Don’t Sign That Lease Yet! What Every Stylist Should Know About Booth Rental

Thinking about booth rental but feeling unsure if it’s the right move for you? Wondering where to even start? Don’t worry — I’ve got you! Booth rental is a lot like being a salon owner, but slightly less complex. You might not have to worry about owning a building, but you do need to make sure you can cover your rent, manage clients, promote yourself, handle your schedule, and keep track of money and taxes.

Here are 6 key things to consider before you take the leap.

1. Rent

Whether you’re renting a single station in a salon or an entire suite, the cost is a big factor. Booth rental can be pricey, especially if you’re just starting to build your clientele. Payments are usually weekly or biweekly and can range anywhere from $200–$1000+ depending on location and salon quality.

Remember: Your rent may include the space, utilities, Wi-Fi, and the owner’s profit — so factor that into your budget before committing.

2. Clientele

This one is huge! You cannot afford to pay for services out of pocket. Make sure you have enough clients to cover rent and make a profit.

Example:
If your rent is $200/week and you only service 2 clients at $100 each, you’ve only broken even — meaning you essentially worked for free after covering rent! Make sure your client base is strong enough to make booth rental profitable.

3 . Marketing

Marketing is essential for growing your clientele and ensuring your booth rental is sustainable. Word of mouth, business cards, and happy clients are still effective — but social media is the game changer.

Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to:

• Share quality photos and videos of your work

• Schedule appointments

• Promote your services

Pro tip: Offer incentives for referrals. Social media plus happy clients = more business and more profit!

4. Products, tools, and materials 

As a booth renter, you’re responsible for your tools and back-bar products (like shampoos, color, towels, capes, etc.). Some rental spaces include back-bar, but these are usually more expensive.

Make sure your pricing covers both your labor and the cost of products.

Example:
If you spend $50 on product for a haircolor service and charge $50, you haven’t made a profit — you just covered your product cost. If you charge $100, your profit is only $50. Always price services to account for products, tools, and your time!

5. Hours of business

Some rental spaces give you full access 24/7, while others have set salon hours. Check this before committing — your flexibility (or lack of it) can impact your schedule, clients, and ultimately, your income.

6. Health insurance 

 Most booth rental agreements do not include health insurance. You’ll likely be responsible for finding your own coverage. For some, this isn’t a deal breaker — but it’s something to factor into your budget and long-term planning.

✅ Conclusion

Booth rental can be an amazing opportunity to grow your career, gain independence, and increase your income — but it’s not without responsibility. Make sure you consider rent, clientele, marketing, products, hours, and health insurance before saying yes.

I hope this helps you decide if booth rental is right for you! If you try it, let me know how it goes. 💖💖

💛 Don’t Stop Here!
Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel, Like Our Facebook Page, Join Our Facebook Community, And Follow Us On TikTok For More Cosmetology Tips, Education, And Motivation!