Chop Shop Franchise, Inc. - Industry Q & A

Michael Procter, Co-founder of Chop Shop Hair Company explains for us the Hair & Beauty industry and the roll his franchise plays in it.

Can you please tell us more about the Hair & Beauty industry and why you would recommend it to a potential franchisee?

The Hair & Beauty industry is a fun and fantastic industry! It allows artist and creative types to be profitable and career focused, while allowing their artistic merits and integrity remain intact. It is an industry in which the past is honored while remaining fashion forward and kept abreast of cutting edge trends. It is a recession resistant industry, which has existed for centuries.

"The Hair Industry - It' always growing."

How has this industry changed in the last 10 years?  20 years?

With an industry such as the hair and beauty, the ol' adage of "more things change the more they remain the same" is never more true. We like to think that Styles may change but great style doesn't! It is an industry that has existed in many forms, if it be a Barber in the wild west of the 1800's or a wig maker in the old Victorian era, it has and always will be an industry of growth and need. The Hair industry, like many others has benefited through the use of technology. There are now comprehensive salon specialized software programs that can maximize efficiency and results. The industry has only changed with the styles in which it caters to, but now through technology we are able to incorporate efficient marketing initiatives and control and track client retention.

What trends do you see in the hair and beauty industry over the next 5 to 10 years? 

We Start Trends! The Hair & Beauty industry is a fashion forward industry. From the "Mohawk" to the "pompadour", from the "beehive" to the "Rachael" the hair and beauty industry has been integral to some of the most talked about trends of our times. We also feel the industry will have a back to basics approach, as the concern over environmental issues become more prevalent. The Hair industry has become proactive in this regard. More plant based hair care products, recycling initiatives, carbon neutral packaging.

Why do you think Chop Shop Hair Company stands out in the industry?

We are fun, exciting and vibrant. We have adopted the philosophy of "When you are green you grow! When you are ripe you rot!" Although we know where we came from and always honor the history which comes with such an old industry; we also continue to look forward. The industry is always changing and we instill the passion to embrace that change. With the look of the Chop Shop (1950's hot rod garage, with some softer and subtle edges) We have built a timeless model which can service the presents needs, all the while looking to the future.

What makes Chop Shop Hair Company more attractive than your competitor's?

See Above - Our Franchise Model is priced under $200k , while our competitors model can be priced up to $600k. With our look (timeless classics) we are more resilient to expensive renovations, Re-branding and changing design trends. We are unisex, and specialize in colour service as a lot of our competitors focus on Men only and/or cutting services only.

Having our own TV series sure doesn't hurt either!

Can you please tell us more about your ideal candidate?

Passionate, Committed, financially responsible, motivated. We don't want just any franchisee - We want the Right Franchisees.

What's the strongest skill you require in a candidate? 

Determination.

Describe the working environment of Chop Shop Hair Company's franchisees.

The working environment is indoors. Depending on the Franchisee's role in their company, it can be done at a home office or on-site in the Chop Shop.

Why has Chop Shop Hair Company been successful?

We started out catering to a niche market; we were attractive and trusted by this market.  Through consistent and excellent quality services and customer appreciation we were able to grow into other demographics by the most powerful and trusted marketing tool - word of mouth! The word got out on our business, great services, affordable pricing, excellent customer care and a fun upbeat environment!

What advice would you give someone interested in buying a franchise in your industry? 

The Hair industry can be daunting if not approached properly. Make sure you have a general interest in this industry; a passion for this type of industry is a definite plus. Our training programs and Ops manuals will fill in all the gaps and teach a franchisee everything they will need to own and run a hair salon.

How much experience in this industry should a franchisee candidate have should they consider buying a franchise in your industry?

No experience is needed, but knowledge of the hair 7 beauty industry or retail/customer service is a bonus.