Top 8 Summer Barbering Tips

Hey, fellow barbershop owners!

Summer can be a tricky time with holidays and high demand, so I want to share some tips and strategies that have worked for us to keep things running smoothly.

Setting Up a Summer Holiday Policy

First things first, everyone needs a break, especially during the summer. To keep your shop running smoothly, consider a policy where only one barber can take time off at a time. This way we still have at least two-thirds of the staff in-house to cater to our clients.

Keeping Operations Smooth

Summer can be a bit of a juggling act with staff holidays, but it’s manageable with the right tools. Use a company calendar to coordinate and rearrange responsibilities. It’s also crucial for your team to take their full holiday allowance to avoid burnout. Management software can help you plan and track holidays well in advance, keeping your team fresh and ready to serve clients. On another note, make sure you are not fully booked so you are open to walk-ins.

Promoting Summer Deals

To keep your chairs full, even when regular clients are on holiday, consider running summer promotions. At Dan’s Barbershop, we offer “Summer Daily Deals” via our Vagaro page and other special discounts to attract walk-ins or last-minute bookings.

Certain services become more popular also, such as lighter colour, buzz cuts, wet shaves, and special event haircuts for weddings. Make sure you’re well-stocked with the appropriate products and that your staff is ready to handle these requests.

Maintaining Strong Client Relationships

Maintaining strong client relationships is crucial, especially when staffing is reduced. Use Vagaro’s appointment notes to plan and track holiday bookings well in advance. This allows you to provide clients with plenty of notice about any changes. If a client’s favourite barber is away, try to match them with another suitable barber who can meet their style and personality preferences.

Managing client expectations and ensuring a seamless experience, even with potential personnel changes, is key. Keep communication clear and honest.

Streamlining Communication with Clients

To simplify communication, use a tool like the Vagaro Connect App. This app allows for direct, one-on-one conversations with clients, making it easy for them to reschedule or notify you if they’re running late. As a small, independent business, this can be a game-changer that allows us to have direct one-on-one communication with our clients without having a receptionist.

Preparing for Summer Conditions

Summer brings its own set of challenges, like customers wanting more frequent haircuts and the need to change shirts due to sweating. Be prepared for these situations by having backup plans, such as spare shirts for your staff.

Supporting Your Team

The summer period can be demanding, so it’s important to keep your team motivated. Focus on coaching, rewarding, and supporting your employees to maintain a positive work environment, even when things get hectic.

Anticipating Summer Demand

Make sure your shop is well-stocked, and your staff is prepared to handle the spike in buzz cuts, wet shaves, and special event haircuts such as weddings. Be prepared for minor panic when it gets hot during heatwave time. You will find that on the hottest days, more customers will want a complete shave-off – so keep checking the forecast!

Thanks for reading - let’s keep those clippers buzzing and your clients happy! To book your buzzcut or wet shave, visit Dan's Barbershop today