. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beauty - Expert Panel
Robert Miles
Managing Director of Premiere Software
"Setting up a home-based beauty business is becoming an increasingly popular choice and has been made much easier due to the advancement in technology and the flexibility it offers to working on the move."
Suzanne Alcock Thompson
Education Director at Asu Nail & Beauty Supplies / Training Academy
"Working from home you can arrange hours to suit you - unlike a salon with regular opening hours. Working from home can be suited well to mothers so your working hours can work around your children's schedules and school times."
Virginie Claire
Founder of Virginie Claire Products
"It's becoming more and more frequent in recent times that therapists are setting up from home."
"Much of this is down to the current economy where rents can be unaffordable and over all costs outweigh the success of the business.
"Overheads are minimal and no rent is required so the initial start-up fee is greatly reduced, a therapist's working hours are more flexible, finances are better meaning you can focus on quality treatments, and time off is easily organised.
"However, there are cons too, the main ones being custom can be harder to come by because the business is not located in a prime location with regular passing trade, advertisements could work out more expensive, it might feel too much like a home to clients and not like a treatment centre, treatments will have to be cheaper to get peoples' attention, and retail products can be more difficult to pass onto clients.
"There are many points to consider on opening a business at home, but one thing is for certain, it takes the same amount of hard work to succeed no matter where the business is."
"Working from home can also mean less overheads and expenses as you already pay your mortgage/rent and will not ensure an extra expense of having a second mortgage/rent on a commercial premise. With a commercial premise you usually have to pay yearly services that can be thousands, not to mention commercial rates to your local county council.
"A home based salon can also give an extra special service, for instance, not having the hustle or bustle of a busy salon. It also allows you to run your salon as an extra income whilst working a paid job. Many of our students who attend our Academy have decided to go into the nail and beauty industry as an extra income whilst working in a full-time job. Stock control is also easier and there are no staff, making it hassle free.
"To open a home-based salon, the first step is to get planning permission from your local county council and many therapists make the mistake of taking out insurance as a mobile therapist. However, if you're situated in one location where clients will visit you then you need insurance for public liability. Many therapists go ahead without both, however you may leave yourself open to many issues. You will also need to register your business name and if your earnings reach a certain amount you will need to register for VAT."
Sarah Beirne
Sales & Marketing Manager, French Cosmetics Distributors Ltd
"When setting up a home-based business, there are a number of criteria one should proactively consider. Always have a budget, and stick to the budget, don't run away with paying over the odds for the latest 'en vogue' items."
"Tailor your offering by building a package to suit your clients' needs and know your market and what your potential customers will be looking for.
"Choose carefully what you stock and build on it as your client base grows. Take your business each step at a time and grow your business in line with your business demand and when choosing a supplier ensure that you negotiate speedy service and good payment terms.
"You should also check out if there is any competition in your area - have you got a good business model that will work in your home locality? Do a survey to gain feedback.
"Minimise your risk of litigation by choosing competitive insurance and tried and tested products and treatments and always keep good accounting practices and receipts for all business expenditure.
"And finally, remember, it is a business, don't cross the line between offering freebies to friends and neighbours - start as you mean to go on!"
If you have any questions you would
like to put to our panel, email us at
melissa@aitireland.com 73
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