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How to Start a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business

For most people, the idea that a shear sharpening business can be profitable is hilarious, but for entrepreneurs who understand the hair care industry, a hairdresser’s shear sharpening business is viable enough to deliver high returns.

Note that just like any other profession, hair stylists always require certain equipment to carry out their tasks and this equipment is not always so cheap. Professional quality shears, for instance, can run into hundreds of dollars, therefore stylists are always seeking ways to ensure that this equipment lasts as long as possible.

As a hairdresser shear sharpening business, you will be sharpening professional grade shears for hairstylists and barbers. If you can cultivate a reputable brand, you can have clients who ship their shears, scissors, clippers, and other equipment to you, and who can also pay as much as $47 for the top-class services you offer.

Steps to Start a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business

  1. Conduct Market Research

It is important to carry out detailed market research before you start your business to ensure you know your local competitors and what they have to offer in the marketplace. This way, you can then design your business in a way that sets you apart from the rest.

Additionally, note trends in the hair industry that your business can benefit from and also seek ways to position your business to leverage them. It is also necessary to know the resources that are available such as associations, education classes, programs, conferences, and even networking with colleagues that have firsthand experience with the industry.

a. Who is the Target Market?

As a hairdresser with a shear sharpening business, your target audiences are hairdressers and hairstylists. To be successful behind the chair, stylists need many tools, but none is as important as a good pair of shears. Howbeit, shears can’t stay sharp forever. Like any tool, they will always require maintenance and not everyone can sharpen a pair of shears properly.

Your target audience will also include people who steadily use knives or blades in the kitchen or homeowners who want their garden tools, mower blades, or chain saws sharp and effective. Your target audience will also include every business that requires sharpening services such as butchers and chefs.

b. Is Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business a Profitable Business?

Yes. A hairdresser’s shear sharpening business has the potential for high profits. Hairstylists are known to invest a couple of thousands of dollars on shears, and a good number of them always seek reliable shear sharpening services to ensure that their shears stay sharp and effective.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No. the Hairdresser shear sharpening business is already a niche market in the massive Professional Blade and Tool Sharpening Services Industry.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?
  • Leading Edge Sharpening
  • American Cutting Edge, Inc.
  • Cozzini Bros, Inc.
  • Florida Knife Company
  • Town Cutler
  • Custom Sharpening
  • Wicked Sharp Shears
  • National Sharpening Co.
e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

Yes. Depending on the state or municipality you choose to start your business, there may be specific requirements that “may” need to be met, such as a license or certificate of Occupancy. It is imperative to contact your local agency to find out the requirements for starting your business.

f. Is There a Franchise for Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?
  • Edgemaster Mobile Sharpening: $24,650 – $34,300
g. What Do You Need to Start a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?
  • Extensive Research
  • DBA
  • Viable Location
  • Necessary Licenses And Permits
  • Proper Training
  • Shear Sharpening Equipment And Supplies
  1. Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.

Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a hairdresser shear sharpening business are;

Creative Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business Name ideas
  • Glittering Stone
  • Shining Blades
  • Edge Experts
  • Lightning Shear
  • Maxwell Sharpening
  • Clean Sharp Shop
  • Turnaround Sharpening
  • Edge Of Blade
  • Unblunt Co.
  • Sharp Edge Service
  • Quick Sharpening
  • Cornerstone Industrial Sharpening
  • Fling N Shine
  • Pure Crystal Sharpening
  • Danica Shear World
  • Expert Tools
  • Reliable Tomorrow
  • Wider Knives LLC
  • Little Edge Knives
  • Grand Sharpening
  1. Register your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

The best business structure that is perfectly suited for your hairdresser’s shear sharpening business will normally come down to the sole proprietorship and Limited Liability Company.

While the sole proprietorship is the least expensive and easiest business structure to form, have it in mind that the owner is liable should anything happen to the business. Meanwhile, the LLC offers the ability to run your business as a sole proprietorship with the liability protection of a corporation.

b. Steps to Form an LLC
  • Select a Name for Your LLC.
  • File Articles of Organization.
  • Designate a registered agent.
  • Decide on member vs. manager management.
  • Put together an LLC operating agreement.
  • Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

Although there are no specific licenses needed to start a hairdresser shear sharpening business, there are general licensing requirements for starting a business in the United States. Below are the basic licenses and permits to consider;

  • Business Name Registration
  • Entity Formation
  • General Business License or Permit
  • Resale Certificate
  • Sales Tax Permit or Business Number
  • Federal Employer Identification Number
  • Certificate of Occupancy
  • Home Occupation Permit
d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

You do not need to have any formal training or special certification to start and manage a hairdresser shear sharpening business. Nonetheless, below are other industry-related certifications to consider;

  • NBTSG Grand Master Sharpener (GM)
  • IBSA Shear Sharpening Certification
e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?
  • Business License
  • Business Plan
  • Online Terms of Use (if you have a website)
  • DBA
  • EIN
  • Business and liability insurance
  • Federal Tax Payer’s ID
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Refund policy
f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

No. In this line of business, you may not need to file for intellectual property protection/trademark.

  1. Do your Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

You will need around $10,000 to start a hairdresser shear sharpening business in the United States. You will have to purchase sharpening equipment, extra tools, and any supplies that you’re going to need. You will also be spending some of that money to advertise your services, obtain a workshop, and pay yourself or your workers a small salary.

b. What are the Cost Involved?
  • Setting up a business name and corporation costs approximately: $200.
  • Business cards, brochures, postcards for marketing: $200 – $300
  • Website setup: $100 – $2,000
  • Sharpening equipment such as stropping belts, belt sander, paper wheels, sharpening machines, multi-grit stones, honing compounds, safety glasses, etc.: $1,000 +
  • A vehicle for a mobile service: $10,000
  • Shop space: $500 – $1,000 per month
  • Liability insurance, worker’s comp, property-casualty insurance: $600 – $1,000
  • Initial marketing such as Facebook ads or search engine optimization for your website, flyers, and postcards: $500 -$1,000
c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?
  • Insurance Policy
  • Business Registration
  • Equipment
  • Ongoing Expenses
  • Branding, Promotion, and Marketing
  • Business Location
  • Necessary Licenses and Permits
d. Do You Need to Build a Facility?

No, you do not necessarily need a facility to start and run a hairdresser shear sharpening business. While you can start this business from home, you can also choose to start a mobile hairdresser shear sharpening business, or even choose to work with a hairstylist, spa, or salon to offer your sharpening services.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?
  • Rental space if you want your own space
  • Overhead costs (electric, booking software, etc.)
  • Supply costs
  • Advertising costs
  • Any costs to maintain your equipment and team
f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
  • Manager: $32,860
  • Business development specialist: $30,750
  • Accountant: $28,000
  • Sharpener: $22,440
  • Support Staff (Volunteers): 0
g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

If you do not have enough capital to start your hairdresser shear sharpening business, you get financial assistance from these external sources;

  • Small loans from the bank.
  • A loan from spouse, family, or friends.
  • Venture capital.
  • Investors
  • Grants and subsidies
  1. Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Shining Blades is an onsite sharpening service that professionally repairs and services shears, knives, tools, scissors, and end mills at our client’s location. Our business will provide both a quality sharpening experience and prompt service. We will use the same water-cooled sharpening machines that are used during the manufacturing of shears and knives to ensure we restore them to the same condition as the day they were bought.

b. Products and Service
  • Disinfecting of scissors or shears from fungus and other bacteria
  • Razor Sharp Honing and/or Sharpening
  • Minor repairs such as small nick removal
  • Lubrication
  • Balance & Adjustment
  • Add or replace finger rings, washers, finger tangs, stoppers, and more.
c. Mission Statement

As professional shear sharpeners, our mission at Shining Blades goes beyond sharpening shears. We are passionate about our work and our customers. Without loyal customers, we believe we can’t attain success.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to see to the needs of our clients while also watching them pour their hearts and souls into their clients and their business.

d. Goals and Objectives
  • Delivers the best shear sharpening
  • Ensure that the inside face of each hollow ground shear blade is professionally hand-honed every time
  • Guarantee that shears are completely disassembled, cleaned, adjusted, and oiled
e. Organizational Structure
  • Manager
  • Business development specialist
  • Accountant
  • Sharpener
  • Support Staff (Volunteers)

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
  • Experience and skill set needed for the procedures.
  • Well-trained support staff.
  • A detailed training program that grooms the customer-centric model into the business culture.
Weaknesses
  • Inconsistent cash flow for the first year while we strive to build a foundation for our sharpening business
  • Lack of experience in running a business.
  • The daunting task of building a brand as a start-up organization.
Opportunities
  • Involvement in an ever-growing market.
  • Increased margins
Threats
  • New competition
  • Economic downturn
b. How Do Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Businesses Make Money?

In this line of business, the prices are set by the business owner or individual sharpeners working in the facility, depending upon the business setup. Each client is charged based on the services they ask for. It is also standard procedure for tips to be added by the customer, and this will go directly to the sharpener who carried out the services

c. Payment Options
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via mobile money transfer
d. Sales & Advertising Strategies
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Social Media Management
  • Lead Funnels
  • Social Media Advertising
  • Reputation Management
  • Local Authority Packages
  • Web Design
  • Video Marketing
  • Content Writing & Marketing
  • Pay Per Click Advertising (PPC)
  • Email Marketing
  • Software Development

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your Service?
  • Scissors: $10.00
  • Pinking shears: $12.00
  • Beautician shears: $35.00
  • Barber/ grooming shears: $20.00
b. How Much Profit Do Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business Owners Make a Year?

Prices for shear sharpening are from $10 – $35.  If you can build up a large number of customers and sharpen 200 shears per week at $10, you will make $2,000 a week or $104,000 per year.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?
  • Marketing and Customer Retention Strategies
  • Investment
  • Location
  • Number of Clients
d. What is the Profit Margin of a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

This will most often depend on the price of the shear sharpening services you offer, your marketing strategies, and your business location. However, expect the profit margins of your hairdresser’s shear sharpening business to fall within 35-50%.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?
  • First Fiscal Year (FY1): $64,000
  • Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $132,000
  • Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $214,000
  1. Set Up your Shop 

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business

Although you can run your hairdresser shear sharpening business from your home to save costs, however, if you intend to have a shop, it should be in a convenient location for your customers. Other factors to consider when choosing a perfect location for your hairdressers shear sharpening business include;

  • Size of the Space
  • Cost of the Space
  • Location-Specific Regulations
  • Visibility
  • Accessibility
  • Surrounding Businesses
  • Proximity to Competitors
b. What State and City are Best to Open a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?
  • Santa Barbara, California.
  • Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • San Diego, California.
  • Anchorage, Alaska.
  • San Francisco, California.
  • New York, New York.
  • Miami, Florida.
  • Los Angeles, California.
c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate?

Have it in mind that any tool sharpening business requires a sharpening system and an edge tool. To sharpen double-edged shears and shears with a blunt edge, you will need a blade workbench and an exhaust hood. Using an edge tool will also help you increase the longevity of the blades and cut down on frustration.

  1. Hire Employees

In this line of business, while you can start and manage your business alone, you can choose to hire employees to help you run the business, especially if you have a large customer base.

Coupled with salary costs, your budget will also have to inculcate other employee-related expenses. Workman’s comp insurance, unemployment insurance, and paid time off are common expenses that a business will be expected to cover when hiring staff.

  1. Launch the Business Proper

To launch your hairdresser shear sharpening business, you will require a properly designed corporate ID. As a new hairdresser with a shear sharpening business, you may not necessarily need to create a complete corporate ID package; however, ensure you design a captivating logo and business cards, and once your business is open and running, you can continue with the other components, such as your website.

a. What Makes a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business Successful?

To attain success in this line of business, you must devise a market penetration strategy that incentivizes stylists to abandon their current sharpening service providers and give your business a try. According to experts, value-added elements can be quite effective and can genuinely help your hairdresser’s shear business capture market share from already existing providers.

In this line of business, new venues sometimes offer free shipping, shear sales, and specialization (i.e. authorized sharpeners for specific brands) to ensure their business stands apart from the competition and offers more value.

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?

In this line of business, a good part of your day will be spent working on the shears, though owners will have to devote time to advertising their services and working with clients as well. Also, note that they may need to practice simple project management to ensure that all repairs can be actualized on time for their customers.

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Hairdresser Shear Sharpening Business?
  • Customer service
  • Industry Experience
  • Business knowledge and experience
  • Knife sharpening education
  • Attention to detail
  • Determination
  • Resourcefulness
  • Time Management Skills
  • Adaptability Skills