Five Questions to Ask Before Renting A Beauty Suite

If you’re thinking about renting a beauty suite for your salon business, you probably have a list of questions you want to ask potential landlords. Starting a business is a big deal and you want to make sure the space is the right fit. Here are five questions you shouldn’t forget during your selection process:

What is the length of the lease?

While most property rentals are for a year or more, salon and beauty suites can often have more flexible terms. As a landlord, we want to make sure your business is doing well so we don’t ask for specific time commitments, just 30 days' notice if it’s not working out. Make sure your lease terms are clear. You don’t want to be stuck in an agreement that you can’t get out of if you need to. 

What’s included in the price?

Many salon suites include the client’s chair, a mirror, a storage cabinet, and a sink, basically what you need to get up and running from day one. Utilities are often included too, as well as the security system. What’s not usually included are your products, tools, decor, and retail. Outside of the space itself, renters should budget for limited liability insurance and taxes.

Is there room for growth?

This question is two-fold depending on what you’re looking for. As someone starting out, you might only be looking for one chair. But if growth is in your plan, it’s worth knowing if there are different size suites to accommodate an expanding business.  It’s also smart to ask if the landlord helps renters grow their business by referring new customers. This is a huge perk that can be really beneficial in the early days.

Is there a security deposit?

This is a good question from a budget perspective. The answer is generally the equivalent to one month’s rent which depends on the suite size and your location. If no damage is done to the suite, you will get that money back once you finish the lease and move on.

What other benefits do you offer?

Some beauty suites offer only the space, while others like ours offer mentorship, continuing education, training, and even guidance on retail and software options. It’s also good to know if you’re looking at a salon suite that has a community feel or if it’s more of a solitary vibe. Depending on what you’re looking for, this can really affect the way you work, so it’s worth finding out before you sign on the dotted line. 

No matter what kind of beauty suite you are looking for, it’s important to get a feeling for the space, the vibe, and the other renters that will be around you. Visit several locations and weigh your options based on what’s most important to you. Work is the place you spend most of your time and starting a business is a big deal, so it’s worth getting it right for a successful start.

Talia Horta is the co-founder of BriAry Salon Suites, a collection of boutique luxury spaces designed specifically for beauty business owners. BriAry Salon Suites offers rentals as well as business mentoring and coaching to help stylists, aestheticians, and technicians navigate the world of entrepreneurship. www.briarysalonsuites.com