What is the conclusion of this article?
To avoid unnecessary expenses when choosing supplies for opening a salon, make a list of "things you absolutely cannot do without" and "things you can buy later." This simple categorization is the quickest route to getting off to a smart start on a tight budget.
Where do you start? Choosing salon equipment in just 3 steps
If you're wondering, "What should I buy first?", first organize your thoughts with these three steps. If you start looking online right away, you may be distracted by attractive products and end up buying things you don't need.
- Write your salon's "concept" in one line <br>First, remember what kind of customers you want to provide and what value you want to provide them to. For example, if you want a "hideaway salon where women can truly unwind after work," then creating a relaxing space should be your top priority. This will be the foundation for your consistent selection of equipment.
- Make a list of "things you absolutely cannot do without" <br>Next, write down only the tools that you absolutely cannot provide for your treatment or service. For example, for an esthetic salon, this would be a treatment bed and towels, and for a nail salon, a desk and light. These are the most important items that you should get first.
- Make a list of "things that would make things better if we had them" <br>Finally, write down the "nice to have" items that would increase customer satisfaction or make your work easier. Ideas include stylish indirect lighting, high-performance beauty equipment, and amenities for customers. The items on this list are candidates for purchase little by little once you have the funds.
All you need to know: Today's checklist
There's a lot to do when preparing to open a salon. First, let's check the minimum points you need to know to keep initial costs down and open smoothly.
- Have you decided on the "heart" tools you will use directly in the treatment? (e.g. treatment bed, stool)
- Are hygiene management products to keep you and your customers safe included in the list? (e.g., disinfectant, disposable sheets)
- Are there the minimum amenities required to welcome guests? (e.g. slippers, hangers)
- Have you considered the cash register and cash tray needed to manage your money?
- Are consumables listed in "minimum quantities"? (Large quantities are not necessary.)
To-do list (printable)
Below we will introduce a specific list of the minimum tools and equipment required to open a private salon. Check off the items you need based on the type of business your salon will be in (beauty salon, relaxation, nail salon, eyelash extensions, etc.). The trick to reducing waste is to think of things in terms of "absolutely necessary" and "can do later."
[Must-have] A list of supplies you can't get started without
First, let's look at the essential items that form the foundation of salon operations. Don't compromise on these, choose items that are easy to use and durable.
- [ ] Treatment beds and chairs : These are places where customers spend a lot of time. Comfort and ease of treatment are important.
- [ ] Treatment stool : An important tool to protect your body. Choose one that is height adjustable and has smooth casters.
- [ ] Wagon : A platform for placing tools used during treatment. Consider the flow of movement and choose one of the necessary size and number of shelves.
- [ ] Towels : Items that come into direct contact with the customer's skin. We calculate the number of bath towels, face towels, etc. required based on the treatment. To start with, the minimum number is OK.
- [ ] Towel warmer : Warm towels make all the difference in customer satisfaction, so consider this a must-have.
- [ ] A desk and chair for counseling : This is important time spent with customers. Even if it's small, prepare a dedicated space.
- [ ] Guest slippers : Disposable slippers or slippers made of a material that can be disinfected after each use are hygienic.
- [ ] Luggage storage and hangers for customers : Baskets and hanger racks for placing your important clothes and bags.
- [ ] Cash register (cash tray) : A simple cash tray is sufficient at first. Tablet POS registers are also popular these days.
- [ ] Writing implements and medical records : Necessary for recording customer information. Either paper or digital is fine.
- [ ] Smartphone for phone calls and reservations : This is the point of contact for customers. It is recommended to keep it separate from personal use.
- [ ] Cleaning tools : The basics for keeping the salon clean. Vacuum cleaner, floor wiper, dust cloth, etc.
- [ ] Trash cans : It is convenient to have at least two, one for the treatment space and one for customers.
- [ ] Hygiene management products : alcohol for hand sanitizer, disinfectant for instruments, ethanol, disposable sheets and paper, etc.
[By business type] List of necessary tools specialized for treatment
Check out the list below to find out what your salon specializes in.
- [ ] For facial beauty treatments : steamer, magnifying glass, bowl, brush, sponge, hot cabinet
- [ ] For body treatment : treatment oil/cream, paper shorts/bra, heat mat (can be added later)
- [ ] For nail salons : Nail desk, nail chair, UV/LED light, dust collector, nail machine, gel/color, brushes, files
- [ ] For eyelash extensions and eyelash perms : Reclining chair, dedicated light (to illuminate your hands), glue, extension hair, tweezers, perm solution, rods
- [ ] For relaxation (massage, etc.) : Change of clothes (for the customer), face pillow for lying face down
[OK for later] A list of useful and useful equipment
These are things you can manage without when you first open your business. You can gradually acquire them as your customer base increases or you have more money to spare. There is no need to go out of your way to buy them at the beginning.
- [ ] High-performance beauty equipment : When purchasing expensive equipment such as iontophoresis or radio waves, consider the cost-effectiveness after installation.
- [ ] Stylish indirect lighting and interior accessories : Creating the right atmosphere is important, but you can start with minimal lighting.
- [ ] Drink service for guests : Herbal tea, specialty coffee, etc. Mineral water is sufficient at first.
- * [ ]
Speakers for background music
- : At first, you can use a smartphone instead.
- [ ] Houseplants : They add a soothing touch to the space, but you should also consider the amount of care required before introducing them.
- [ ] Signs : Even small, handmade ones can be effective at first.
- [ ] Website/Reservation System : You can start with social media or a free reservation tool.
- [ ] Original design promotional materials : Simple designs are fine for shop cards and flyers to start with.
- [ ] Magazines and books for customers : This is a way to deal with waiting times, but individual salons should aim for operations with no waiting times.
What are the steps and tips for choosing supplies? 4 steps to choose wisely
Once you have your list, it's time to buy. Don't rush into this step. Here are some steps and tips to help you choose wisely and make the right choice for your salon.
- Step 1: Final check of the list and prioritization <br>Look at the "to-do list" you've created and think again about whether the items are really necessary for your salon. Even within the "must-have" list, prioritize them further. By numbering the items, such as "1. Treatment bed," "2. Towel warmer," and "3. Cart," the order in which you should buy them will become clear.
- Step 2: Decide on a budget for supplies <br>Based on the overall picture of your start-up capital, decide on the maximum amount you can spend on purchasing supplies. Planning to stay within this amount is extremely important in keeping initial costs down. Never just buy things "on a whim."
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Step 3: Where to buy? Research where to buy . There is more than one place to buy equipment. The smart approach is to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and use different options depending on the item. For example, think flexibly and consider buying from a specialized wholesaler for beds, online stores for towels, and general stores for stylish accessories.
Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of purchasing locations
Where to buy merit Disadvantages Wholesale and mail order site specializing in beauty products They have a wide selection of products and you can find professional grade items. You can also get a discount by buying in bulk. Most products are sold in lots, which can be inconvenient when you only need a small amount. General online shopping (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.) It's easy to compare prices and read reviews. It's easy to buy even just one item. It's difficult to judge the quality. Cheap overseas products can also raise concerns about support in the event of a breakdown. Second-hand goods sales sites and recycle shops Initial costs can be significantly reduced. You may be able to find some great bargains. There is often no warranty, so you need to carefully check for scratches and stains. Rental and leasing services You can purchase expensive beauty equipment on a monthly basis. You can try it out. If you use it for a long period of time, the total cost may be higher than if you were to purchase it. Physical stores (IKEA, Nitori, MUJI, etc.) You can actually see, touch, and check the size. You can also find substitutes for home use. There are few professional tools available, and it takes time and effort to carry them yourself. - Step 4: Purchase and installation simulation <br>Once you've decided what to purchase, it's time to place your order. But before you do, be sure to simulate where you'll place them in your salon. Especially with large pieces of equipment like treatment beds and carts, if you don't consider how people will move around after you've placed them (your ease of movement, and the ease with which customers can pass by), you'll end up regretting it later, thinking, "It's difficult to use..." We recommend measuring the size with a tape measure and marking it on the floor with tape to get a feel for the actual size.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Stories of mistakes made by previous owners are great textbooks. To avoid making the same mistakes, it's important to know the common stumbling blocks and how to avoid them.
| Stumbling | cause | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| I chose it based on appearance, but it was hard to use. | Design and "looking good" were prioritized over functionality and treatment flow. | Always keep in mind that these are tools that you will use every day. Check the comfort of the stool, the height of the cart, and other aspects of practicality first. |
| I bought a great value "opening kit" and ended up with a bunch of unnecessary items | It was too much hassle to buy each item individually, so I jumped at the chance to buy a set. | Even if it's a hassle, make a list of only the items you really need for your salon and purchase them individually. This will ultimately reduce waste the most. |
| It was a pittance, a penny wise. | I just wanted to keep the initial costs down, so I chose the cheapest option possible. | When it comes to items that are used daily or that affect the safety of our customers, such as treatment beds and stools, we don't just choose based on price. We choose products from trusted manufacturers and high-quality second-hand items. |
| Buying a large amount of consumables leads to a mountain of inventory | I stocked up on a lot of them during the sale, thinking, "I'll use them anyway." | Consumables should be limited to "a month's worth of supplies plus a little extra." Not only do they take up storage space, but they also turn funds into inventory, putting pressure on business. |
| I bought it without measuring the size and it didn't fit in my room. | I ordered large fixtures without considering the size of the room or the width of the door. | Before purchasing, be sure to measure the size of the access route (entrance, hallway, door) and the installation location with a tape measure. Pay particular attention to beds and large shelves. |
A collection of tips to reduce waste of money and time
There are some small tips that individual salon owners should know, especially since they have limited time and money. Here are some ideas to help you save time and money when choosing equipment.
- Look for household substitutes: For storage boxes and cleaning tools that are not visible to customers, items from Nitori, Muji, or 100-yen shops may be sufficient. Professional-grade items do not necessarily mean good quality.
- Use second-hand and outlet items wisely: For beauty equipment, beds, and other items, check out specialized second-hand sales websites. You may be able to find like-new items at bargain prices. However, be sure to check whether they come with a warranty.
- Consider rental services: If you are unsure whether you really need expensive, cutting-edge beauty equipment in your salon, renting it first is a good idea. You can then decide to purchase it after seeing how your customers react to it.
- Ask experienced salon owners questions on social media: If you search hashtags like "#preparingtoopenaprivatesalon" on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter), you'll find many experienced salon owners. If you muster up the courage to ask a question like, "How does this stool feel?", they may be able to give you some real information.
- Get into the habit of getting multiple quotes: When buying something a little expensive, be sure to get multiple quotes to compare prices from multiple shops and websites. It's not uncommon for the same item to cost several thousand to tens of thousands of yen differently.
- Include shipping costs and reward points in your calculations: Compare not only the product price but also the total cost, including shipping. Another smart way to save money is to shop on days when points are rewarded at sites like Rakuten and Yahoo! Shopping.
Q&A to answer your questions immediately
When choosing equipment, many questions will arise. Here we will answer the most common questions we receive from beginner salon owners.
Q. So, how much will the initial costs be for just the equipment?
A. It depends on the type of business and concept, but a good guideline is to spend between 200,000 and 500,000 yen on the bare minimum. For example, you could spend 150,000 yen on essential equipment like treatment beds and towel warmers, and 50,000 yen on consumables like towels and oils. If you include expensive beauty equipment, it could cost over 1 million yen, but it's best to start small.
Q. Is it better to have expensive beauty equipment from the start?
A. No, you don't necessarily have to introduce new equipment right from the start. It's safe to start with a menu that focuses on your techniques (hand treatments, etc.), and then consider introducing new equipment once your customers' needs and your salon's management have stabilized. Think of equipment as "added value" only.
Q. How many consumable items such as towels and oils should I stock to be safe?
A. When you first start your business, we recommend preparing a one-month supply. If you have too much, you will have trouble finding a place to store it and it will put a strain on your cash flow. If you have too little, you run the risk of running out of stock, so make sure to create a cycle of ordering frequently while keeping an eye on customer reservations.
Q. I want a stylish interior, but I don't have the budget...
A. You don't need to buy everything with stylish, high-end items. First of all, think about "cleanliness." On top of that, even if you add just one low-budget item that can change the atmosphere, such as a cushion cover, art on the wall, or a small light, you can greatly improve the impression of the space. Make good use of IKEA and ZARA HOME.
Q. Where is the best place to buy supplies?
A. There is no place where you can be sure to get the best deal, so it's best to use different sites depending on the item. Shop wisely, taking advantage of the strengths of each site: for professional tools, go to beauty wholesale sites, for towels and accessories, go to online stores like Rakuten, and for bargains, go to second-hand sites.
Next step: Tomorrow's action notes
After reading this article, if you have a clear idea of what you need to do, start taking action starting tomorrow. It doesn't have to be a big step. Small steps pile up and lead to opening your dream salon.
- First step tomorrow: Print out the to-do list from this article or write it down in a notebook.
- Five-minute revision: Write down your salon concept in just one line on your smartphone's notepad. Then, check if there are any items on your "wish list" that don't fit that concept.
- If you're unsure: Search "#homesalonprep" on Instagram to see what supplies other people are using and what ideas they have.
Recommended next read
While preparing the equipment, you should also proceed with other preparations. We have prepared some useful articles for opening your own salon.
- How to open a private salon? A complete guide in 7 steps
- Is it okay to open a salon with zero personal funds? A summary of financing methods
- Creating an attractive menu for your private salon that will make your customers want to come back!
Reference links (primary information/official)
It is extremely important to refer to reliable public information when it comes to salon management, especially hygiene management.