Commission vs. Chair Rental: The Ultimate Guide for Barbers on Choosing the Right Path

If you’re a barber in Houston, deciding between working at a commission-based barbershop or renting a chair can be a tough choice. Both options have their pros and cons, and understanding what each involves can help you make the best decision for your career. Let’s break down what you need to know about commission jobs vs. chair rental at your local barbershop in Houston.

Financial Breakdown: What to Expect

Do Chair Renters Make More?

It’s easy to assume that renting a chair at a barbershop in Houston will lead to higher earnings. However, that’s not always the case. Mick Lewis, a barbershop owner, says that a successful chair renter typically makes around 60% of the revenue they generate from their services. The idea that rental equals double the income is misleading. Without careful financial planning, you might end up spending more on business costs than you expected.

What Will You Pay for as a Chair Renter?

As a chair renter, you’re essentially your own boss. This means you’ll have to pay for several expenses, such as:

• Rent for your chair (paid weekly or monthly)

• Hair products, tools, and retail items

• Booking software and payment fees

• Taxes (no more W-2!)

• Education and insurance

• Marketing your services and building your brand

Kristen Colón, another barbershop owner, recommends that renters be cautious with spending. While you get to keep the money you make each day, those costs add up quickly, so it’s important to keep track of your finances carefully.

Benefits of Working on Commission

If you decide to work at a barbershop in Houston on a commission basis, there are a few perks you can expect:

• Steady paychecks with taxes already taken out

• Hair products and tools are often provided by the shop

• Fewer business-related responsibilities, as the barbershop handles many of the overhead costs

Commission-based jobs tend to provide more stability, allowing you to focus more on cutting hair without the stress of running your own business.

The Reality of Running Your Own Barbershop Business

What It’s Really Like to Be Independent

Renting a chair means you’re not just cutting hair—you’re running your own business. Here are a few things you’ll need to handle:

• Scheduling appointments and managing your clients

• Ordering products and tools

• Providing customer service

• Marketing your barber services, both online and locally

• Cleaning and maintaining your station

• Managing taxes and other business finances

Mick Lewis advises that barbers who rent chairs need to be strong marketers. Building a client base and keeping your brand strong is crucial for success, and many new renters don’t realize how much time and energy it takes to manage the business side of things.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you decide to switch from commission to chair rental, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to focus on cutting hair, or do I want to manage my own business?

• Am I organized enough to handle the extra work that comes with renting?

• Can I handle inconsistent income, and am I prepared for more expenses?

These questions will help you decide if chair rental is the right move for you. It’s not just about cutting hair—it’s about managing a business as well.

Choosing between commission-based barbershop work and chair rental involves trade-offs. Commission-based barbers enjoy a better work-life balance since the shop handles business tasks, allowing them to focus on cutting hair. However, chair renters gain more independence, but they must manage their own business, including marketing, scheduling, and finances, which can be time-consuming.

When transitioning between barbershops or moving to chair rental, maintaining client satisfaction is crucial. Clients often return for reasons like convenience or atmosphere, so clear communication about changes, such as location or pricing, will help keep them loyal.

Ultimately, both paths can lead to success, depending on how well you manage your time, finances, and client relationships. Creating a simple business plan before transitioning to chair rental to guide your growth and ensure you can balance both the creative and business aspects of your career.