This is an often debated topic when opening a salon. I want to take a minute to discuss some of the pros and cons of both kinds of operations.

Booth rent salons from my experience seem to lack flow. I think running a booth rent based salon takes alot of control away from the actual salon owner. If you own this type of salon you are allowing your stylist to manage a business within your business. Whatever services they provide good or bad reflects the entire establishment.

Now you can be selective in who you choose to rent to try and keep things together and to provide a common experience with each stylist.

Commission based salons in my opinion operate alot smoother. The salon owner has total control over the salon and provide all of the tool, and marketing needs for the stylist to work and attract new clientele. All the money is handled through a register, scheduling is done to try and keep wait times to a minimum and staff of stylist have standard times where they are at work.

I’ve worked with many salon owners that have strong views for and against each type of operation. I know there are issues with the way taxes are handled and overall business operation of each type of setup.

I am a firm believer in professionalism and consistency with any type of service based business. There are so many salons that  lack both of these characteristics, and in my opinion I believe it’s because the salons are based on the booth rent system. I am not saying that renting booths isn’t professional; in many cases it’s just not done right.

I am very interested in feedback on this topic, it is discusses often throughout the world of hair and beauty. Share your thoughts.