Thinking of Buying a Barber Shop in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

Australia’s barber shop industry continues to thrive as men place increasing value on personal grooming, premium haircare, and curated style experiences.

In 2024, industry revenue reached $560 million, with growth forecast at 0.7% annually through 2030.

While economic conditions and COVID-era slowdowns impacted revenue, the rebound in demand for regular grooming, beard maintenance, and high-end services signals strong long-term potential for skilled operators and entrepreneurs.

Buyers must assess workforce capabilities, recurring revenue models, and brand positioning to ensure sustainability and scalability.

1. Is the Business Financially Viable?

Why It Matters:

Barber shops rely on frequent, repeat visits from regular clients, with high-margin upsells such as beard trims, hot towel shaves, and styling products contributing to revenue growth. Understanding the balance between service income and retail sales is key to long-term profitability.

What to Check:

• Revenue breakdown: Is the income primarily from haircuts, or is it supported by beard services and product sales?
  
  

• Repeat business: Does the shop have a loyal client base with frequent return visits every 3–6 weeks?
  
  

• Staff costs: What are the wage structures, commission agreements, and staffing levels?
  
  

• Profit margins: Are high-margin services like colour treatments and scalp therapies contributing to overall earnings?

2. Does the Location and Brand Attract the Right Clientele?

Why It Matters:

Foot traffic, visibility, and local demographics directly influence customer volume and brand loyalty. A shop’s vibe—whether traditional, modern, luxury, or express—must align with its target market.

What to Check:

• Foot traffic: Is the barber shop located in or near high-density areas like CBDs, shopping centres, or transport hubs?
  
  

• Client demographic: Is the brand appealing to professionals, students, families, or high-end clients?
  
  

• Competitor analysis: Are there nearby salons or barber chains offering similar services?
  
  

• Online presence: Does the business have positive reviews, social media traction, and easy online booking?

3. Is the Business Set Up to Scale or Sustain Profitability?

Why It Matters:

Sustainable barber shops leverage retail sales, skilled staff, digital tools, and premium service bundles to drive revenue beyond basic haircuts. Whether independent or franchised, having scalable systems and strong team retention is vital.

What to Check:

• Technology integration: Are there digital check-ins, loyalty programs, and CRM systems in place?
  
  

• Retail product strategy: Is the shop generating consistent income from grooming products and accessories?
  
  

• Staff retention: Are contracts, training, and work culture set up to retain experienced barbers?
  
  

• Franchise or independent model: Does the business offer operational support (if franchised), or the flexibility to tailor services and pricing (if independent)?

Ready to Invest in a Thriving Barber Shop?

With rising male grooming standards, recurring customer demand, and growing interest in premium experiences, the Australian barber shop industry offers stable and scalable business opportunities.

Success comes from combining location, service quality, branding, and skilled staff to build loyalty and maximise revenue per client. Choose the model that best fits your goals—franchised consistency or independent creativity.

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