steady. And since, I have built a small but loyal clientele base from scratch. I have slowly incorporated treatments to my menu and will continue to research products to add.
I guess, all that to say that you may not need a built-in clientele before you choose to rent.
While each region and demographic area is different- you may suffer a little at the beginning- but your current clientele (that don't want to pay resort prices) may provide a lot of the legwork for you.
Hi Kyong, thanks for providing such informative information. It is truly confirmation that I am (hopefully) heading in the right direction. Needless to say, I am adding your information to my "help (me) manual." Please feel free to share additional information regarding starting out small. Thanks again!
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