Mancave Barbershop Franchise vs Starting your Own Barbershop

Victor Young

Marketing & Business Development Manager

Start your own or start with a brand like us that customers know like and trust?

We'll break down when it's better for you to start your own barbershop, and why our franchising opportunities might be a better option.

First, let's highlight the benefits of owning a barbershop (franchise or not)

It's a service always in need... until there's BarberGPT.

Not only will the barber industry never die off; owning your own barbershop gives you:

  • more freedom to control your time (if set up correctly)
  • increase your salary compared to working as a barber
  • great relationships and build community with others

Okay so let's get straight into the pros and cons.

Starting Your Own Barbershop

Pros
  • Be Your Own Boss: The freedom to make decisions is in your hands. Want to introduce a new line of organic hair products? You can!
  • More Money for You: Without franchise fees, a larger chunk of the profits goes into your pocket.
  • Creative Freedom: Your shop, your rules. From the shop's design to the services offered, you have complete creative control.
Cons
  • Risk Factor: Starting from scratch means there's no safety net. If the business fails, you're on your own.
  • Initial Setup: Building a brand and customer base takes time and effort.
  • Marketing Woes: You'll need to handle all the advertising, social media, and promotions yourself.

Franchising a Mancave Barbershop

Pros
  • Instant Brand Recognition: Mancave Barbershop is a name people know and trust, giving you a head start.
  • Training and Support: From day one, you'll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support.
  • Lower Risk: With a proven business model, you're more likely to succeed.

Real-life Example: Ahmed was a barber working with us a few years back. It was about 2 years into his career when he started his own shop. Then within another 2 years he's opened a 2nd Mancave Location and is one of our most searched and popular locations in Australia. Talk about growth.

Cons
  • Upfront Costs: Franchises require an initial investment that can be quite hefty.
  • Ongoing Fees: Monthly or yearly fees can eat into your profits.
  • Limited Creativity: You'll need to adhere to the franchise's rules and guidelines, which may limit your creative freedom.

Challenges and Considerations

Whether you go solo or franchise, challenges are part of the game. Competition is stiff, and customer expectations are high. Financial planning is crucial; you'll need to consider startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential revenue. Time commitment is another factor; running a barbershop is a full-time job and then some.

Choosing between starting your own barbershop and franchising is a big decision that will shape your future. Both paths have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your personal goals, financial situation, and business acumen. Do your research, weigh your options, and don't rush the decision. Your future self will thank you.