1)Are you the sole service provider, or do you have employees?
Initially, I will be the sole service provider . In future I might hire employees based on the demand and business.
2). What are your plans about local competitors?
My competitive advantage is affordability and personalised service and strong customer relation ship will differentiate my salon from other competitors.
3) Do you offer mobile or home-visit services, or is it strictly in-house? Any location decided.
For now it will be strictly in my house. However, in future if demand increases I might consider home visit services for an additional fee
4) Having doubts about your target market, don’t you think it’s too broad?
My target market include students, middle aged people and old aged people my primary focus will be on budget conscious customers seeking quality for a low price. I don’t think its broad.
5) What social media platforms will you use for marketing?
Instagram, Facebook and whatsapp
6) Have you considered partnerships with local businesses for cross-promotion?
No as of now I am not looking for any partnerships.
7) Do you use an online booking system or manual scheduling?
Initially I will be accepting booking with calls and messages but if business grows I might start a online booking system
8) What is your growth plan for the next 1, 3, and 5 years?
1 year: Establish a steady customer base, improve services, and build strong word-of-mouth marketing.
3 years: Expand services, introduce a mobile service, and potentially hire a second stylist.
5year : Open a dedicated salon space and scale operations beyond a home-based business.
9). What standards will you apply when choosing the goods and services that Opal Salon has to offer?
High-quality, professional-grade tools and hair products.Hygienic, sanitized equipment for every client.Services tailored to affordability without compromising quality
10).To bring in new customers and keep hold of current ones, what particular discounts or incentives will you provide?
I will provide First-time customer discounts , Referral program (discounts for both referrer and new client) and Occasional seasonal and festive promotions.
11).Could you please let me know the number of clients required each month to reach the break-even point?
We need approximately 17 clients per month to break even, based on average monthly costs of $371.67 and an average revenue per client of $23.
12)How do you plan to manage unexpected costs or slower months, such as when staff departures or equipment malfunctions occur?
we will Use the money we have saved ($3,610 each month in Year 1, growing to $148,884 by the end of Year 2) to pay for unexpected costs like fixing equipment. Spend a bit more on advertising during slow months to get more clients. Ask for small deposits to avoid clients not showing up. Starting in Year 2, train yourself or others to do multiple jobs so you’re ready if staff leave. Buy supplies in bulk when you’re making good money to save costs later.
13) How does the way you set your prices compare to those of nearby competitors?
our prices are much lower than competitors $20 for a haircut versus $35, and $30 for a haircut with beard trimming versus $70.
14)Are there deals or packages for people who are coming in for the first time?
Yes, Opal Salon offers first-time discounts and referral programs to attract new customers, though the exact discount isn’t specified. Given your low pricing, it might be something like 10% off your first haircut (e.g., $18 instead of $20). Loyalty rewards are also available to encourage repeat visits.
15) What is the best place to find reviews or testimonials from past customers?
The best place to find reviews or testimonials for Opal Salon is on your Instagram and Facebook pages, where you post client transformations and engage with customers. You might also check local community boards or groups in Terrace.
16)Is this business home-based or operating from a physical storefront as plan mentions both?
Opal Salon is currently a home-based business in Terrace, BC, but you plan to expand to a dedicated salon space by Year 3 and introduce mobile services to visit clients’ homes.
17) Why limit the service to men only? Could this limit future market potential
Opal Salon only does men’s haircuts and beard trims to serve budget-friendly guys in Terrace. It works well for our home-based setup and keeps things simple as the only worker. We don’t want to offer women’s grooming and will keep focusing on men.
18) What licenses or insurance are in place to operate in clients’ homes?
Opal Salon has a municipal business license and a Personal Service Establishment permit from Northern Health to run the home-based salon and mobile services in Terrace. We also have general liability insurance to cover accidents in clients’ homes.
19) Do you have safety and hygiene protocols outlined for in home service?
our home-based salon plan includes daily cleaning and disinfecting tools, in-home services we use disposable items and clean tools between clients, wash hands or use sanitizer, set up a clean workspace with disposable covers, and throw away waste in a sharps container to keep things safe and clean during mobile visits.
20)What safety precautions do you follow in clients’ homes?
In clients’ homes, I check for sickness, use clean and disposable tools, wash hands or use sanitizer, set up a clean workspace with disposable covers, and dispose of waste in a sharps container to keep everything safe.
21) What training or certifications do you have?
I don’t have formal certifications, but I’m a professional barber with some experience doing haircuts and beard trims back in India. I’ve learned the skills to provide great service and follow all the health and safety rules required by Northern Health to keep my salon safe and legal in Terrace.