---
name: salon-owner
description: |
  Complete operations guide for salon and barbershop owners covering booking systems, inventory management, staff commission structures, client retention, retail product sales, social media marketing, review management, and expansion planning. Use when the user asks about salon owner or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "entrepreneurship strategy planning"
  category: "business-strategy"
  subcategory: "operations"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Salon Owner

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- The user wants to open or manage a salon, barbershop, or beauty studio
- The user needs help with booking systems, staff commission structures, or inventory management for salon products
- The user wants guidance on client retention strategies, review management, or social media marketing for a salon
- The user needs expansion planning, retail product sales strategies, or financial operations for a beauty business

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- The user is opening a gym or fitness studio (use gym-studio-owner instead)
- The user wants personal grooming or beauty tips (use relevant personal care skill)
- The user needs general small business advice not specific to salons (use business-planner instead)

## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to salon owner.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on salon owner
- User asks about salon owner best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to salon owner

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of salon owner

## Questions to Ask First

Before providing guidance, establish the owner's situation:

1. What type of salon? (Hair, nail, spa, barbershop, multi-service)
2. Are you in the planning phase or already operating?
3. How many stations/chairs do you have?
4. How many stylists/technicians are on staff?
5. What is your current compensation model? (Commission, booth rental, salary)
6. What is your monthly revenue and average ticket?
7. What is your retail-to-service revenue ratio?
8. What booking system are you using?
9. What is your rebooking rate at checkout?
10. What is your target demographic and price positioning?

## Booking System Selection

### Key Features to Evaluate

```
ESSENTIAL FEATURES:
[ ] Online booking with real-time availability
[ ] Automated appointment reminders (text + email)
[ ] Client history and preference notes
[ ] Staff schedule management
[ ] POS/payment processing integration
[ ] Inventory tracking
[ ] Reporting and analytics
[ ] Mobile app for staff and clients

ADVANCED FEATURES:
[ ] Waitlist management
[ ] Deposit/cancellation fee collection
[ ] Loyalty program built-in
[ ] Gift card management
[ ] Multi-location support
[ ] Marketing automation (email/SMS campaigns)
[ ] Client forms and intake
[ ] Photo gallery per client
```

### Popular Salon Software Comparison

```
SYSTEM          | MONTHLY COST    | BEST FOR
----------------|-----------------|---------------------------
Vagaro          | $25-$85+        | Multi-service salons, value
Fresha          | Free (pay per   | Budget-conscious, simple
                |  transaction)   |
Boulevard       | $175-$410+      | Luxury salons, premium UX
GlossGenius     | $24-$48         | Solo stylists, simplicity
Mindbody        | $139+           | Spa + fitness combos
Square Appts    | Free-$69        | Simple booking + POS
Mangomint       | $165+           | Modern interface, boutique
```

### Booking Optimization

```
REDUCE NO-SHOWS (Industry average: 10-15%):
  1. Automated reminders at 48 hours and 2 hours before
  2. Require credit card on file for new clients
  3. Enforce cancellation policy (24-hour notice minimum)
  4. Charge 50% of service for no-shows
  5. Track repeat no-show clients and flag accounts

MAXIMIZE CHAIR UTILIZATION:
  Target utilization: 75-85% of available hours
  Formula: Booked Hours / Available Hours x 100

  Tactics:
  - Fill gaps with walk-in availability
  - Offer last-minute deals for empty slots (text to waitlist)
  - Stagger start times for services of different durations
  - Block time for popular services during peak hours
  - Add express services for short gaps (bang trims, conditioning)
```

## Inventory Management

### Product Inventory System

```
CATEGORIES TO TRACK:
  Professional (back bar): Products used during services
  Retail: Products sold to clients
  Supplies: Capes, foils, gloves, cleaning supplies

INVENTORY WORKFLOW:
  1. Weekly count of retail shelf stock
  2. Monthly full inventory count
  3. Track cost of goods used per service (back bar cost)
  4. Set par levels for every product
  5. Reorder when stock hits par level
  6. Review slow-movers quarterly (discount or discontinue)

PAR LEVEL FORMULA:
  Par = (Weekly Usage x Lead Time in Weeks) + Safety Stock
  Order Quantity = Par - Current On-Hand

BACK BAR COST TARGETS:
  Hair salon: 8-12% of service revenue
  Nail salon: 5-8% of service revenue
  Spa: 10-15% of service revenue
```

### Retail Inventory Management

```
RETAIL METRICS:
  Retail-to-service ratio target: 15-25% of total revenue
  Inventory turnover target: 4-6x per year
  Turn rate = Annual retail sales / Average inventory at cost

  Carrying cost of inventory: 20-30% of inventory value per year
  (includes capital, storage, shrinkage, obsolescence)

BUYING STRATEGY:
  - Stock what your stylists recommend (they sell it authentically)
  - Limit brands to 2-3 main lines (reduces complexity)
  - Focus on hero products with highest margin
  - Track sales velocity per SKU
  - Negotiate terms: net 30, free testers, return policy
  - Take advantage of promotional buys but don't overstock
```

## Staff Commission Models

### Compensation Structures

```
MODEL 1: COMMISSION-BASED
  Structure: Stylist earns % of service revenue
  New stylist:        40-45%
  Experienced:        45-55%
  Senior/Master:      50-60%

  Retail commission:  10-20% of retail sales

  Pros: Pay tied to performance
  Cons: Higher earners can be expensive; complex payroll

MODEL 2: SALARY + BONUS
  Base salary: $30,000-$60,000/year
  Bonus triggers: Revenue exceeding target, retail goals, rebooking rate
  Typical bonus: 5-15% of revenue above target

  Pros: Predictable costs, team mentality
  Cons: Less motivation for top performers

MODEL 3: BOOTH RENTAL
  Stylist pays flat rent: $200-$600/week
  Stylist keeps all revenue, manages own schedule and clients
  Salon provides: Space, utilities, some shared supplies

  Pros: Predictable income for salon, low management overhead
  Cons: Less control over quality, schedule, and client experience
  WARNING: Must properly classify as independent contractor

MODEL 4: TEAM-BASED / HOURLY + COMMISSION
  Base hourly: $15-$25/hour
  Commission kicks in after covering base: 25-40% above breakpoint
  Retail commission: 15-20%

  Pros: Guaranteed income attracts new stylists
  Cons: More complex accounting

MODEL 5: TIERED COMMISSION
  Level 1 (0-$4K/month): 40%
  Level 2 ($4K-$7K/month): 45%
  Level 3 ($7K-$10K/month): 50%
  Level 4 ($10K+/month): 55%

  Pros: Built-in motivation to grow
  Cons: Top-tier commissions can squeeze margins
```

### Stylist Performance Metrics

```
Track per stylist, review monthly:
  Total service revenue:         $________
  Retail revenue:                $________
  Average ticket:                $________
  Client count:                  ________
  New client count:              ________
  Rebooking rate:                ________% (target: 60-80%)
  Client retention rate:         ________% (target: 70-85%)
  Retail attachment rate:        ________% (target: 30-50%)
  Utilization rate:              ________%
  Average review rating:         ___/5
```

## Client Retention

### Retention Framework

```
THE CLIENT LIFECYCLE:
  Visit 1:  First impression, consultation, exceed expectations
  Visit 2:  Recognition ("Welcome back!"), build on preferences
  Visit 3:  Relationship solidified, introduce retail/add-ons
  Visit 4+: Loyal client, referral potential, VIP treatment

KEY STAT: Retaining an existing client costs 5x less than acquiring a new one.
Increasing retention by 5% can increase profits by 25-95%.

RETENTION TACTICS:
1. Rebook at checkout (before they leave the chair)
2. Personalized follow-up text 48 hours post-visit
3. Client preference notes in booking system (color formula, products, personal details)
4. Birthday and anniversary recognition (discount or free add-on)
5. Loyalty program with meaningful rewards
6. Consistent experience regardless of stylist
7. "We miss you" outreach at 6+ weeks without visit
8. Quarterly VIP events for top-spending clients
```

### Loyalty Program Design

```
POINTS-BASED:
  $1 spent = 1 point
  100 points = $10 off service
  Bonus points for retail, referrals, reviews

VISIT-BASED:
  Every 5th visit: Free add-on service (deep conditioning, brow wax)
  Every 10th visit: $25 off any service

REFERRAL PROGRAM:
  Referrer gets: $20 credit for each new client
  New client gets: $15 off first visit
  Track referral source in booking system

VIP TIER:
  Spending $2,000+/year: Early access to new stylists, priority booking,
                         annual gift, exclusive events
```

## Retail Product Sales

### Sales Training for Stylists

```
THE PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH (Not Selling, Prescribing):
  1. During service, mention products being used: "I'm using this
     volumizing mousse because your hair type responds really well to it."
  2. Educate on technique: "When you style at home, apply this to
     damp hair from mid-shaft to ends."
  3. Prescribe based on concern: "For the dryness you mentioned,
     this treatment mask once a week will make a huge difference."
  4. Close naturally: "Want me to add this to your checkout so you
     can keep this look going at home?"

NEVER: Push products aggressively or make clients feel pressured.

RETAIL DISPLAY STRATEGY:
  - Products at eye level sell best
  - Group by concern (volume, moisture, color protection)
  - Place testers at styling stations
  - Featured product display near checkout
  - Seasonal rotations to keep displays fresh
  - Shelf talkers with brief benefit descriptions
```

### Retail Revenue Targets

```
Retail as % of total revenue:
  Current industry average: 8-12%
  Good: 15-20%
  Excellent: 20-30%

Average retail ticket target: $25-$45 per client visit
Retail attachment rate target: 30-50% of service visits include a retail purchase
```

## Social Media Strategy

### Before/After Photography Protocol

```
PHOTO STANDARDS:
  Lighting: Consistent location with good natural or ring light
  Background: Clean, branded backdrop or neutral wall
  Positioning: Same angle for before and after
  Timing: Before photo at consultation; after at final style
  Permission: Always get written consent before posting

CONTENT MIX:
  40% Before/afters and finished looks
  20% Behind-the-scenes (process, team, day-in-the-life)
  15% Educational (styling tips, product recommendations)
  15% Client features and testimonials
  10% Promotional (new services, seasonal offers)

POSTING SCHEDULE:
  Instagram: 4-5x/week in feed, daily stories
  TikTok: 3-5x/week (process videos perform best)
  Facebook: 3-4x/week
  Pinterest: Pin every finished look (long-tail search value)

HASHTAG STRATEGY:
  5 broad: #hairstylist #haircolor #beforeandafter
  5 niche: #balayagespecialist #curlyhairtransformation
  5 local: #[city]hairstylist #[neighborhood]salon
  Use 15-20 total per post on Instagram
```

### Content Ideas by Day

```
MONDAY:    Transformation Monday (before/after)
TUESDAY:   Tutorial/Tip Tuesday (styling technique)
WEDNESDAY: Behind the chair (process video or photo)
THURSDAY:  Product recommendation or review
FRIDAY:    Team feature or salon culture content
SATURDAY:  Client testimonial or user-generated content share
SUNDAY:    Self-care/inspiration content
```

## Review Management

### Review Generation System

```
PROCESS:
  1. At checkout, ask: "We'd love a review if you had a great experience!"
  2. Follow-up text (24 hours post-visit) with direct review link
  3. Make it easy: One-click link to Google review page
  4. Thank every reviewer personally

TARGET:
  Google: 4.7+ with 100+ reviews
  Yelp: 4.5+ (don't ask for Yelp reviews explicitly; they penalize)
  Facebook: 4.8+

REVIEW RESPONSE TEMPLATES:

Positive (respond within 24 hours):
"Thank you so much, [Name]! [Stylist] loved working with you,
and we're so glad you love your [specific service]. See you
at your next appointment!"

Negative (respond within 4 hours):
"Thank you for your feedback, [Name]. I'm sorry your experience
didn't meet our standards. I'd love to make this right. Please
reach out to me directly at [phone/email] so we can discuss."

Rules:
- Never argue publicly
- Never reveal personal details
- Take it offline immediately
- Offer to fix the issue
- Follow up to ensure resolution
```

## Expansion Planning

### Growth Path

```
PHASE 1: OPTIMIZE CURRENT LOCATION (Year 1-2)
  - Maximize chair utilization to 80%+
  - Build retail to 20%+ of revenue
  - Systematize every process (SOPs for everything)
  - Train assistant manager / lead stylist
  - Build strong brand identity and local reputation

PHASE 2: EXPAND CURRENT LOCATION (Year 2-3)
  - Add chairs/stations if space allows
  - Add service categories (nails, esthetics, massage)
  - Extend hours (early morning, late evening)
  - Add assistant stylists to increase senior stylist capacity

PHASE 3: SECOND LOCATION (Year 3-5)
  - Only after current location runs without you daily
  - Clone systems, not vibes (SOPs, training manuals, brand standards)
  - Hire strong location manager before opening
  - Choose complementary location (different neighborhood/demographic)
  - Budget 6 months of operating losses for new location

LOCATION ANALYSIS CHECKLIST:
[ ] Demographics match target client profile
[ ] Visibility and foot traffic assessment
[ ] Parking availability
[ ] Competition within 2-mile radius
[ ] Lease terms and build-out costs
[ ] Zoning permits for salon operation
[ ] Plumbing capacity (water, drainage for stations)
```

## Financial Management

### Monthly P&L Template

```
REVENUE:
  Service revenue:               $________ (___%)
  Retail revenue:                $________ (___%)
  Other (gift cards redeemed):   $________
  TOTAL REVENUE:                 $________

COST OF GOODS:
  Back bar products:             $________ (target: 8-12% of service)
  Retail product cost:           $________ (target: 50-55% of retail)
  Supplies (foils, gloves, etc): $________
  TOTAL COGS:                    $________

GROSS PROFIT:                    $________

OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Payroll (commissions/wages):   $________ (target: 35-50% of revenue)
  Payroll taxes and benefits:    $________
  Rent:                          $________ (target: 8-14% of revenue)
  Utilities:                     $________
  Insurance:                     $________
  Marketing:                     $________
  Software/booking system:       $________
  Continuing education:          $________
  Repairs and maintenance:       $________
  Laundry/cleaning:              $________
  TOTAL OPERATING:               $________

NET OPERATING INCOME:            $________ (target: 10-20%)

KEY METRICS:
  Revenue per stylist:           $________/month
  Average service ticket:        $________
  Revenue per square foot:       $________/year
  Client acquisition cost:       $________
  Client lifetime value:         $________
```

### Key Financial Benchmarks

```
| Metric                     | Target Range     |
|---------------------------|------------------|
| Service revenue %          | 75-85% of total  |
| Retail revenue %           | 15-25% of total  |
| Total payroll %            | 40-55% of revenue|
| Rent %                     | 8-14% of revenue |
| Product cost %             | 8-12% of service |
| Net profit margin          | 10-20%           |
| Revenue per stylist/month  | $5,000-$12,000   |
| Average ticket             | $65-$150         |
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not enforcing a cancellation policy (no-shows destroy revenue)
2. Booth rental when you should have commission (gives up control of client experience)
3. Ignoring retail revenue potential (leaving 15-25% revenue on the table)
4. No rebooking process at checkout (relying on clients to remember to call)
5. Inconsistent social media presence (your portfolio needs constant updating)
6. Not tracking individual stylist performance
7. Under-investing in continuing education for staff
8. Expanding to a second location before the first runs without you
9. Poor inventory management leading to overstocking or stockouts
10. Not responding to online reviews (especially negative ones)


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Salon Owner deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with salon owner for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete salon owner framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
