Boosting Revenue in Your Barbershop: Selling Products, Installing ATMs, and Adding Vending Machines

Running a successful barbershop involves more than just cutting hair. Today’s barbershop owners have plenty of opportunities to increase revenue by offering additional services and products. Three key methods that many overlook are selling grooming products, installing ATMs, and placing vending machines in their shops. These simple additions can increase your income without significantly increasing your workload. But how much money can you realistically make, and what are the myths versus the facts about these revenue boosters? Let’s dive in.

1. Selling Grooming Products: Fact vs. Myth

Fact: Selling Products Can Add 10-30% to Your Revenue

Selling grooming products like shampoos, conditioners, beard oils, and styling gels is one of the easiest ways to increase revenue. According to industry data, retail sales can contribute an additional 10-30% to a barbershop’s total revenue. When clients trust your service, they’re more likely to buy products you recommend for use at home, creating a steady stream of passive income.

Myth: Clients Won't Buy Products from Barbers

One common misconception is that clients prefer to buy their grooming products elsewhere or online. However, studies show that clients are more likely to buy products recommended by their barbers since they trust your expertise. If you use the products during their haircut and educate them on the benefits, they’re much more likely to make a purchase before leaving.

Income Projection:

If your barbershop averages 200 clients per month, and 25% of clients buy a product that adds $10 to their total, that's an additional $500 per month or $6,000 annually just from retail sales.

2. Installing an ATM: Fact vs. Myth

Fact: ATMs Can Generate Passive Income

An ATM in your barbershop offers two major benefits: it provides convenience for clients and generates passive income through transaction fees. You can charge anywhere from $2 to $5 per withdrawal. Barbershops that are cash-heavy often benefit the most from having an ATM on-site.

Myth: Installing an ATM Is Complicated and Costly

Many barbershop owners avoid installing ATMs because they think it's expensive or too complicated. However, most ATM providers offer placement services for free, and some even split the profits with the shop owner. Maintenance and cash replenishment are often handled by the ATM company, making it a low-effort way to generate income.

Income Projection:

If 10 clients use the ATM daily, and you charge a $3 fee, that’s an extra $900 per month or $10,800 annually in passive income.

3. Adding a Vending Machine: Fact vs. Myth

Fact: Vending Machines Can Earn Up to $400 a Month

Placing a vending machine with snacks, drinks, or even grooming products in your shop offers convenience to your clients and provides another revenue stream. Vending machines typically generate $50 to $400 per month depending on foot traffic, product selection, and pricing.

Myth: Vending Machines Are High Maintenance

Many believe vending machines require constant restocking and maintenance. However, modern vending machines are highly efficient, and you can even find providers who handle restocking for you. If you choose to maintain it yourself, you can opt for low-maintenance products that don’t require refrigeration.

Income Projection:

A well-placed vending machine could generate around $200-$400 per month or $2,400-$4,800 annually in extra revenue, with minimal effort beyond occasional restocking.

Combining All Three Revenue Streams

By combining product sales, an ATM, and a vending machine, you can dramatically increase your barbershop’s profitability with minimal additional work. Here’s how the numbers break down when you combine all three:

• Product Sales: $6,000 annually
• ATM Fees: $10,800 annually
• Vending Machine Sales: $2,400 - $4,800 annually

Total Additional Revenue: $19,200 - $21,600 annually

That’s a significant boost to your revenue, and these projections don’t even account for other possible add-ons like memberships or extra services.

How to Implement These Ideas in Your Barbershop

1. Start Small: Begin by selling a few high-quality products that are relevant to your clientele, such as beard oils, styling gels, or shampoos.

2. Partner with Providers: Reach out to ATM and vending machine providers who offer revenue-sharing models or low-cost installation. Many companies will take care of the maintenance and cash management for ATMs and vending machines.

3. Advertise Your Add-Ons: Let your clients know you sell products, have an ATM for their convenience, or offer snacks and drinks. Simple signage or conversations can increase awareness and sales.

Maximizing your barbershop’s revenue goes beyond cutting hair. By adding retail products, an ATM, and a vending machine, you can increase your income significantly without much extra effort. The additional services not only enhance the customer experience but also ensure your barbershop is generating revenue in multiple ways. For the cost of a few simple investments, you could add over $20,000 annually to your bottom line.