Thread: Opening a proper shave shop

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Get PLENTY of donuts!

Is that a cop joke? Methinks it is.

Dave

Our collective obsession can appear to an 'outsider' as dangerous, exotic, archaic, pointless, and complex. Although I've never been in private business, it seems to me that the customer's view of your products is what can determine the extent of his or her interest (measured in the form of $).
Success, then, may rely on showing that straight shaving is not necessarily dangerous despite its self-critiqueing nature. That shaving the way our ancestors did is both respectful and "manly". And, perhaps most important in this business context, it is way more simple than you thought, but it is also something that can become a hobby (obsession?) if you choose.
Showing that it can be simple despite the overwhelming array of equipment and supplies is a big challenge. A previous reply in this thread about "starter kits" was excellent. Similarly, "mix-and-match" sets. Decent quality, low cost items. Education, especially if it is a little insidious (like the waiting area dvd idea) is great; guys tend to avoid things about which they are completely ignorant, so even a little information may be enough to encourage dabbling.
Just dabbling may be enough. Guys don't like to fail--most will keep trying to make it work. Even those who give up often return to the fold (in this case that could be your shop!), as evidenced by multiple threads and responses. And don't forget SWMBO. The fairer sex invests significant energy in discovering interesting (exotic?) gift ideas. Just make it easy for them to make good first choices. Best of luck. Keep us informed on your progress.

Originally Posted by chippiepig

Our collective obsession can appear to an 'outsider' as dangerous, exotic, archaic, pointless, and complex. Although I've never been in private business, it seems to me that the customer's view of your products is what can determine the extent of his or her interest (measured in the form of $).
Success, then, may rely on showing that straight shaving is not necessarily dangerous despite its self-critiqueing nature. That shaving the way our ancestors did is both respectful and "manly". And, perhaps most important in this business context, it is way more simple than you thought, but it is also something that can become a hobby (obsession?) if you choose.
Showing that it can be simple despite the overwhelming array of equipment and supplies is a big challenge. A previous reply in this thread about "starter kits" was excellent. Similarly, "mix-and-match" sets. Decent quality, low cost items. Education, especially if it is a little insidious (like the waiting area dvd idea) is great; guys tend to avoid things about which they are completely ignorant, so even a little information may be enough to encourage dabbling.
Just dabbling may be enough. Guys don't like to fail--most will keep trying to make it work. Even those who give up often return to the fold (in this case that could be your shop!), as evidenced by multiple threads and responses. And don't forget SWMBO. The fairer sex invests significant energy in discovering interesting (exotic?) gift ideas. Just make it easy for them to make good first choices. Best of luck. Keep us informed on your progress.

ink it importantto

Your right on all accounts! I think it is important for the guys to realize that they can straight razor shave,,,,and its not something impossible.

Originally Posted by robscissorhands

ink it importantto

Your right on all accounts! I think it is important for the guys to realize that they can straight razor shave,,,,and its not something impossible.

Dont let them think its too, easy - we like a challenge
Maybe instead of a kit persay, maybe offer a discount if someone buys all of the items of their choice that would comprise a kit i.e.
5% discount on combo 1 - razor, brush, soap or cream;
7.5% discount on combo 2 - razor, brush, soap or cream, scuttle;
10% discount on combo 3 - razor, brush, soap, cream, scuttle, aftershave, rehone (if they buy a straight razor, a few extra packs of blades if they buy a D/E)
Obviously you would need to set up the discount structure based on your margins, but it would allow people to choose whatever they wanted from your product range, and receive a scaled discount based on volume of items purchased, it wouldnt be too hard to administer, and you could always put out a "base model" of the cheapest irems in stock with the price for that so people have a starting point.

You could certainly up your profit making your own aftershave with a simple bottle. Many good recipes online. Creams are also a possibility. The more you do the higher the profit. Bike shops make most of their money on repairs. A honing service, clinics and home made products might spark interest, help with your messaging and create the buzz you seek. Craigslist is free advertising.

Yes for those that don't know 2 bits is 25 cents American coinage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ds6w7SkHyw

YES! Shave and a Haircut 2 bits! Boy are those days long gone!



Hey Gang!

Well a Very Generous Rob sent me some things of late and I can't thank him enough! : : :

The picture was taken while I was out in front of the Boars Nest wearing the T-shirt that he'd sent awhile ago and sporting the customized shaving towel that arrived on Thursday and holding my son's razor and the brush that walleyeman made for me.

I just shaved with the 8/8 Friodur 'that's my son's' that's in the picture using a new shaving soap that Rob had also sent and it was wonderful. He also sent a product made in Portugal that is an aftershave and I loved it! Not overly scented but as he described the way it felt on the face after the shave was 'like having ice cubes put on your face'.

With those kind of quality items stocked in his 'Shave Shop' within the Barbershop I think that his endeavor will be very successful

Rob; Again I thank you!!!

Your very welcome Cuda !! That aftershave is 444... it doesn't look like much BUT it carries a big punch! I love it. The shave shop is going great so far, alot of people are interested in wet shaving.

Cuda, been using the 444 for over a year. I use it when I feel I need to be a little more awake than usual in the morning. Great stuff.

Originally Posted by robscissorhands

Your very welcome Cuda !! That aftershave is 444... it doesn't look like much BUT it carries a big punch! I love it. The shave shop is going great so far, alot of people are interested in wet shaving.